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SEO Pricing: How Much Do SEO Services Cost?
Cary Byrd CEO of CinchLocal
Cary Byrd • Dec 14, 2022
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SEO Pricing: How Much Do SEO Services Cost?


When determining an online marketing budget and searching for a reliable SEO agency, you'll discover that prices can vary drastically. Consequently, it can be difficult to answer the question: How much do SEO services cost?


For those of you new to this, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.


In this post, we will provide information on how SEO is priced; still, if you'd rather talk with a knowledgeable SEO expert and receive a free custom proposal for your roofing business, simply click here for a FREE SEO evaluation!


On average, SEO campaigns typically range between $3,000 – $15,000.

The final price tag depends on:


  • the skill level and demand of the agency
  • the complexity of your desired keywords
  • the number of hours spent delivering each campaign
  • as well as the number of services included within a set package


Wondering why some SEO agencies charge $500 per month, while others can cost up to $10,000? Let's take a look at what might be the driving factors behind this pricing discrepancy.


Making the decision to hire an SEO company is essential for any business, as it helps fill gaps in your knowledge and skill set. The growth of your company can hinge on a successful search engine optimization campaign, making it vital to get this choice correct.


As a result, it can be overwhelming for businesses to comprehend what SEO services they require if there are no internal experts able to assist them in evaluating prospective companies and the complex jargon that comes with SEO.


But more importantly, how do you assess the worth and expenditure of SEO services to make a budget decision?


Search Engine Optimization Service Rates


Here’s an overview of all the search engine optimization service rates and price points:


DIY SEO


  • Cost: Free!
  • Who is it for? Solopreneurs
  • Pros: Not only is this incredibly cost-efficient, but you'll also gain valuable technical skills throughout the process!
  • Cons: Mastering SEO is a long, arduous process requiring dedication and commitment.


Cheap SEO


  • Cost: $500 to $3,000 per month.
  • Who is it for? Small businesses
  • Pros: Budget-friendly service helps you get started with basic content marketing, link-building, and SEO recommendations
  • Cons: Agencies providing bargain deals may lack the skills and take dangerous shortcuts (see below).


Mid-Range SEO


  • Cost: $3,000 to $15,000 per month
  • Who is it for? Established businesses
  • Pros: A trustworthy service with additional features, including content and website evaluations.
  • Cons: It’s still important to ensure the agency delivers value and a good return on your investment


High-End SEO


  • Cost: $15,000-$30,000 per month
  • Who is it for? Websites with large volumes of traffic
  • Pros: Expert SEO agencies can swiftly eliminate any tech-related issues and assist you in niche marketing strategies.
  • Cons: With a small selection of agencies that possess the necessary expertise, the search for an appropriate partner may be difficult.


Enterprise SEO


  • Cost: $30,000-1 Million + per month
  • Who is it for? Large companies with extensive content and high web volumes
  • Pros: Agencies possess the capability to manage extensive amounts of content, evaluate and adjust technical optimization on the website, as well as meet all SEO requirements.
  • Cons: Having an assigned contact or two inside your team is essential for successful communication. Otherwise, DIY communication can become very difficult and frustrating.


As a solopreneur, you may decide to take on SEO yourself. While that could possibly work, it requires an immense amount of time and effort from your end. Keyword research and content creation can be easily self-taught with ample online resources available for the same; however, more intricate aspects such as analytics, link building, and site architecture optimization may pose a challenge.


It's a no-brainer: if you have some money to spare in your marketing budget, invest in professional SEO. DIY SEO is only suitable for businesses that are really pinching pennies and that truly understand SEO. If you're not comfortable with DIY SEO it's not worth the risk of harming your site and prolonging your results.


Cheap SEO


As tempting as it may be for smaller businesses to opt for the cheapest available deal, one must exercise caution. "Cheap SEO" often promises more than can realistically be delivered and therefore should not be taken at face value. SEO is a process requiring abundant effort and time; if an agency offers rock-bottom rates, they are likely compromising on quality. Generally speaking, prices associated with so-called “cheap SEO” lie somewhere between $200 and $500 each month.


