Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a crucial investment for businesses aiming to improve their online visibility. This guide focuses on SEO pricing and SEO marketing costs, helping you understand how much SEO should cost and what factors influence SEO services pricing, for a range of business types including an ecommerce and local SEO guide.
Should your Business be Investing in SEO Services
In today’s digital space, investing in SEO services has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive online. The question isn’t whether your business should invest in SEO, but rather how much you should be allocating to this needed marketing strategy. SEO offers a unique advantage: it helps your business appear in front of potential customers exactly when they’re searching for products or services like yours. Unlike paid advertising, which stops generating traffic the moment you stop paying, SEO can provide long-term benefits, continually driving organic traffic to your website. Many businesses wonder, “How much is SEO per month?” – we’ll address this question in detail. Understanding SEO package prices and SEO services costs is crucial for making an informed decision.
What to Consider When Looking at SEO Pricing
The decision to invest in SEO services should be based on your specific business goals and resources. If you’re a local business looking to attract nearby customers, even a modest investment in local SEO can yield significant returns. For e-commerce sites or businesses competing on a national or global scale, a more substantial SEO investment is often necessary to stand out in crowded markets. Consider your current online visibility, your competition’s SEO efforts, and your growth targets when deciding on your SEO investment. Remember, while SEO requires an upfront investment and ongoing commitment, the potential for increased visibility, credibility, and sustainable organic traffic makes it a worthwhile consideration for most businesses in the digital age. When evaluating SEO packages and pricing, consider both your immediate needs and long-term goals.
SEO Pricing Models
SEO agencies and professionals typically offer three main pricing models, which has been shown in the table below.
| SEO Pricing Model | SEO pricing | SEO services |
| Monthly retainer | £500 – £10,000 + | Common tasks completed in monthly retainer packages include on-page optimisation, off-page optimisation, technical, content creation, link building |
| Project-based | £1000 – £30,000 + | This package is great for website migrations, seasonal campaigns, etc. Typical tasks involved include site audits, keyword research, on-page optimisation, PR campaigns and link building. |
| Hourly rate | £50-£250 | This is not a typical pricing model, but it may be used for smaller projects, consultations and it can also include tasks like audits and strategy sessions |
How Much Should I Spend on SEO Per Month?
The amount you should spend on SEO per month depends on various factors. Here’s a general SEO cost guide based on business size
- Small businesses / local SEO
- Recommend SEO spend: £500 – £2000
- SEO strategy focus: local search optimisation, on-page SEO
- Medium-sized businesses
- Recommend SEO spend: £2000 – £5000
- SEO strategy focus: keyword targeting, content marketing & link building
- Large business (looking for ecommerce SEO services or B2B SEO services)
- Recommend SEO spend: £5000 – £20,000
- SEO strategy focus: comprehensive SEO strategy, content campaigns, technical SEO, outreach
These figures can help you understand SEO package prices and what to expect at different investment levels. This SEO cost guide also helps you understand typical SEO packages cost for businesses of different sizes.
Factors Affecting SEO Pricing
SEO pricing is influenced by many factors that reflect each business’s unique needs and market position. The size and complexity of a website often drive costs, with larger sites requiring more extensive optimisation work. A website’s current SEO status also plays a crucial role; those starting from scratch or dealing with existing issues may result in higher initial investments.
Market competitiveness also significantly impacts SEO expenses, with industries like finance or law often demanding more intensive efforts, e.g. technical and experienced copywriters. The geographic target of a campaign – whether local, national, or international – can dramatically affect costs.
Some other factors that may impact SEO pricing include content requirements, technical SEO needs, and link-building strategies. The level of reporting and communication desired by a client can add to the price, as can the expertise of the chosen SEO provider. Ultimately, SEO pricing involves balancing the need of these various elements against a business’s specific objectives and resources. Understanding these factors will help you better evaluate SEO agency pricing and determine if it aligns with your budget.
Choosing the Right SEO Package
When selecting an SEO package, it’s crucial to align the services with your business goals. Ensure that the package includes the services most critical to your needs, whether that’s local SEO, content creation, or technical optimisation. While it’s important to compare pricing across multiple providers, don’t simply opt for the cheapest option. Look for transparency in pricing and deliverables and consider the provider’s reputation and track record within your industry.
Balancing SEO Costs and Value
While SEO pricing can vary widely, it’s crucial to view SEO as an investment rather than just a cost. Higher-priced SEO services often deliver better quality work and potentially stronger results, but the most expensive option isn’t always the best fit for every business. When evaluating SEO costs, consider the potential return on investment, the provider’s experience and track record, the comprehensiveness of the services offered, and how well they align your business goals and budget. Remember, the goal is to find the best balance between SEO services cost and the value they provide to your business.
FAQs
How much should SEO cost?
SEO costs vary widely depending on business size and needs, with SEO pricing typically ranging from £500 to £20,000+ per month. Our SEO cost guide suggests that small businesses might spend £500-£2000 monthly, while larger businesses could invest £5000-£20,000 or more for comprehensive SEO services.
How much is SEO per month?
How much is SEO per month depends on factors like business size and goals, with SEO package prices typically starting at £500 for basic local SEO and reaching £10,000+ for extensive campaigns.
Is SEO worth it in 2024?
SEO remains a worthwhile investment in 2024, offering long-term benefits in online visibility and organic traffic growth, with the potential return on investment outweighing the SEO marketing costs for businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive digital space.
How much does SEO cost for a small business?
For small businesses, especially those focusing on local SEO, the recommended SEO spend is typically between £500 to £2000 per month. This SEO packages cost usually covers local search optimisation and basic on-page SEO, providing a solid foundation for small businesses to improve their online presence.
