SEO Backlinks Pricing and Costs in 2021 (Updated)

SEO Backlinks Pricing and Costs in 2021 (Updated)

Although Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has long been used by marketing professionals, it has come into the mainstream in recent years. As increasing individuals and organizations are offering their SEO expertise, at widely varying prices, the choice can be quite difficult.

Luckily, once an individual understands the basics of SEO marketing, the process is quite straightforward. Finding an SEO company in now easier than ever, with various individuals and companies offering competitive rates.

On-Page Vs Off-Page SEO Pricing

  • On-Page SEO

    – includes keywords, meta description, alt text, title tag, SSL/HTTPS, URL structure, internal linking and page performance.

  • Off-Page SEO

    – includes backlinks – press release, videos, guest posting, social promotion etc.

Backlinks in particular are the most important part of off-page SEO. The cheaper option is using a Private Blog Network (PBN) guest post, while blogger outreach (guest posting) is often much more expensive.

According to Ahref’s 2018 study of 450 blogs, the cost of backlinking is approximately $361.44 USD per link. In a study of 180 blogs, Ahref’s discovered that guest blog posts are approximately $77.80 USD. I am not sure what sort of bloggers they were outreaching to determine the pricing guest posting, but a good (not great) link from a real blogs (blogger outreach) could cost much higher. A good quality writer could charge $20 to $50 to write an article. The editors normally charge $80 to $200 per posting with a do-follow link. All depends on the SEO value and organic traffic of the linking domain. If you hire someone to do the job for you, they would charge you $30 to $60 to outreach relevant bloggers and secure a link for you.

For PBNs, one can choose to either join an existing network or build one. Building a PBN network could cost lots of money, with costs accruing from domain price, web hosting, web setup, content, and PBN management. How much you spend a year on your domain/web hosting? It would give you an idea of costing. However, PBN blogs normally use very cheap web hosting provider, say $1 or $2 hosting plan. If you decide to buy a PBN guest posting from a broker, it would cost $10 to $30 based on the quality of the article and the blog website. But this is not legit. Google don’t like these networks and they are black-hat. It means the website could get a penalty in the future.

SEO Pricing/Cost

Certain variables must be taken into account when determining SEO cost. Setting SEO goals, such as improving organic sessions and revenue by a certain percentage, and remembering that SEO takes time, is key.

A 2017 poll by Search Engine Land revealed that 29% of US SEO users spend approximately $1,000-$2,500 USD monthly, while another 20% spends $2,500-$5,000 USD. If you decide to outsource SEO, you can save LOTS of money. Get in touch with us.

Costs can be divided into hourly pricing, monthly retainers, contract-based pricing, and project-based pricing depending on one’s needs.

  • Hourly Pricing

Hourly pricing is considered best for those on a limited budget, as costs are easier to predict. All hours are logged, ensuring accountability.

According to a May 2018 survey of 357 US SEO service providers, the standard hourly rate is $100-$150 USD, with $75-$100 USD following closely behind. Very seldom does hourly pricing go over $150 USD.

In the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the average price is $101-$150 USD, while in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain it ranges from $76-$100 USD.

In other parts of Europe, rates range from $41-$60 and $101-$150 USD.

In Latin America, averages range from under $25 and $51-$60 USD.

In India, most providers charge under $25 USD.

In Bangladesh, providers charge under $15 USD.

When hiring per hour, one can choose between agencies, freelancers and consultants. Consultants are a step above freelancers, often with more expertise in the field, and often working with bigger brands. Agencies are often the most expensive option, charging $133.66 USD per hour, consultants charge $122.33 USD, while freelancers charge $68 USD.

In addition, those that offers their services worldwide instead of simply to local markets charge 23.17% more, with a difference of $118.80 per hour as opposed to $96.44 per hour.

  • Monthly Retainers

Monthly retainers are a bit more expensive than hourly rates, but often offer unlimited hours. These are usually preferred because SEO takes time and is considered a long term investment.

$500 USD per month is considered a minimum rate. The exception to this rule would be very small and local businesses, such as bookshops and restaurants.

Lower Range – $1,000-$5,000 USD per month is the average for smaller companies with low to medium competition. At the lower end of this scale, are more inexperienced individuals, while the higher end includes quality link building and optimizing. For $1,000, about 20 pages can be optimized, $1,500 for 50 pages, and $2,500 for 100 pages. For businesses with multiple locations, a cost of approximately $250 will be added per location. Technical issues are addressed and pages are optimized during the first month, with link building and content development in subsequent months.

Mid-Range – $5,000-$10,000 USD per month is average for larger companies. In addition, for these prices, SEO companies are established, have proven track records, and consist of teams, including copy editors, content managers, link outreach specialists, and web development experts.

Higher Range – $10,000-$20,000 USD per month is average for large, international corporations and includes access to a senior SEO team.

  • Contract-Based Pricing

For clients unwilling or unable to use a monthly retainer, contract-based pricing is the perfect option.

SEO copywriting is often $0.15-$0.50 per word, and other services, such as site content audits and social media site setups may be available as well.

  • Project Based Pricing

These are similar to contract-based pricing; however, they are offer increased customization. Depending on the complexity of the project, they can range from $1,000 to $30,000 USD.

How to Choose the Perfect SEO

Choosing the perfect SEO can be daunting; however, once budget and goals of the project are determined, it is easier than ever. Choices are limited to internal marketing, outside marketing agencies, or freelancers. Whichever option one chooses, candidates should have a technical understanding of SEO, be knowledgeable in content marketing and social media, and be proficient in link building.

  • Internal Marketing

    – For larger organizations with larger budgets, this may be the best option. However, it is most expensive, since the expert will need to be trained in corporate values, and will most likely be kept on in the long term.

  • Marketing Agency

    – This is a perfect option for those who have a variety of marketing needs, in addition to SEO.

  • Freelance

    – SEO Freelancers have various rates depending on experience. They can be found on personal websites and freelancer job sites. Finding the perfect freelancer can be challenging at times. Be sure to thoroughly check reviews, references, and portfolios.

Choosing an SEO expert is now easier than ever. However, as a final note, be wary of companies that offer guarantees. This is impossible as the industry changes so often.