How much does SEO cost for your small business

It’s no secret that SEO is crucial for small businesses. But how much does SEO cost, and how can you get the best SEO pricing for your business?

This blog post will explain exactly what goes into SEO pricing and what you can expect to pay. We’ll also share tips on getting the best deals on SEO services. So read on for all you need to know about SEO pricing.

Table of Content

What Is SEO?
Types of SEO Services
Do You Need SEO?
Different SEO Pricing Model
SEO Cost By Business Size
SEO Pricing Factors
What to Look for When Searching for Best SEO Pricing
SEO Pricing Cheatsheet to Get Value for Your Money
How Much Should You Budget for SEO?
What Is the ROI of SEO?
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Let’s dive in:

What Is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization, or “SEO” for short, is the practice of improving the ranking of a website on Google, Bing, and other search engines. The higher a website is ranked, the more likely people are to find it when they perform a search.

Here are three, main types of SEO:

Technical SEO

Technical SEO is about improving a website’s technical aspects and their impacts on search engine visibility, such as site speed, indexability, and crawlability.

In other words, it’s all about ensuring your website is set up in a way that makes it easy for search engines to find and understand. And trust me, if you want to rank well in today’s competitive landscape, you can’t afford to neglect technical SEO audit.

On-Page SEO

On-page SEO, sometimes referred to as on-site SEO, mainly includes optimizing content for search engines.This includes things like optimizing your title tags and meta descriptions, as well as making sure that your website’s content is keyword-rich and user-friendly.

Making on-page SEO mistakes has serious implications on your website’s visibility on search engine results.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO is anything you do to promote your website, which doesn’t involve adding or changing content on your site. Off-page SEO includes things like link building, social media marketing, and directory submissions.

Types of SEO Services

Knowing the types of SEO services out there will help you understand which type of SEO service you require. Doing so will determine the cost of SEO for your business. This is because SEO cost largely depends on the type of SEO service you hire.

Look at the following SEO service types:

Local SEO

Local SEO refers to optimizing your website and online presence to rank higher in search results for people in your local area. Local SEO practices include but are not limited to adding your location to your website and ensuring your NAP (name, address, and phone number) is up-to-date and consistent across the web.

Local SEO pricing starts from $149 per month.

National SEO

National SEO is a specific type of SEO focused on helping a website rank for searches conducted across the country. National SEO strategies include but are not limited to optimizing the website for keywords that are popular nationwide, as well as working on building links from high-authority websites that are based in different states.

National SEO can be a great way to expand the reach of your website and attract more visitors from all corners of the country.

National SEO pricing can start from $225 per month.

International SEO

International SEO means optimizing a website for users in multiple countries. This can involve tailoring the site content, structure, and code to account for language, culture, and search engine behavior differences, and much more.

It can also include setting up separate site versions for different regions. International SEO is a complex process, but it can hugely benefit businesses that want to reach a global audience.

For international SEO, a SEO package can start from $5000 per month.

E-commerce SEO

E-commerce SEO is the process of optimizing your online store for search engines. It ensures your site is easy to find and navigate, loading quickly, and relevant to what people are searching for. Optimizing your E-commerce site for SEO can increase your visibility in search results, leading to more traffic and sales.

An E-commerce package can start from $599 per month.

Do You Need SEO?

If you want people to find your website, you need to ensure it’s appropriately optimized for search engines. That’s where SEO comes in. It makes your site more visible and relevant to search engines. There are several SEO benefits, including:

1. Higher Ranking in Search Results

This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of SEO. If your site is optimized correctly, it will appear higher in search results, which means more people are likely to see it.

2. Increased traffic

Higher rankings will lead to increased traffic, as more people click on your website in the search results. This can lead to more sales and customers for your business.

3. Improved Brand Awareness

As more people see your site in the search results, your brand will become more recognizable and trusted. This helps you create a loyal customer base and stay ahead of your competitors.

SEO is essential to any online marketing strategy, so if you’re not doing it already, now is the time to start.

Different SEO Pricing Models

When it comes to SEO packages, there are different SEO pricing models out there.

Hourly Rates

In the simplest terms, hourly rates SEO pricing means that you pay your agency for each hour it spends working on your SEO campaign. This usually includes consultation hours, keyword research, content creation, link building, and other tasks necessary to improve your website’s ranking in search engines.

