Have you ever wondered, “How much does SEO cost?” or “What factors determine SEO pricing?” If so, you’re not alone. With more and more customers using search engines to find answers to their questions, it’s no surprise that there’s a growing demand for SEO services. But how much should you expect to pay for these services? And how does the price affect the quality of the service you receive?

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of SEO costs, what factors determine its cost, and how much local SEO costs compared to the cost of national SEO. By the end of this guide, you’ll better understand what to expect regarding SEO services pricing.

seo pricing

What is SEO?

Before we dive into the cost of SEO, let’s first define what SEO is. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which refers to improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

SEO is a multifaceted process that includes several different components, including:

  • Keyword research: Finding the right keywords to target in your content to attract your ideal audience
  • On-page SEO: Optimizing the content on your website to make it more search-engine friendly
  • Off-page SEO: Building backlinks to your website from other reputable sites
  • Technical SEO: Ensuring that your website is structured in a way that search engines can easily crawl and index it

SEO package pricing will depend on various factors, such as the size of your website, your industry, the level of competition in your market, and the specific SEO services you require.

Why is SEO Important?

According to HubSpot, 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results, and 93% of all online experiences start with a search engine. So it’s clear that SEO can significantly impact the traffic and visibility of a website, but when choosing SEO pricing plans,  it’s important to research and carefully consider your specific needs and budget.

SEO is also a more cost-effective strategy than paid search, especially over the long term. While paid search can yield results quickly, it requires a continual investment of funds. Conversely, SEO may take longer to produce results, but, once achieved, those results can be long-lasting. Therefore, SEO is a more sustainable strategy for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence.

How Much Does SEO Cost?

The cost can vary significantly depending on the scope of work and the expertise needed. According to WebFX, the SEO pricing in 2023 ranges from $750 to $2,000 per month. However, it’s important to note that no two SEO agencies or consultants deliver the same service for the same price.

There are three main pricing models for SEO: hourly, project-based, and monthly.

  • Hourly rates typically range from $80 to $200 per hour.
  • Monthly pricing typically ranges from $750 to $2,000.
  • Project-based pricing can range from $5,000 to $30,000.

Hourly pricing is usually reserved for smaller, one-time projects or consulting services. Project-based pricing is used for larger projects or ongoing services, while monthly SEO services pricing is mainly designed to be continuous and long-term.

While hourly and project-based pricing may seem like a more affordable option, it’s important to remember that the quality of the work may be compromised if the provider is more focused on delivering work quickly rather than ensuring it’s done right. In addition to the pricing model, each project’s specific factors that impact SEO costs are unique.

What Factors Determine SEO Agency Pricing?

If you’re interested in hiring an SEO agency, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much you should expect to pay. While it would be nice to have a straightforward answer, the truth is that the pricing can vary greatly depending on various factors. Here are some of the main things determining how much you can expect to pay for SEO services:

  • Level of Expertise

One of the most significant factors in determining the cost is the track record of the agency or consultant. Therefore, when evaluating SEO pricing packages, it’s important to consider the specific services included, the level of expertise and experience of the provider, and the expected results and timeline.

  • Size of Website

The size of your website will also have an impact on the pricing. Larger websites typically require more work to optimize than smaller ones. It is because there are more pages to work on and more content to optimize. As a result, you can expect to pay more for SEO services if you have a larger website.

  • Quantity of Content

Another factor that can impact SEO service pricing is the quantity of content on your website. If your website has a large amount of content, it will take more time and effort to optimize it for search engines. As a result, you can expect to pay more for SEO services if you have a lot of content on your website.

  • SEO Campaign Timeline

The timeline of your SEO campaign can also impact pricing. If you need to see results quickly, you may need to pay more for expedited services. However, remember that SEO is a long-term strategy, and it may take several months to see significant results.

  • SEO Campaign Goals

SEO packages pricing also depends on your SEO goals. For example, if you’re looking for basic optimization, you’ll likely pay less than if you’re looking for a comprehensive campaign that includes content creation, link building, and other advanced strategies.

  • Tools, Software, and Resources Needed

Finally, the tools, software, and resources needed to optimize your website can also impact pricing. For example, if you need a paid tool or software to conduct keyword research or monitor your website’s performance, you may need to pay extra for these services.

SEO agency pricing can vary greatly depending on this variety of factors. It’s important to choose an agency that can deliver the results you’re looking for, but you should also be aware of what you’re paying for. By considering these factors, you can better understand what you can expect to pay for SEO services and make an informed decision.

seo pricing

Local SEO Costs: How Much Should You Pay?

