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Read articleSEO Pricing: What SEO Costs and What You Should Get
SEO prices vary because the work varies. Here is how SEO is usually priced, what drives the cost, what a fair monthly plan should include and the red flags to avoid.
This guide explains SEO pricing: the usual pricing models, what changes the cost and what you should get for your money. My own prices are on the pricing page.
Quick answer
SEO is usually priced as a monthly plan, a one-off project or per deliverable (for example per link or per article). Cost depends on competition, site size, how much content and how many links are needed, and who does the work. A fair plan states exactly what is delivered each month, reports on it, and never guarantees a number one ranking.
The 4 common pricing models
| Model | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan (retainer) | Ongoing growth: content, links, fixes | Clear monthly deliverables |
| One-off project | Audits, migrations, on-page fixes | Defined scope and handover |
| Per deliverable | Links, articles, citations | Quality of each item, not just count |
| Hourly consulting | Strategy, training, reviews | Clear agenda and output |
What drives the cost
- Competition: a local plumber in a small town needs far less than a national e-commerce brand.
- Site size and state: technical problems and large catalogues take more work.
- Content volume: how many guides, pages and updates are needed.
- Links: quality links on real sites cost more than bulk links, and are worth it. See link building cost.
- Speed: faster growth targets need more work per month.
How my plans are structured
| Plan | Starting price | For |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Starter | from $299/month | Small and local businesses |
| SEO Growth | from $599/month | Growing businesses and stores |
| SEO Pro | from $999/month | Competitive niches and brands |
One-off on-page, technical and link building packages and custom quotes are also available, and bulk link orders get 10% off 10 to 24 links and 15% off 25+. Full details on the pricing page.
What a monthly SEO plan should include
- A starting audit and a written plan.
- A defined amount of on-page and technical work.
- Content or content optimisation each month.
- Quality links with the URLs reported.
- A monthly report: work done, rankings, traffic and leads.
- A named person you can contact.
Red flags
- “Guaranteed #1 ranking.” Google itself warns that no one can guarantee a top ranking.
- Hundreds of links for a very low price.
- No list of what was done each month.
- Long lock-in contracts with no exit.
- Secret methods they will not explain.
Is SEO worth the cost?
Estimate it: how many extra visitors, what share become leads, and what a customer is worth. My SEO ROI calculator, traffic value calculator and SEO budget planner do the maths. Remember SEO takes time; see how long SEO takes.
Get a quote
Every plan starts with a free audit. Tell me your site and goals and I will suggest the right plan or a custom package.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SEO cost per month?
It depends on competition and scope. My monthly plans start from $299, $599 and $999 a month, with custom quotes for larger projects.
Is cheap SEO worth it?
Very cheap SEO often means bulk links or no real work. Look for clear deliverables and reporting.
Can anyone guarantee first place on Google?
No. Google warns that no one can guarantee a number one ranking.
Should I pay for SEO monthly or per project?
Monthly plans suit ongoing growth; projects suit audits, migrations and one-time fixes.
How do I know if my SEO spend is working?
Track rankings, organic traffic, leads and sales monthly against the plan’s goals.
Sources
Facts checked against these official pages on 10 October 2026. Read my editorial policy.
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