While this pricing model can benefit small businesses or those with a limited budget, it can also be risky. If your agency is not efficient or effective, you could end up paying more than you would with a monthly retainer.

In addition, if your campaign is unsuccessful, you will have less money to invest in other marketing activities.

As with any marketing decision, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of hourly rates SEO pricing before making a commitment.

SEO hourly packages often start from $20 per hour.

Project-Based SEO Pricing

The Project-Based SEO Pricing model is a model where the SEO agency bills the client based on the scope, duration, and deliverables of a specific project.

This pricing model is typically used for one-time or short-term projects, such as website audits, link-building campaigns, or content marketing initiatives.

In general, project-based pricing models are more flexible than retainers, allowing both parties to control costs better. Moreover, this pricing model provides a clear and concise way to measure the results of an SEO campaign.

For these reasons, the Project-Based SEO Pricing model is becoming increasingly popular among small businesses and startups that want to hire an SEO agency.

You can expect to pay $250 (starting SEO price) for a project based SEO package.

Fixed Price Contracts

The SEO Fixed Price Contracts pricing model is a type of agreement between an SEO service provider and a client in which the price is agreed upon upfront and does not fluctuate, regardless of the results achieved.

This pricing arrangement is often used when the scope of work to be performed is well defined, and both parties are confident in the agreed-upon price.

One advantage of this pricing model is that it provides certainty for both the client and the service provider. The client knows exactly how much they will need to budget for the project, and the service provider can confidently estimate their profits.

However, one disadvantage of this model is that it can incentivize the service provider to cut corners to achieve the desired results within the agreed-upon budget.

So it is essential to only work with a reputable and trustworthy SEO firm when utilizing this Pricing model.

Fixed price SEO contracts can start from $850.

Monthly Retainer Fees

The SEO Monthly Retainer Fees pricing model is a great way to start with SEO. You pay a monthly fee, and in return, you get ongoing SEO support. This can include keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and more.

The main benefit of this pricing model is that it gives you the freedom to focus on other aspects of your business, knowing that your SEO is being taken care of. It’s also great to start SEO without making a significant upfront investment.

The downside of the SEO Monthly Retainer Fees pricing model is that it can be challenging to predict how much work will be required each month. This can make budgeting tricky, and you may find yourself paying for services that you don’t end up using.

As always, it’s essential to do your research and talk to an experienced SEO company before committing to any pricing model.

For your small business, you can expect to pay $225 per month (starting SEO Cost).

SEO Cost By Business Size

Here is how much SEO costs according to business size:

Small Business SEO Cost

Generally speaking, small business owners can expect to shell out between $225 and $3000 per month on SEO. However, this is just a general range of small business SEO cost, and the actual cost will vary based on the specific needs of your business. If you’re considering investing in SEO for your small business, contact a reputable agency for a free consultation to see how much it would cost to implement a successful campaign.

Enterprise SEO Cost

The cost of Enterprise SEO can vary depending on the size and scope of your project. However, a typical enterprise SEO project can range from $5,000 to $20,000 per month. This includes on-page and off-page optimization, content marketing, and link building. Of course, the final cost will also depend on the experience and expertise of the agency you hire.

SEO Pricing Factors

The following are key SEO pricing factors, which will impact on the final SEO cost to your business.

Industry

The industry you’re in affects the cost of SEO services. Highly competitive industries such as legal, financial, and healthcare typically have higher SEO costs than less competitive industries such as retail or food and beverage.

So if you’re trying to determine how much you should budget for SEO, consider the type of industry you’re in. Doing so will give you a better idea of what to expect regarding cost.

Geographic Location

Depending on where your business is located, the cost of SEO can vary widely.

For example, companies in large cities tend to pay more for SEO than businesses in smaller towns. This is because there is greater competition for search engine real estate in large cities. As a result, companies need to invest more to stand out from the crowd.

Similarly, businesses in rural areas may not need to spend as much on SEO due to the lack of competition.

SEO Goals

SEO goals help to determine SEO costs because they set the parameters for what needs to be accomplished.

