Search engine optimization is an integral part of your marketing strategy. The right SEO will help expose your brand to more people, improve your conversion rates, and generate more leads.
However, getting started can be quite a tedious process for those who aren’t quite sure where to get started. Even if you have an existing strategy or are trying to improve your results, it can be challenging to determine what’s working, what needs improving, etc.
This is why thousands of brands turn to the services of an SEO agency or consultant. An agency can provide a valuable service by providing a comprehensive analysis of your current SEO, providing recommendations for improvement, and providing the services necessary to implement those changes.
This saves you time and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business while the SEO is being handled. It also gives you a chance to get some expert advice and insights into what’s working and what’s not.
So, what can you expect to pay for SEO services from an agency? The cost of SEO services will vary significantly from business to business and from agency to agency. However, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more for a basic package. However, depending on who you choose to do business with, there are several pricing models that you may be presented with.
What Does it Cost for SEO Work?
If you’ve decided to invest in the help of a professional SEO agency or consultant – congratulations! This is a great way to get the help you need to improve your online presence and search results. One of the first questions you’re likely to have is: “How much does SEO cost?”
This is a fair question, but unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer. Again, many factors go into this pricing, and it will vary by agency/consultant. However, there are three common pricing models that you can expect to encounter:
Hourly
One common pricing model that you may encounter is a traditional hourly rate. This model is often used when working with consultants/freelance SEO professionals.
In an hourly pricing model, you will pay a set amount of money for each hour that the consultant is working on your project. It’s important to note that the amount of time it takes to complete a project varies depending on the complexity of the work needing to be done and the experience of the individual/agency working on the project.
If this is the model presented to you, you can expect to pay anywhere between $35 and $200 per hour.
By Project
Another standard pricing model you’ll see from both SEO agencies and consultants/freelancers is a by-project pricing model.
In a by-project model, you pay a fixed price for each project that’s delivered to your account. This model is often preferred when working with an agency because it provides a clear contract that can be referenced throughout the process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
If this is the model that is most appealing to you, then you can expect to pay anywhere between $5000 to well over $30,000 – again, this is dependent on the agency and the complexity of the work being done.
Monthly
Finally, you may also encounter a monthly pricing model. In a monthly pricing model, you agree to pay a set amount of money every month for the services provided to your business.
This model is often preferred by SEO agencies that are providing a long-term service or package to a customer. This is because it gives a clear expectation for both parties on a monthly basis. It also allows the agency to plan and budget in advance, knowing exactly how much work needs to be done to meet the agreed monthly goals. This also allows the agency to provide you with consistent and reliable service without the risk of over-spending or under-delivering.
Surprisingly enough, most people believe this to be the most expensive option for hiring an agency to perform SEO services for their business. However, the monthly pricing model is one of the most affordable options. This is because it allows the agency to scale their services as needed, which will enable them to continue providing you with a high-quality service at an affordable cost.
Depending on the contract agreed upon between the agency and the client, the monthly SEO package can range between $500 to $5,000 per month, with the average typically falling between $750 and $2000.