Graphite

Graphite is an AI-enabled SEO agency based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The agency specializes in topical SEO, answer engine optimization (AEO), programmatic SEO, content strategy, and growth design. It combines human expertise with AI and machine learning to identify high-impact SEO activities, focusing on the top 5% of efforts that drive results. Graphite serves hyper-growth companies seeking to scale their organic search programs. The agency has worked with notable clients including MasterClass, Notion, BetterUp, and Webflow, helping them build and expand SEO initiatives. In 2024, Graphite transitioned from a premium boutique agency model—initially starting around 2020—to launching the Graphite Platform, a self-service SaaS product for topical SEO. This platform makes advanced SEO tools accessible to organizations of all sizes, powered by technology previously used exclusively for agency clients. Graphite differentiates through its emphasis on topical SEO, integrating decades of experience with rigorous analysis and AI-driven insights. Co-founded by Ethan Smith and Marcos Ciarrocchi, the agency positions itself at the intersection of traditional SEO and emerging AI capabilities, enabling faster execution of high-velocity SEO work. No specific public awards or recognitions are noted in available sources.