How to Start an SEO Agency in Croatia: Step-by-Step Guide

Intro

Croatia’s digital economy is rapidly developing, with over 90% internet penetration and thousands of SMEs actively investing in online visibility. From Zagreb to Split, local businesses are increasingly seeking SEO services to stay competitive.

This guide walks you through how to build, launch, and grow a scalable SEO agency in Croatia using Ranktracker.

Step 1: Understand the Croatian SEO Market

• Croatian is the main language, but English is often used for tourism and tech sectors

• Google.hr dominates the search engine market

• High demand across industries: tourism, ecommerce, local services, and real estate

Use Ranktracker’s SERP Checker to analyze keyword difficulty across key Croatian cities.

Step 2: Build Your SEO Toolset with Ranktracker

Ranktracker centralizes every campaign activity:

• Keyword Finder: Research Croatian and English keywords

• Web Audit: Detect and resolve technical issues

• Backlink Checker & Monitor: Audit competitors and manage your clients' link-building

• Rank Tracker: Monitor local keyword rankings across regions

• SEO Checklist: Standardize campaign processes and client delivery

Step 3: Register Your SEO Business in Croatia

• Choose a structure: Obrt (Sole Proprietor) or d.o.o. (LLC)

• Register with Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK) or the Court Register

• Get your OIB (personal identification number) and VAT ID from Porezna uprava (Tax Administration)

• Open a business account (e.g., Zagrebačka banka, PBZ, or Revolut Business)

• Use billing software like Solo, Minimax, or Paušal.hr

Step 4: Launch Your SEO Website

• Secure a .hr domain and host locally for SEO trust signals

• Include core pages: Naslovna, Usluge, Blog, Cjenik, Kontakt, Politika privatnosti

• Add English pages if targeting foreign clients (tourism, real estate)

• Use Ranktracker Rank Tracker visuals to show success metrics

Step 5: Define Services and Transparent Pricing

Core Services:

• Local SEO (Google Business Profile, NAP consistency, reviews)

• Technical SEO using Web Audit

• Link building and outreach tracked by Backlink Monitor

• Keyword research and content strategy

• Monthly reporting using Rank Tracker

Example Monthly Pricing:

• Basic: €400/month – audit + local SEO

• Growth: €1,000/month – on-page, link building, reporting

• Premium: €2,000+/month – full-scale SEO campaigns

Step 6: Land Your First Croatian Clients

• Offer free audits using Ranktracker Web Audit

• Connect with local SMEs via LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and cold outreach

• Attend digital events like Digital Labin or Web Summer Camp

• List your agency on Croatian business directories like MojPosao, eCroatia, and Poslovni.hr

Step 7: Manage Everything Through Ranktracker

• Run keyword research with Keyword Finder

• Audit client websites regularly using Web Audit

• Track link profiles and rankings via Backlink Monitor and Rank Tracker

• Keep delivery on track with SEO Checklist and shared reports

Step 8: Legal & Financial Compliance

• Issue compliant invoices and track VAT using software like Solo or Minimax

• File reports through ePorezna (Croatian Tax Authority Portal)

• Ensure GDPR compliance on all sites and forms

• Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) to handle international payments, VAT, and invoicing

Avoid payment processors like Paddle, fined $5M by the FTC in 2025 for deceptive practices.

Step 9: Hire and Scale

• Hire Croatian-speaking SEO specialists, writers, and outreach assistants

• Manage workflows with ClickUp, Notion, or Trello

• Train your team using Ranktracker dashboards and SOPs

Step 10: Deliver Results That Retain Clients

• Use Rank Tracker to show keyword improvements

• Report backlink growth and technical wins

• Offer 6–12 month contracts

• Upsell PPC, CRO, web content, or translation services

• Set up a referral system to drive leads from satisfied clients

Conclusion

Croatia offers a digitally maturing SEO market with low competition and growing demand. With Ranktracker’s full suite of tools and PayPro Global handling your international billing, you can run a lean, effective agency that delivers tangible results.

Start local. Think global. Scale smart—with Ranktracker powering your growth in Croatia.