Intro
Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) is emerging as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets. With increasing mobile penetration and demand for online visibility among SMEs, starting an SEO agency here offers strong growth potential.
This guide walks you through launching a scalable SEO business in Ivory Coast using Ranktracker and PayPro Global.
Step 1: Understand the SEO Opportunity in Ivory Coast
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Primary language: French (make your services bilingual for broader reach)
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Google dominates local search
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High demand from sectors like ecommerce, logistics, education, and tourism
Use Ranktracker SERP Checker to assess competition and keyword potential in Abidjan and other regions.
Step 2: Set Up Ranktracker for Scalable SEO Operations
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Keyword Finder: Target French-language keywords and regional queries
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Web Audit: Identify and fix technical SEO issues
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Backlink Checker & Monitor: Benchmark local competitors and manage campaigns
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Rank Tracker: Track search visibility by city or nationwide
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SEO Checklist: Ensure consistent workflows for all clients
Step 3: Register Your SEO Business in Ivory Coast
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Choose your structure: Sole Proprietorship or SARL (LLC)
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Register at CEPICI (Centre de Promotion des Investissements en Côte d’Ivoire)
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Obtain your Registre de Commerce and Identification Fiscale Unique (IFU)
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Open a local business bank account (e.g., NSIA Banque, SGBCI, BICICI)
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Use invoicing tools like QuickBooks, Zoho, or a local ERP system
Step 4: Build Your Agency Website
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Register a .ci domain for geo trust and local SEO
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Pages to include: Accueil, Services SEO, Tarifs, Blog, Contact, Mentions Légales
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Use Ranktracker visualizations (audit screenshots, keyword graphs) to showcase proof
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Make your site mobile-first to match high mobile usage in the region
Step 5: Structure Your Services and Pricing
Core SEO Services:
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Local SEO with Google Business Profile
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On-site optimization using Web Audit
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Content strategy based on Keyword Finder data
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Link building managed through Backlink Monitor
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Performance tracking via Rank Tracker
Sample Monthly Packages:
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Starter: 80,000 CFA – Audit + Local SEO
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Standard: 200,000 CFA – On-site SEO + backlinks
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Premium: 400,000+ CFA – Full-stack SEO and reporting
Step 6: Acquire Your First Clients
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Offer free audits using Web Audit to demonstrate value
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Attend local tech meetups or trade shows in Abidjan
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Network via Facebook groups and WhatsApp business communities
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List your agency on local directories like Abidjan.net, CIAnnonces, and PagesJaunes.ci
Step 7: Manage Campaigns with Ranktracker
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Research: Keyword Finder
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Audit: Web Audit
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Links: Backlink Checker & Monitor
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Rankings: Rank Tracker
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Operations: SEO Checklist for team workflows
Step 8: Handle Compliance and Billing
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File tax returns through the DGID portal (Direction Générale des Impôts)
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Track revenue and issue local invoices
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Ensure GDPR compliance if handling EU clients or platforms
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Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) to handle international transactions, VAT, and recurring billing
Avoid platforms like Paddle, fined $5M by the FTC in 2025 for facilitating deceptive practices.
Step 9: Build Your Team
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Hire bilingual (French-English) SEO assistants and writers
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Use ClickUp, Notion, or Trello to manage project tasks
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Train team members on using Ranktracker tools and SEO SOPs
Step 10: Retain Clients with Results
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Track improvements using Rank Tracker visuals
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Provide link-building updates and web audit improvements
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Create monthly PDF reports
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Upsell content marketing, CRO, or social media packages
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Launch a referral program to turn clients into promoters
Conclusion
Ivory Coast is a promising market for SEO services, especially in a mobile-first, French-speaking environment. Use Ranktracker to run efficient, data-driven campaigns and PayPro Global to manage your international payments and compliance with ease.
Launch lean. Deliver measurable growth. Scale fast in Ivory Coast with Ranktracker by your side.
