How Much Does SEO Cost?

SEO Labor Models

DIY SEO

DIY SEO is a perfectly legitimate labor model, one that seems less expensive than the following options initially. Besides monthly fees for one or two SEO tools, the primary cost of DIY SEO is your time.

We often say that search engine optimization is not rocket science! In fact, many key concepts are straightforward. However, taking the time to learn, implement, and keep up with SEO best-practices and strategies is a substantial task, if done well.



Over the years, we’ve found that many business owners do not have the capacity to tack thoughtful, strategic SEO onto an already overflowing to-do list. Time is money. Many business owners look to one of the other two labor models: hiring an internal specialist or outsourcing.

Hiring an internal SEO

Organizations can hire an internal SEO specialist. However, this option is costly. Professional SEO specialists with field experience need to be paid accordingly. Onboarding and benefits costs considered, hiring a full-time SEO is unrealistic for many small to mid-sized businesses.


Additionally, regardless of past experience, one SEO is only one SEO. A single individual won’t have the same experience, varied background, and knowledge that an agency can provide.

Hiring an internal SEO agency

Outsourcing through an SEO agency is often the next best route for organizations without the resources to hire an internal SEO specialist.

Another benefit of outsourcing is access to a synergistic team with multiple departments. At RivalMind, we specialize in SEO but also have vibrant web development, design, and social media teams. Our SEO specialists regularly consult our developers, designers, and social strategists to make the most-informed decisions for their customers.

Agencies range in cost, but many offer a pricing model that is affordable for organizations with appropriate marketing budgets. 

SEO Pricing Models

Agencies typically offer a month-to-month or year-to-year retainer pricing model.

Within this model, clients pay a set price, the agency performs outlined SEO tasks, and goals can be adjusted and modified over time.

Most competitive SEO agencies charge between $500-$7,000 for monthly retainers.

Other payment models include hourly consulting, project-based pricing, and fixed-price contracting. Hourly consulting fees typically range from $80-$300/hour, while project-based pricing can range from $1,000-$30,000+. Fixed-price contracting, such as SEO copywriting paid per word, differs significantly from agency to agency.

What do monthly plans include?

At a minimum, most SEO plans include:

• Content creation
• Updates on your website pages (on-site optimization)
• Keyword research

As SEO plans increase in price, these services are often expanded upon. The best package for your business will largely depend on your goals, your budget, the size of your website, and how aggressively you want to pursue results.  

SEO Agency Red Flags

Unfortunately, many organizations have a bitter taste in their mouth from negative experiences with SEO agencies in the past. As difficult as it can be to move on, good agencies are prevalent, and finding one is possible. Keep these red flags in mind while searching for a trustworthy SEO agency. 

Cheap rates

The price of good SEO is often startling for business owners. Search Engine Journal highlights an insightful study that claims fewer than 50% of small business owners budget for SEO.

Of the small businesses that have an SEO budget, the majority expect to spend $0-$99/month and see first-page results.

Many benevolent business owners choose the cheapest option, assuming search engine optimization works like any other A-to-B process. SEO scammers capitalize on this, making unfounded $59.99/month guarantees. When it comes to SEO, you get what you pay for, and, sometimes, the true cost of cheap SEO is grim.

Beyond throwing money away, inept SEOs often utilize “black hat” techniques that can offer temporarily instant results but don’t comply with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, knowingly or not. 

The danger of "black hat SEO"

If detected by Google, “black hat” SEO can cause a website to undergo a penalty, downgrading your website’s rankings or, in the worst case, delisting the entire site from Google.



Inexpensive SEO does not always equate to “black hat” methods, but quality of work often correlates to cost, up to a point. Choosing the cheapest SEO company on the market is not the best option for the long-term health and success of your website.

Ranking guarantees

Quality SEO will increase a website’s visibility on search engines. However, agencies should not guarantee certain rankings. Google’s algorithm consistently updates, and rankings fluctuate.



Additionally, the promise of an appearance on the first page of Google immediately could be possible for a branded keyword, like your business name. High-quality rankings, such as queries performed by prospective customers who don’t know your business yet, are more challenging to earn.

Promising instant results

SEO is a long-term marketing strategy. Many businesses begin to see results from SEO in 4-6 months, but some campaigns take longer. Unlike Google Ads, SEO requires time to yield results, and even perfectly executed strategies are subject to Google’s recognition.

Thus, be wary if an SEO agency promises instant success. SEO does not work overnight. In fact, immediate results could point to “black hat” activity. 

Is SEO Worth the Money?

After reviewing the cost of search engine optimization, many business owners wonder if they can afford it.

We wonder if the better question is whether businesses can afford to neglect SEO. Ultimately, search engine optimization delivers remarkable, long-term ROI, and will position your company for lasting success. How do we know? Because we’ve seen SEO efforts produce business-changing results again and again.

How Much Should I Spend on Marketing?

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for every business, marketing experts agree on a few general principles. These principles are a great starting point.

The 5% rule-of-thumb

As a general guideline, organizations should spend about 5% of their sales revenue on marketing.

Of course, there is room for fluctuation – this percentage will vary by company and industry. For example, if your business generates less than $5 million a year in sales and your net profit margin is in the 10% to 12% range, the U.S. Small Business Administration recommends spending 7-8% of your gross revenue on marketing and advertising.

Highly competitive industries will require a higher percentage of marketing spend. For example, companies in retail, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals will often spend 20-50% of revenue on marketing certain offerings. Analyze what your competition may be spending.

Start With RivalMind

We get it. Deciding to pursue SEO is a hurdle; finding the best agency for your business is another.

At RivalMind, we are passionate about real, measurable ROI for our clients. We put forth realistic expectations, then we deliver. We would love to help evaluate your internet marketing needs. Once you know where you stand, the path towards long-term success can be paved.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our team of experts at 331-228-9396 or via our online contact form. We will always respond promptly.

Meet the Author

Matt Scroggs

CMO RivalMind

Hi, I'm Matt Scroggs, a digital marketing strategist. For two decades I served as the senior digital marketer for several global, iconic brands. Today, I'm the chief marketing officer at RivalMind, an agency 100% dedicated to helping companies thrive by driving transformational growth through innovative digital marketing. I'm also a lifelong Cubs fan, a faithful family man, and a web analytics junkie—relentlessly tracking conversions, loyalty, and advocacy, which are often as elusive as the pennant!

Specialties: Helping Businesses Grow, Marketing Strategy, Idea Guy