How much does SEO cost in Australia? [Updated December 2024]

Updated on: December 2024

Short answer: SEO can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 a month based on your competition, target market, rankings you are willing to achieve and more. Continue reading this blog to find out more about factors that influence SEO costs, the downsides of hiring a cheap SEO agency, DIY SEO costs and more.

If you’re a business owner in Australia, understanding the costs associated with SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is very very important for growing your online presence (and your company).

The need for robust digital marketing is growing for businesses of all types & SEO is at the forefront of ensuring your business gets the visibility it deserves. Investing in SEO is not just about improving your website’s ranking in search engines but is a comprehensive approach to enhancing your overall digital footprint.

Why do people seek to understand SEO costs in Australia? Whether you’re launching a new product, aiming to increase organic traffic, or simply looking to boost your brand’s online visibility, SEO plays a very important role. Knowing the cost involved helps budget and align SEO efforts with your business objectives, ensuring that you invest in SEO wisely and effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Factors That Influence SEO Cost
2. Average Cost of SEO in Australia
3. How Much Do SEOs Charge Per Hour?
4. Why Going with the Cheapest Provider Can Turn Out to Be Expensive
5. SEO Cost Per Keyword (It’s Outdated)
6. Should Big Businesses Consider Hiring In-House?
7. DIY SEO for Small Business Owners
8. Outsourcing SEO to Overseas
9. Reason Why Fiverr SEO is Cheap
10. Good SEO Vs Bad SEO: How to Find the Difference
11. Invest in Your SEO in the Long Run
12. 5 Key Takeaways & Stats Related to SEO Cost in Australia
13. Get in Touch with Australian Internet Advertisement

You might also be interested in finding out about;

• cost of building a website
• cost of Facebook Ads
• cost of Google Ads

Factors That Influence SEO Cost

The cost of SEO in Australia can vary significantly based on several key factors:

1. Scope of the Project: Larger websites or those in highly competitive industries require more extensive SEO efforts.
2. SEO Strategy Complexity: Advanced strategies involving deep keyword research, link building, and technical optimisations can increase the cost.
3. Experience of the SEO Provider: More experienced SEO consultants and agencies often charge higher rates but typically offer deeper insights and more impactful results.

Average Cost of SEO in Australia

In Australia, SEO services can be charged in various formats, including hourly rates, per-project charges, and monthly retainer fees. Small businesses might find more affordable SEO packages tailored to their simpler needs, typically ranging from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 per month. In contrast, medium-sized businesses may spend between AUD 2,500 and AUD 5,000 monthly, while large enterprises may invest over AUD 5,000 monthly in SEO services to support broader SEO campaigns and more complex strategies.

Click here to check out our blog on SEO pricing where we break down the SEO costs.

How Much Do SEOs Charge Per Hour?

SEO professionals in Australia might charge anywhere from AUD 200 per hour for their services. This rate can vary based on the consultant’s experience, the complexity of the task, and the market demand.

Why Going with the Cheapest Provider Can Turn Out to Be Expensive

Opting for the cheapest SEO services might seem cost-effective initially, but it can lead to more expenses down the line. Here’s why:

• Lack of Proper Skills: Cheaper services may not provide the comprehensive skills needed for effective SEO, leading to poor outcomes.
• Risk of Black-Hat Techniques: Some low-cost providers might use questionable methods that can result in penalties from search engines.
• Short-Term Focus: Cheaper SEO often focuses on immediate results rather than building sustainable, long-term value.

SEO Cost Per Keyword (It’s Outdated)

Charging SEO services per keyword is an outdated pricing model that does not effectively address modern SEO demands. Here’s why this approach is not advisable:

1. SEO is Holistic: Modern SEO focuses on overall site performance and user experience, not just rankings for specific keywords.
2. Varied Keyword Value: Not all keywords deliver the same value or traffic potential, making this model inefficient and potentially misleading.
3. Focus Shift: The industry has shifted towards more comprehensive content strategies and overall site health.

Should Big Businesses Consider Hiring In-House?

For large businesses, hiring an in-house SEO team might seem appealing due to the control and dedicated focus it offers. However, this can be highly costly, with in-house SEO salaries potentially exceeding AUD 100,000 per year. While in-house teams provide excellent alignment with company goals, the high overhead and need for continuous training and tools like SEMrush and AHREFS can add up.