For example, if the goal is to increase traffic from organic search by 10%, that will require a different plan and budget than if the goal is to increase conversion rates by 5%.

The SEO cost will also be affected by the difficulty of the goals. If the SEO goals plans are easy to achieve, the SEO cost will be lower. However, if the goals are more complicated, then the SEO cost will be higher.

The Type of SEO Package You Need

SEO cost can vary widely, depending on the type of package you need.

Starting with SEO, you may only need a basic package that includes keyword research and on-page optimization.

More established businesses, however, may need a more comprehensive package that includes link building and content marketing.

If you have a large budget and are serious about growing your online presence, you’ll need to invest in a more comprehensive SEO package.

SEO Aggressiveness

Just like anything else in the business world, your SEO budget will largely depend on how aggressive you want to be. If you’re just getting started and trying to rank for a few basic keywords, you won’t need to spend nearly as much as someone trying to rank for highly competitive keywords.

Existing Optimization Level

The current optimization level of your website affects SEO pricing.

If your site is already reasonably well-optimized, it will generally cost less to achieve good results than if your site is starting from scratch. This is because an SEO company will need less work to improve your ranking.

Of course, the degree of competition in your industry also influences pricing.

SEO Pricing Model

The cost of SEO services largely depends on the SEO pricing model you choose. Hourly billing is often the most affordable option for small projects or one-time tasks.

However, estimating how many hours will be required in advance can be challenging, which can lead to unexpected costs. Monthly billing is a more predictable option and offers value for money in the long run.

Fixed-price contracts are typically used for larger projects and provide a set price for the entire project. This can be helpful in budgeting for an SEO project, but it can also limit flexibility if changes need to be made during the project.

Project-based pricing is often used for complex SEO projects and provides a customized quote based on the scope and objectives of the project.

What to Look for When Searching for Best SEO Pricing

Here are a few tips that can help you get the best deal when you’re searching for an SEO package:

1. Get SEO Pricing Quotes from Five Companies

When you’re ready to hire an SEO company, it’s important to get pricing quotes from a few different companies. This will help you to compare rates and services, and find the right fit for your needs.

2. Compare their SEO Plans

One way to narrow down your options is to compare their SEO plans. What services do they include? How much do they cost? What is the minimum contract length? Once you understand what each company has to offer, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

3. Look for Customizable SEO Packages

Any good SEO company should offer a range of customizable packages to suit the needs of different businesses.

One size does not fit all when it comes to SEO, and a good company will take the time to understand your specific needs before putting together a package that is right for you.

For example, a small local business will have different SEO needs than a large corporation.

By working with an SEO company that offers customizable packages, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible service for your needs.

4. Check Reviews and Testimonials

When you’re going to hire an SEO company, it’s essential to do your research and read reviews and testimonials from past clients. Doing so can help know what the company is capable of and whether or not they’re likely to deliver what it promises.

It’s also an excellent way to understand the company’s customer service and support. Checking reviews and testimonials can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, so it’s worth doing before making a decision.

5. Don’t Decide Solely Based On Pricing

It’s no secret that SEO can be expensive. After all, it takes a lot of time and effort to produce quality content, build links, and improve website architecture.

As a result, many businesses assume that the best way to save money is to hire the cheapest SEO company they can find. However, this approach can often backfire.

Inexperienced SEOs may use black hat techniques that can get your site penalized, while others don’t have the skills necessary to achieve long-term results.

So instead of choosing an SEO company based solely on price, it’s essential to look for one with a proven track record of success.

SEO Pricing Cheatsheet to Get Value for Your Money

You want to get the most bang for your buck regarding SEO services. But how do you know if you’re being overcharged? Use this cheat sheet to ensure you’re getting value for your money.

The Size of Your Business

The money you pay for SEO should be relative to the size of your company. Are you a small business with a limited budget? Or are you a large enterprise with deep pockets?

The Scope of the Project

Are you looking for someone just to do on-page optimization, or do you need a full-scale SEO campaign? The more complex the project, the higher the price will be.

Paying for SEO can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when results aren’t guaranteed. You may wonder how much you should spend and what kind of return on investment you can expect. Here’s a quick pricing guide to help you make the most of your SEO budget.

