I know this already but thanks for your answer.
I was more interested in the actual process of doing SEO for a client as an agency.
Which steps do they usually take (not in detail) to get things going?
Its not just so much of a single way process which is followed everytime. This varies according to the client, how was the client obtained and so on.
In regards to the process this would basically be it:
Company gets a lead
Lead is sent to sales team
Sales team warms the lead until lead asks for proposal
In-depth proposal is prepared
Follow up calls/emails and meetings
Closing the deal, signing agreements and so on
Scheduling and preparation, between 5 and 90 days usually, depending on the client's size, requirements and so on.
Once these elements have been prepared, you allocate the tasks based on your schedule to your teams.
Workers follow the tasks, supervisors make sure it all goes well and project manager controls it all.
You will usually get 12+ month contracts, so based on the agreement's lenght then the company will go reporting and analyzing month by month.
Obviously, links are not the only thing offered in these type of deals, you usually include many other elements that will reinforce the marketing campaign. Also, including direct ad campaigns help a lot, specially for those manual reviews.