SEO is a career in which continuously updating yourself with industry trends is a mere necessity. This fact stands as a big disadvantage because you have multiple people working on your website in an agency setting whereas, hiring multiple SEO professionals may not be a viable option for your business.

DIY SEO for Small Business Owners

For small business owners, venturing into DIY SEO may appear as a cost-effective approach to digital marketing. However, it is not the best decision due to the following reasons;

• Inefficiencies: Without expert knowledge, you may spend more time and resources with little return.
• Potential for Mistakes: Incorrect SEO practices can damage your site’s standing with search engines.
• Missed Opportunities: Professionals are likely to spot opportunities you might miss.

Outsourcing SEO to Overseas

Outsourcing SEO to overseas providers can seem like a lucrative option due to their affordable SEO services. However, this approach carries risks that might not be immediately visible, some of the reasons why you shouldn’t be outsourcing your SEO are;

• Lack of Market Understanding: Providers unfamiliar with the Australian market may not effectively target your audience.
• Communication Issues: Differences in time zones, language barriers, and cultural nuances can complicate project management.
• Quality Concerns: Lower costs often reflect in the quality of SEO work, potentially affecting your brand’s reputation.
• Inconsistent Quality: The skills and experience of freelancers on Fiverr vary greatly, which can lead to unpredictable SEO results.
• Generic Strategies: Many freelancers may use a one-size-fits-all approach to SEO, not tailored to specific business needs or industries.
• Lack of Accountability: Freelancers on gig platforms might not provide the same level of responsibility or customer service as established SEO agencies.

Reason Why Fiverr SEO is Cheap

Fiverr and similar platforms are known for their competitively priced SEO services, which attract a broad audience looking for affordable SEO solutions. The platform’s model, which emphasizes competitive pricing, leads to a diverse quality range, from novice to expert-level services. However, the lower prices often reflect the level of service and reliability, which can be inconsistent and lack the custom approach necessary for effective SEO strategies.

Good SEO Vs Bad SEO: How to Find the Difference

Distinguishing between good and bad SEO is crucial for businesses investing in their online presence. Here are some factors to consider when looking for an SEO provider;

• Transparency: Good SEO providers share their strategies and report regularly on progress.
• Sustainable Strategies: Effective SEO involves safe, proven tactics that contribute to long-term success.
• Customisation: Reputable SEOs tailor their approach to meet individual client needs.

Invest in Your SEO in the Long Run

Investing in SEO is a long-term commitment that requires patience, investment, and continuous adaptation. Quality SEO helps build your brand’s credibility and supports sustained online growth, making it a worthwhile investment for any business looking to thrive online.

5 Key Takeaways & Stats Related to SEO Cost in Australia

1. SEO Budgeting: Average monthly spending on SEO services ranges from AUD 2,000 for small businesses to over AUD 5,000 for larger enterprises.
2. Effective Investment: Businesses that invest in comprehensive SEO strategies tend to see higher long-term returns.
3. Hourly Rates: SEO professionals may charge around AUD 200 per hour, reflecting the value of their expertise.
4. Long-Term Value: Quality SEO strategies pay off over time, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
5. Market Trends: The SEO industry in Australia continues to grow, with increasing emphasis on quality content and holistic marketing strategies.

Get in Touch with Australian Internet Advertisement

Are you looking for an SEO agency in Australia? Get in touch with Australian Internet Advertising today. Our tailored SEO packages ensure that your business receives the focused attention and expertise it needs to excel online. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss how we can assist in elevating your SEO strategy and help you reach your digital marketing goals.

EOFY SEO Boost Offer From AIA

Get your business ready for the 2024/2025 financial year in the best organic position it has ever been!

AIA is offering a once off SEO Boost package, which includes full site audit, metadata updates, content changes, Schema Markup upgrades, and technical improvements to shift your website to the next level in SERPS. This 25 hour package normally costs $4500+GST but if you sign up before the 30th of June, we’re slashing the price by a MASSIVE 33% to $3000+GST.

Call 1300 304 640 and ask to speak with our SEO Director Rossi to get started!