When it comes to local SEO, the costs can vary greatly depending on the type of services you require. Typically, three types of local SEO services are available: automated local SEO, small-scale local SEO campaigns, and comprehensive local SEO. Each of these services comes with different local SEO pricing.

Automated Local SEO

It is the most basic level of local SEO service available. It typically involves minimal input from a human being and is often provided through software. This type of service is best suited for small businesses with a limited budget or those just starting. Automated local SEO services are often priced at around $130 to $500 annually.

Small-Scale Local SEO Campaigns

Small-scale local SEO campaigns are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with little more money to spend on their online marketing efforts. These campaigns typically involve some human input and use a combination of software and manual work to optimize a website for local search. Small-scale local SEO services pricing ranges from  $400 to $900 monthly.

Comprehensive Local SEO Services

It is the most expensive type of local SEO service available. These services are best suited for medium to large-sized businesses that want to dominate their local market. Comprehensive local SEO campaigns are often tailored to the specific needs of a business and typically involve a team of SEO professionals working together to optimize a website for local search. The cost of comprehensive local SEO services can range from $900 to $2,000 per month.

Balancing Your Options

It’s worth noting that the figures provided here are general guidelines and that local SEO company pricing can vary greatly depending on the agency or provider you choose.

When choosing a local SEO service provider, it’s essential to consider the quality of the service you’ll receive and the cost. The cheapest option is not always the best option. Ensure you choose an agency with a good reputation and experience working with businesses like yours.

Local SEO can be an excellent investment for businesses that want to improve their online visibility in their local market. However, local SEO package pricing can vary widely, depending on the type of service you require.

As shown above, Automated local SEO services are the most affordable, while comprehensive local SEO campaigns are the most expensive. Small-scale local SEO campaigns offer a balance between cost and effectiveness. Whatever your budget, it’s essential to work with an experienced local SEO agency to deliver the desired results.

Inhouse SEO vs. SEO Agency: Which is Better?

There are pros and cons to both if you’re trying to decide between in-house SEO or outsourcing to an SEO agency. It’s important to consider your business’s specific needs and goals when choosing between in-house SEO and SEO agency pricing.

Inhouse SEO Pros:

  • In-house SEO team members deeply understand your company, its culture, and its goals.
  • They can work closely with other teams to coordinate marketing efforts, content creation, and website development.
  • They can be more accessible and may be able to respond quickly to changes in the market or industry.

Inhouse SEO Cons:

  • Hiring and training a team can be expensive and time-consuming.
  • Your team may have limited experience or knowledge in all aspects of SEO.
  • Inhouse SEO teams may not have access to the latest tools and technologies that agencies can offer.
  • There may be limitations in the scope of work that an in-house team can handle.

SEO Agency Pros:

  • While SEO services pricing is a lot more upfront, they can be worth the investment in the long term as they have a team of experts with a broad range of experience and knowledge.
  • Agencies stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in SEO.
  • Agencies have a wealth of tools and resources to help them deliver high-quality SEO services.
  • They can work with various clients, giving them a wide range of experience and expertise.

SEO Agency Cons:

  • SEO agencies may not have a deep understanding of your company, culture, and goals.
  • They may not be as accessible as an in-house team, and communication can sometimes be an issue.
  • The SEO agency pricing can sometimes be prohibitive, depending on your company’s size and budget.
  • They may not be as invested in your company’s success as an in-house team.

Choosing between in-house SEO and an SEO agency can be difficult, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

If you have the budget and resources to hire a team and want full control over your SEO campaigns, then in-house SEO might be your best option. On the other hand, if you’re worried about SEO plans and pricing, a cost-effective solution might be to go with a team of experts to help you achieve your SEO goals.

Ultimately, the key to SEO success is having a team with the right skills and knowledge to create and execute a successful campaign. Whether you choose to go with an in-house team or an SEO agency, make sure you take the time to find the right partners who can help you achieve your goals – at the right price.

seo pricing

Hire a Trusted Local SEO Agency

At Clicta Digital, we’re a professional and experienced SEO agency that can help you take your business to the next level. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a tailored SEO strategy that fits your business needs and budget with cost-effective SEO pricing. In addition, we use the latest tools and techniques to ensure your website ranks high on search engine result pages and drives more traffic to your site.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to help you manage your SEO campaigns, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed with SEO.