Agencies offering low rates won't put in enough effort to produce top-notch content. Producing blog posts that generate results needs both time and established relationships with reliable external websites. Unfortunately, "budget SEO" agencies usually can't spend the necessary resources or allocate sufficient energy to creating materials that result in growth.


Not only does corner-cutting cost you money, but it could also be detrimental to your website. "Black Hat SEO" tactics are dangerous strategies that seek to increase site rankings via sneaky means such as hidden text, unnatural links, and keyword stuffing.


Google's algorithms have become increasingly advanced and are able to identify when businesses engage in such tactics. The consequence of this can be a severe drop in rankings or complete removal from the search engine, resulting in an immense loss of organic traffic and leads that will negatively impact your business. Cheap SEO can be best summed up with these words: "You get what you pay for".



Mid-Range SEO


So it's safe to say we can conclude that investing in cheap SEO services simply isn't worth the risk. When looking at mid-range prices, you should always carefully evaluate a company's credentials and reputation. On average, hiring an SEO agency for medium-range costs will require spending anywhere between $4,000 to $8,000 monthly or per project.


Mid-level SEO provides a solution for websites that are in need of some optimization such as improving their site architecture and content. This is an excellent option that is a great fit for smaller sites, specifically those with lower levels of competition within the industry.


SEO companies at the higher end of the market offer a comprehensive content marketing strategy that involves regularly producing fresh content, updating existing articles, and implementing digital PR tactics like building backlinks through outreach strategies and amplifying visibility on social media.


Content from an average SEO provider may satisfy your short-term needs, but it won't create content that will stand the test of time. If you can budget for more capable options, you can make sure to tell a bigger story about your enterprise and ensure long-lasting engagement.


High-End SEO


If you have a generous budget and lofty plans, it is beneficial to invest in high-end SEO from one of the premier agencies. These SEO professionals boast the competence and resources necessary to provide comprehensive service all throughout your journey.


For eCommerce sites in competitive markets, this type of SEO is usually used. Moreover, a top-tier agency may have to take care of resolving technical SEO issues and optimizing analytical tools as well as fixing any Google penalty's effect on your site.


Premium content from leading SEO agencies will be tailored to your target market's journey. With educational resources and informative content, you can reduce customer attrition and maximize conversions.


To generate optimal SEO results, you should consider enrolling in a long-term plan tailored to your individual needs. The best providers tend to be reliable and experienced; however, make sure they can fulfill their pledges before you commit.


Enterprise SEO


Enterprise SEO is a completely different challenge. The size of the site and business are both factors, thus this type of SEO requires more responsibility for higher levels of traffic, conversions, and input from stakeholders. This extensive level of work means you can envision spending up to $1 million each month on enterprise SEO arrangements alone!


Employing enterprise SEO necessitates a shift in tactics, not just enlarging standard small business SEO routines. Knowledge and creativity are essential for success in the procedures, thought processes, and overview of enterprise SEO. To ensure continuous growth with your project goals met on time you should opt for an agency that develops a comprehensive approach giving lasting outcomes.


Creating an effective full-funnel marketing strategy requires a comprehensive approach, from developing unique content to establishing high-authority digital PR and paid search campaigns. Additionally, your team will need the expertise of enterprise link building and in-depth site optimization specialists if you are looking to drive organic traffic growth on your website. Collaborate with reliable experts that understand what it takes for success!



Why Is SEO Expensive?


If you're considering whether to use your funds for paid search or SEO, be aware: The more money you put into paid search, the costlier it will become. Plus, there's no guarantee that the investments will pay off. To make up for their shortcomings in organic optimization activities, low-end SEO firms may turn to paying for traffic through SEM (Search Engine Marketing).


