How Much Do SEO Agencies Charge?
According to Arc Intermedia, SEO agencies typically charge between $1,500 and $7,000 per month, meaning pricing can vary widely based on several factors. Here’s your comprehensive 2025 guide to SEO pricing, including what affects the cost and what to watch out for.
Monthly Retainers
- The average cost of monthly SEO services from an agency is about $3,200.
- For small to midsize businesses, monthly retainers often range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Budget options: Some agencies may charge as low as $500 per month (usually low quality – you really do get what you pay for).
- High-end agencies: $10,000+/month for more comprehensive services.
Hourly SEO Rates
- Based on recent data, the average hourly rate for SEO services is $125.
- Most agencies charge between $150 to $250 per hour for SEO consulting.
- Ideal for businesses needing consulting or small-scope help.
Project-Based Pricing
- One-time, consulting SEO projects typically cost between $5,000 to $30,000.
- Often includes audits, migration support, or strategic consulting.
- Less common, as SEO is typically ongoing to be effective.
Factors affecting how much companies charge for SEO agencies include the agency’s reputation and experience, scope of services provided, size and complexity of the client’s website, competitiveness of targeted keywords, geographic location of the agency, and more.
It’s important to note that higher-priced agencies often deliver better results, with companies spending below $500 per month often expressing dissatisfaction with the service. Reputable agencies with experienced SEO professionals should make themselves available, explain exactly what work they’re doing, and be completely transparent with their reports via thorough reporting.
SEO Pricing Variants
Overseas SEO Providers
- Rates can drop to $10 – $50/hour.
- Language, strategy, and transparency barriers may be common.
Freelance SEO Professionals
- Typically charge $50 – $150/hour.
- Great for piecemeal work but may lack cohesive, long-term strategy.
Guaranteed SEO Packages
- Often too good to be true.
- Google warns against “guaranteed” results. Risky and may include black-hat tactics.
Templated SEO Services
- Cost-efficient, starting as low as $250/month.
- Usually one-size-fits-all and lacks personalization or effectiveness.
Ecommerce SEO
- More complex = higher cost.
- Expect $3,000 – $10,000+/month for serious SEO with product optimization, technical SEO, and CRO alignment.
Local SEO
- More affordable: $500 – $2,000/month.
- Optimized for maps, directories, reviews, and service area queries.
Key Takeaways
- Beware of ultra-low-cost SEO (< $500/month)—often ineffective.
- SEO is a long-term strategy; expect at least 3–6 months for results.
- Overseas options may save money but pose quality risks.
- Ecommerce SEO = expensive due to complexity.
- Local SEO is affordable and highly effective for small businesses.
- One-time SEO projects are rare and usually for audits.
- Avoid agencies promising guaranteed results.
Call 484-960-7337 to learn more about how much SEO agencies, such as Arc Intermedia cost.
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