Paying for SEO can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when results aren’t guaranteed. You may wonder how much you should spend and what kind of return on investment you can expect.

Here’s a quick pricing guide to help you make the most of your SEO budget.

Entry level: If you’re starting with SEO, you’ll want to focus on the basics. This means optimizing your website for the major search engines, building quality backlinks, and developing a strong keyword strategy. You can expect to pay $225-$450 per month for these services.

Medium level: Once you’ve progressed with your SEO campaign, you may want to consider more advanced tactics. This might include social media marketing, paid advertising, conversion optimization, and local SEO. Prices for these services range from $450-$5000 per month.

Enterprise level: If you’re a large company with a complex website, you’ll need an enterprise-level SEO campaign. This will involve all the tactics mentioned above, custom research and analysis, ongoing monitoring and reporting, and regular strategy adjustments. Enterprise SEO campaigns can cost $5000-$20000 per month.

With so many agencies out there, finding one that fits your needs and budget is crucial.

No matter what SEO level you’re aiming for, be sure to shop around and get quotes from multiple providers before making a decision. And don’t forget to ask about results – that matters in the end.

The Level of Experience of the Agency or Freelancer You’re Working with

In general, more experienced providers will charge more than those who are just starting. But that doesn’t mean you should always go with the most expensive option – sometimes it’s worth paying a bit less for someone who knows what they’re doing and can get great results.

Scope of Negotiation

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you feel like an agency is trying to charge too much, see if they’re willing to budge on price. It never hurts to ask!

How Much Should You Budget for SEO?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount you should budget for SEO will vary depending on your website’s size, industry, and competition.

However, a good rule of thumb is allocating around 10-15% of your marketing budget to SEO.

For example, if your marketing budget is $10,000 per month, you can expect to spend $1000 to $15000 per month on SEO to have measurable results.

This will ensure that your website receives the necessary attention and optimization to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

What is the ROI of SEO?

SEO’s return on investment (ROI) can be challenging to measure accurately because it is a long-term strategy that often delivers results over months or years.

However, many businesses report that SEO provides a good return on investment (ROI) compared to other digital marketing strategies such as paid search, social media, and email marketing.

In fact, SEO offers an average ROI of 748%.

One reason for good SEO ROI is that SEO is an organic strategy that helps improve a website’s visibility in search engines, and this increased visibility can lead to more traffic and more customers.

In addition, SEO also helps improve a website’s credibility among customers, which can lead to increased sales and conversions.

The ROI of SEO can be measured in different ways, but the most common way to measure it is through the number of leads and sales generated through organic search.

For example, if you invest $1,000 in SEO and generate an additional ten leads per month. As a result, your ROI would be 10% ($1,000 / 10 leads).

There are other factors to consider, such as how much it costs to acquire a lead through different channels (like paid search or outbound marketing) and how much revenue those leads generate.

View this video to learn more about the ROI of SEO

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to use SEO?

Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $5,000 per month for basic SEO services. Some companies charge a flat monthly rate for their services, while others charge by the hour.

The cost of SEO depends on many factors, such as your industry’s competitiveness, your website’s size and complexity, and the amount of work required to achieve desired results.

Does Google SEO cost money?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on various factors, including what kind of SEO services you are looking for and how competitive your industry is. But, in general, good quality Google SEO services will likely cost money.

This is because effective SEO takes time and effort to implement properly, and ranking a website high in search engine results pages (SERPs) can be challenging without some investment.

Why Is SEO Important to a Business?

Businesses need to be found online so they can get more customers. SEO is one way to make your business easier to find online. Good SEO tactics will help your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it more likely that potential customers will click through to your site.

And the higher you rank, the more traffic you’ll get from people looking for what you offer. So, SEO is important to a business.

Conclusion

Regardless of your SEO budget, there are many things to look for when searching for an SEO provider. SEO cost can vary depending on the size of your business, the services you need, and other factors.

By considering these factors and taking the time to find the best fit for your business, you can ensure that you’re making a wise investment in your website’s future.

We, at Ranking By SEO, offer customizable (yet competitive) SEO packages to our clients. Contact us today to know more about SEO cost and how we can help you grow your business.

Additional Resources:

How Much Does SEO Cost (And How to Get Best SEO Pricing for Your Business)