Investing in top-notch SEO might not be inexpensive, but for good reason. Considering that you're compensating the professionals for their proficiency and time invested into your endeavor, it's well worth every penny of expense. Now let's examine why SEO costs what it does—and why its value surpasses any dent to your budget!



How Much Should You Pay For SEO? Important Facts You Should Consider:


  • US SEO agencies charge between $100 and $250 an hour for their services
  • SEO services typically range between $2,500 – $30,000 per month when working with US agencies.
  • On average, companies spend $3k per month on their SEO costs
  • International SEO companies offer SEO services ranging from $10 to $50 per hour
  • Guard yourself against any SEO agency that guarantees results, as it may be a scam
  • "One size fits all" SEO packages are rapidly declining compared to custom strategies
  • Ask SEO agencies what results they have achieved with their own website
  • Customized SEO strategies are essential for achieving the best results
  • Pay close attention to the hidden costs associated with link building
  • Higher SEO costs for specialty or higher skillset
  • SEO agencies may require additional fees for content creation services


Various SEO Pricing Models


When considering whether to employ an affordable SEO professional from a foreign country (e.g., India) or a nationally recognized roofing marketing agency, you are likely going to come across various pricing models which include:


SEO Monthly Pricing Plans


Many SEO firms offer contracts on a monthly or yearly basis, running in line with the calendar. At CinchLocal, we plan our practices a few months in advance and review our performance, accomplishments, and improvements at least once a month. Two-way communication between an SEO agency and its client is necessary in order to attain the most outstanding outcomes.


It's critical to note that while we do offer monthly plans and our roofer SEO services are not one-size-fits-all. Unlike many of the other companies who provide set packages with a pre-determined number and type of articles written, backlinks gained, and pages optimized—we don't follow this "turnkey" approach! We believe in producing results rather than just delivering an allocated amount of tangible work each month; thus you can trust us for providing superior quality over inferior agencies.


Be wary of any companies claiming to construct a predetermined number of backlinks every month. The quality and relevance of the links that point to your website are far more important than the amount. Our procedures and SEO activities are structured on a monthly basis for convenience and organization, yet our strategies do not follow this kind of "pre-packaged" deals each month.


Our SEO services are tailored to ensure that we're always focusing on what will provide the highest return on investment (ROI).


Example of a Mid-Range SEO Plan Pricing


A basic mid-range SEO package can cost you between $15,000 – $30k per month.

Such plans usually include the following services:


  • Focuses on Local or Regional Areas
  • Keyword Research (50-100 Targeted Phrases)
  • Google Analytics Setup and Configuration
  • Monthly Strategy Meeting
  • Title Tag and Meta Tag Optimization
  • Internal Link Building (Cross-linking and Silo Structure Linking)
  • Content Optimization, Editing, and Re-writing
  • Basic On-Site Optimization
  • Monthly Keyword Report
  • Monthly Deliverables Report 


Example of a High-End SEO Plan Pricing:


High-End SEO plans can cost anywhere from a minimum of $15,000 to $30k a month and typically include:


  • Competitive Keyword Research and Nationwide Focus
  • Comprehensive Keyword Research (500+ Targeted Phrases)
  • Google Analytics Setup and Configuration
  • Monthly Strategy Session
  • Title Tag and Meta Tag Optimization
  • Technical SEO – (Robots.txt, Schema, Sitemap, Website Errors, etc.)
  • Speed and Image Optimization
  • Internal Link Building (Cross-linking and Silo Structure Linking)
  • Content Optimization, Editing, and Re-writing
  • Advanced On-Site and Code Optimization
  • Offsite Link Building Campaign
  • Conversion Optimization
  • AB and Variation Testing
  • Heat Map and Usability Reports
  • Monthly Keyword Report
  • Monthly Deliverables Report 
  • Monthly Personalized Review Call


How Much Does SEO Cost Per Hour?


SEO services routinely cost between $50 and $250 per hour, providing a variety of options for any budget. If your business is generating only a few hundred dollars each month through online revenue, it may be unrealistic to anticipate seeing an immediate return of $1,000 in SEO investment costs.


