SEO Pricing – Is It Worth It?

SEO Pricing – Is It Worth It?

SEO pricing is not easy to determine.  How much it does cost to rank on page-one using SEO? It is impossible to get exact figure. In this article, we will explore various SEO pricing models. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a process that entails enhancing online visibility and improving web traffic’s quality and quantity to a website or web page via search engines, like Google, AOL, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Ask.com, and Baidu. The process includes enhancing the website using the following strategies:

  • Crawling, indexing, and ranking (technical SEO)
  • Effective SEO keywords and content
  • Authority and identity signals

So, what makes SEO relevant? It is worth noting that 75% of online users stick to the search engine’s first page and don’t get past it. Often, the answers they seek are contained within this section (three out of four searches). Hence, these users don’t see the need to explore other pages. With SEO, a business can improve ranking, which implies that such a brand will be on the first list of contacts should their products or services be required. However, this does not come on a platter of gold. As stated before, a business owner would have to implement technical SEO and other relevant elements to improve the brand’s online presence and reputation.

Understanding SEO Pricing Models

Results generated from implementing SEO in a business takes a while to achieve organically. So, do not expect a sudden miracle. The process may be long-term but the rewards (RIO) are mind-boggling. However, several factors determine the level of success and duration that comes with SEO marketing. They include business targets, set timeframe, amount of search traffic, and, of course, budget. SEO models are of three categories:

  • Local SEO. This model helps businesses with unique niches attain online visibility on local search results. Mobile device searches tend to yield more results using this approach.
  • Small Business SEO. A brand with an online presence may generate online traffic, but not enough to convert leads to sales. Such businesses will need this SEO model to boost online engagement, which will increase business activities. With this model, business owners can track leads and revenue, optimize keywords, evaluate competitors’ rankings, and optimize their websites.
  • Enterprise SEO. This model enables businesses to maximize online presence, reach target audiences effectively, increase sales and leads, and achieve other deliverables that the traditional SEO model lacks.

Working with an SEO agency comes under two categories – monthly plan and fixed-price SEO packages.

Monthly Plan SEO Packages

Undoubtedly, SEO has several complex moving parts, which makes it ideal for a business to implement a dynamic approach. This strategy entails setting monthly goals for SEO marketing, including the engagement rate, the volume of the target audience, and many more. Besides, it is essential to keep track of the ROI per time, which helps the business owner measure the success rate. As such, monthly retainers offer the best deal on an SEO pricing plan.

Starting cost may be as low as $750 and rise to over $5,000 monthly. However, kindly note that this pricing structure depends on the proposed SEO framework, business requirements, and the skill level of the SEO marketer.

Fixed-Price SEO Packages

For start-ups, fixed-price contracts offer an ideal approach to SEO marketing. The business owner establishes a contract with the SEO agency and pays a specified fee for services. This option offers more cost-effectiveness, compared to monthly retainers. Of course, the business owner may have specialists handling some aspects of SEO, like copywriting and marketing campaigns. The agency plays its role by implementing crawling, indexing, and ranking strategies on the brand’s website.

The price range for these service options ranges from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. For site content audit, the business owner may pay within $500 to $7,500 per audit, while SEO copywriting may cost between $0.15 to $0.50 per word. Auditing a link profile may set one back by $500 to $7,500 per audit. This service also includes setting up social media accounts – Google, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The cost for such set up can range from $500 to $3,000.

For business owners who already understand specific SEO elements, an hourly consulting plan may be ideal. The rates may range from $100 to $300 per hour. This option saves cost and improves results. However, as stated before, the business owner must know SEO.

Factors That Influence SEO Pricing

When determining the scope of SEO marketing, one considers the following:

  • The volume of web page optimization. In other words, the number of pages that would require SEO optimization. This determines the size of the website.
  • The number of technical errors on the website that require fixing.
  • The volume of SEO content to be developed to enhance online ranking and visibility.
  • Strategic locations for business profile listing setup or modification (using local SEO services).
  • Competitors’ strength. This parameter helps SEO marketers determine the amount of work to put into improving online business presence and authority.
  • The number of backlinks available on a website.

In Summary

SEO comes with several merits, some of which have been discussed before. Business goals and strategies determine the pricing plan of SEO marketing, alongside the SEO agency’s professionalism level. Hiring an SEO service is an investment worth taking as the returns generated over time will increase business revenue tremendously.