Optimising, a Melbourne-based independent SEO agency has achieved B Corporation status.
A business with B Corporation status has undergone an analysis of the company’s entire social and environmental impact.
The agency underwent required a rigorous two-year process to meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
To meet the required scope, organisations need to demonstrate how they are making a difference, showing hard evidence and a business strategy that reflects a commitment to balancing profit and purpose.
The B Corp assessment involves measuring an organisation’s business model and performance across governance, employees, customer, community, and the environment.
Optimising Co-Founder, James Richardson, said, “We’ve always strived to make a positive impact as a company. Since our inception, we’ve made an effort to be environmentally conscious, transparent and customer-centric. We had been continually inspired by the B Corp movement, so becoming certified seemed like the next logical step.
“Our mission is now clear to our team and our clients – becoming a B Corp means we are solidifying our commitment to do better. Championing ethical practices, striving to make a difference and putting our purpose before profit has attracted like-minded employees and clients. We now have a team who are excited to grow and evolve and are working on projects they feel proud of.
“We’re hoping to inspire other businesses in the digital space to follow our lead and use their profits to address major social and environmental issues in Australia, and that being a B Corp will build a new level of trust with our clients and make us a top choice for potential employees.”
The Optimising team worked closely with global not-for-profit organisation B Lab for several months to evaluate its business model and make the necessary changes.
The agency was required to update its operations and governance measures, particularly around transparency, and formalise its new processes and policies before sharing them with employees.
Optimising also expanded its environmental efforts, joining global organisation 1% For the Planet, whose members commit to contributing at least one per cent of their annual profits to environmental causes.