If you're in search of a cost-effective SEO service, it might be wise to employ either an expert or an agency to conduct an SEO audit and then pay for particular tasks by the hour. By doing this, you can continually monitor your progress without breaking the bank.


If you need instant results from a website that has little visibility, consider supplementing your SEO efforts with paid advertising such as Google Ads. This move can pay off quickly and help draw more attention to your site. Don't worry! CinchLocal also provides some of the top AdWords management services in the country. Speak to us today and discover how we can assist you in making your campaigns as successful as they can be.


With our expertise in SEO, we can help roofing companies rank page #1 and achieve their highest potential online. We don't just talk about what we do—but show you precisely how much it will cost and how you can outperform your competition! Let us demonstrate to you the incredible power of driving more leads with top-notch search engine optimization.

Want to get the ball rolling faster? Book a call with us.


How Much Do SEO Services Cost?


In the interest of providing clarity, I'd like to provide a real-world example. Google's keyword research indicates that 500 people search for the question "how much does SEO cost" monthly. This is precisely why we decided it was best to create this article! This query is a major source of confusion, particularly for individuals just starting out on their research in SEO services costs. Unfortunately, there isn't an easy answer to this simple question.


SEO pricing is quite varied and can vary greatly, ranging from $50 – $250 per hour depending on the SEO agency you select. The SEO savant, Neil Patel is a giant in the SEO world and is known to charge up to $5,000 for an initial hour-long consultation.


Let's be honest: Your neighbor's son down the street may offer to do your website design for only $200 a month, and it is likely that he could actually understand what needs to be done! Nonetheless, if you want an expert who can make sure everything runs smoothly and looks professional, then consider hiring a more notable SEO agency.


Even though Neil Patel's services may appear to be worth the $5,000 price tag, it might not be within your budget if you aren't a Fortune 500 company.


Regardless of who you decide to trust for SEO services, the overall cost will vary based on numerous factors such as:


  • The technical prowess of your website, along with the CMS used to manage and present content on it, are both integral factors in providing an optimal user experience. As an example, CinchLocal is a renowned provider of roofing websites—our client's websites are crafted to surpass the standards that Google and other search engine algorithms require. If you have a technically sound site designed with optimization in mind, it makes optimizing your content incredibly smooth sailing. Sadly, most CMS platforms lack this ability.
  • Present visibility in organic search results. When you start a new website from scratch with no domain authority or rankings to show, it is likely that both the cost and wait time for results will be higher.
  • Established brand recognition and visibility. Read the previous answer above.
  • The company's level of expertise in providing SEO services. This is particularly true as it corresponds to your specific industry and niche within that industry.
  • Company goals and objectives. While striving for your objectives, don't forget about the organic traffic you could receive from search engines such as Google and Bing.
  • Competition Level. Your level of competition depends on the industry and keywords you want to target and focus on.
  • Urgency Level. SEO is an investment that takes time to be effective, so in order to get accelerated results, it will require more time and resources.
  • Demographic and target audience. Do you need SEO services on the national or international level, or is your business confined to a particular region? This could possibly have an effect on the final price of your SEO campaign.



What Affects the Cost of SEO?


SEO Skill Set & Expertise


Those with real expertise and in-depth capabilities tend to have proven results and therefore can demand higher rates. Because they deliver proven results time and time again, they are busier, have more online companies asking for their SEO services, and their services are worth more because of the organic traffic they create.



Location Determines the Price


Nestled in the countryside of Boerne, Texas, CinchLocal's overhead costs are significantly lower than SEO agencies situated in Dallas. This allows us to keep our service prices reasonable for you despite our seasoned skills and knowledge. All things considered, this may be something that is important to factor into your decision process.



Be Competent in Your Target Audience’s Language


When considering an economical SEO company located in India, for instance, make certain that the team you pick has a good handle on English if so much as your site is targeted at native English speakers. This goes for any language among other things. Plus, take into account time zones, communication habits, and various external elements when making this decision.


