The three common pricing models
Most SEO is sold one of three ways, and each fits a different situation. Understanding them helps you compare quotes without getting fooled by a headline number.
Be wary of anything priced far below the market or sold with guarantees of specific rankings. Nobody controls Google's algorithm, and cut-rate work often relies on tactics that get sites penalized.
- Monthly retainer: ongoing work billed per month, best for continuous growth and competitive markets
- Project or fixed scope: a defined deliverable like an audit, a migration, or a content build
- Hourly or consulting: for advisory work, one-off fixes, or guiding your in-house team
- Watch out for: 'guaranteed #1 rankings,' suspiciously cheap link packages, and long lock-in contracts
What actually drives the price
The real cost is set by how hard your goal is and how much your site needs. A local service business targeting a few towns is a very different job than a national ecommerce store fighting established brands.
Because these variables swing so widely, an honest quote comes after a short conversation about your goals and a look at your site, not from a price list. We'll tell you what a realistic scope looks like for your situation.
- How competitive your keywords and industry are
- The current health of your site: technical debt, content gaps, past penalties
- Geographic scope: single location, multi-location, or national
- How much content and how many pages need to be created or fixed
- Whether link earning and digital PR are part of the plan
- How fast you want to move versus a steadier pace
More on seo & local search
Frequently asked questions
Why won't you just give me a price up front?
Because a real number depends on your goals and the state of your site, and quoting blind would either overcharge you or set you up to fail. A short consultation lets us scope the work honestly, so the price reflects what will actually move the needle for you.
Is a cheaper SEO provider a bad idea?
Not always, but be cautious. Very low prices usually mean automated content, low-quality links, or thin work that can hurt your site or waste months. The cost of cleaning up bad SEO often exceeds doing it right the first time. Ask any provider exactly what you get for the money.
Do I have to sign a long contract?
SEO takes time to compound, so some ongoing commitment is reasonable, but you shouldn't be locked into a long term with no accountability. We'd rather earn the next month with results and clear reporting. We'll talk through terms openly during your consultation.