Level of Marketing Expertise in Your Industry


For example, at CinchLocal, we excel in Roofing SEO and B2B website lead generation SEO. Investing in an experienced company that specializes in your industry may come with a higher expense, but the payoff will be worth it. Find one and reap the rewards of their expertise!


Local SEO Pricing


We hinted above that local SEO campaigns may theoretically be more affordable than attempting to rank nationally for the same set of keywords, but geographical target area is just one variable that affects the cost. Local SEO pricing is still subject to the same variables that we’ve touched on above but typically ranges from $250 – $3,000 a month.


SEO Services Pricing & General Costs


If you are ready to hire an SEO agency or specialist to provide specialized services, some agencies do present á la carte options or may even be willing to personalize their monthly packages for your particular requirements.


At CinchLocal, we offer individualized monthly packages designed to cater to each of our clients’ specific roofing industries and needs. We carefully consider what strategies will yield the greatest results for their businesses and adjust our recommended financial investment accordingly, but also take into account any extra requests or requirements they may have during the process. We strive to ensure that, after a tailored strategy and monthly SEO cost are proposed, your money is put to its maximum use, for maximum ROI.


If we determine that a specific client request is of lower priority than our recommended SEO strategies and planned tasks, we will be open about it. We will do our best to honor the client's requests but there may be an added fee for doing so.


By doing this, we guarantee that the customer's expectations are fulfilled and all requests are addressed. Moreover, this level of visibility goes beyond pricing and is one of the unexpected benefits that come with partnering up with CinchLocal.


How Can You Tell if SEO Costs Are Worth the Investment?


If you're aiming to generate an influx of website visitors and pre-sold, red-hot roofing leads, SEO is one of the most cost-effective solutions available. Additionally, you could explore paid search marketing options with Google Ads to further boost your website visibility.


When assessing the value of your SEO investment, ask yourself "how much would it cost to generate the same level of traffic through paid search?" You'll be amazed at how far your money will go with organic search engine optimization. If the cost of SEO traffic and spending is higher than what you are expecting, then it could be a great value. If your answer indicates that each visit costs more than usual, then it's time to re-evaluate your current SEO company.


Evaluating the Return on Investment of SEO can also be done by assessing the number of sales and leads generated from organic visits. Investing $5,000 monthly in SEO and driving $250,000 a month through online sales with an outstanding profit margin of 20%, you can comfortably earn profits of up to $45,000 per month.


If you approach your SEO investment with a quantitative mindset, then it becomes much easier to digest the costs and make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed. By applying some basic math principles in this way, you can be confident that every invoice is worth paying for.


Pick an SEO Company That Can Deliver Results and Generate Value


When considering SEO services, it is essential to invest time into finding the right company. After all, you get what you pay for!


To assist in your search process, here are some helpful tips:


  • Ask for proven results. If you're looking to hire a company, find out their track record of success. Ask them for case studies and real examples of successful projects they've completed. If they can't provide any proof that they have had success in the past, it might be an indication that things won't go as smoothly as expected with them.
  • Read ratings and reviews. Make sure you read reviews on the company’s website and 3rd party sites. Even reputable businesses (such as SEO companies) may have a few unfavorable ratings here and there – these should be taken with a pinch of salt. Pay more attention to broader tendencies; if certain red flags appear repeatedly in many different places, it might be best for you to look elsewhere.
  • Meet with the SEO team directly. Request an opportunity to converse with the actual employees assigned your SEO account, or whoever is responsible for the agency's SEO division. It's completely understandable that you want additional information on who will be managing and strategizing improvements to your search engine results - especially when considering a more reliable firm.
  • Lookout for shady strategies. Do your research on “black-hat SEO” and ensure that the tactics you're being pitched don't go against Google's guidelines. As a white-hat SEO company, CinchLocal abides by Google's regulations to make sure our clients' sites are never penalized for any of the work we do. We want to create lasting results without risking harm!
  • Try a few SEO services and compare. Investing in standalone SEO audit services from various organizations is a great way to get the best bang for your buck. This will help you compare different audits and pick the one that fits your needs. Then, share those findings with your new SEO partner so they can leverage any valuable discoveries you paid for. That way, both parties are on the same page before launching into their work!


An Example of Our Roofing Client’s Results – 300% Traffic Increase


Look out! It is rarely a sensible decision to assume that the most expensive SEO services are also the best ones. As the person responsible for choosing an SEO company, regardless of price point, you should pick the business which gives off the most assurance that it will give your firm an excellent return on investment. Put simply: choose wisely and make sure to invest in something worthwhile with whatever budget is set aside for SEO services.


Why Is SEO Important?


With more than 8.5 billion searches on Google every day, it is vital that you are visible to your customers when they look for the products or services offered to you. Potential buyers searching online have already immersed themselves in a "seeking" mode—meaning they want are wanting to find you!


What Percentage of Google Searches Are Local?


Did you know that nearly half (46%) of all Google searches consist of users seeking local information? People frequently conduct searches to discover businesses in their vicinity or within a certain service area. These local searches are becoming increasingly popular and can be extremely beneficial for business owners.


Google's algorithm prioritizes certain businesses for geo-specific searches, which results in tailoring the search engine results pages (SERPs) to the user. This means that only those companies deemed most relevant by Google can rank highly on SERPs. To maximize your chances of gaining visibility, traffic, and customers through search engines, local businesses should tap into the power of Google Maps SEO.


Being at the top of search engines puts you in a position to capture more traffic. Research has revealed that 25% of users click on the initial organic result found on Google! That's amazing news when you consider this:


For example, if 10,000 people have searched a certain keyword each month and your website is #1 in its rankings—then 2,500 free visitors will visit your website monthly! Unless you are willing to spend heavily on paid search campaigns (and why should anyone?), having an effective integrated SEO strategy with a high organic ranking is vital for success.


Still, Have Questions About SEO Pricing?


We hope this article has alleviated your confusion and furnished you with more knowledge to make a prudent decision when selecting the perfect SEO company for your business. If there are still any lingering questions or if you would like to discuss your website further, don't hesitate to reach out and request a free quote.


SEO PRICING FAQs


On average how much does an SEO campaign cost? 


For the most part, genuine US-based companies charge between $100 to $250 per hour. The number of hours that you'll need each month in order to meet your objectives will all depend on how intense your industry is and where you presently stand. We are now offering complimentary SEO quotes!


Why do some companies charge only a few hundred dollars a month? 


Heed this warning: Cheap SEO services that charge only a few hundred dollars per month are often outsourcing their work, resulting in poor copywriting and low-quality backlinks. These campaigns can do more damage than good to your website ranking! Don't be fooled—choose an SEO company with proven tactics for maximum results.


Is there a standard price for SEO? 


With no universal cost for SEO services, the price of employing an SEO agency depends on where you are situated, as well as payroll and additional external variables.


How long does it take to get SEO results? 


SEO results don't come overnight—which is why we offer a free consultation to help you identify how long it will take for your website to reach the desired outcomes depending on where you currently rank. If, say, you're already on page 3 of search engine rankings, then getting up to page 1 won't require as much time compared with if your web pages were at position 50 or lower. Our expertise in this field guarantees that together we'll get there eventually!


Does SEO cost more for different CMS platforms? 


The cost of an SEO campaign may vary depending on the complexity of your platform. For instance, performing SEO for WordPress is relatively straightforward compared to a campaign conducted on Duda as it requires technical expertise and different methods such as adding new elements to templates, and taking advantage of existing core-SEO features or plugins available. While all CMS or eCommerce store platforms are capable of hosting an effective SEO strategy, some come with their own unique challenges which can make them more difficult than others.

Drop a comment below if you found this article helpful.

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