SEO Pricing Breakdown: What is the cost of SEO?

March 10, 2024

SEO Pricing Breakdown: What is the cost of SEO? | AIA Book in a free 30 minute strategy session

Short answer: SEO can cost anywhere from $2000 to $10,000. The cost depends on how big your website is, what kind of work is required, what you want to achieve, and countless other factors. Keep reading to find out what you should be paying for your website’s SEO.

A lot of business owners (and non-business owners) wonder;

  • What does SEO cost?
  • Why it costs what it costs?
  • Can you pay by the hour?
  • Can’t you pay by project?
  • & a thousand other questions.

Read this blog till the end to find out all your answers.

How much does SEO cost?

The cost of SEO can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the scope of work, the competitiveness of your industry, and the expertise of the SEO provider. Generally, SEO services can range from $200 (yes! $200 per hour) to $10,000.

seo cost in australia infographic

What factors determine SEO cost?

Several factors influence the cost of SEO services:

1. Scope of Work:

  • Keyword Research: Identifying relevant keywords for your business.
  • On-page Optimization: Optimizing website content, meta tags, and internal linking structure.
  • Off-page Optimization: Building quality backlinks and improving online reputation.
  • Technical SEO: Enhancing website speed, mobile-friendliness, and site architecture.

2. Competitiveness:

  • Highly competitive industries may require more extensive SEO efforts, affecting the overall cost.

3. Pricing Model:

  • SEO services can be priced by the hour, project, or on a monthly retainer basis.

4. Business Size:

  • Enterprise-level businesses might have more complex SEO needs compared to small or medium-sized businesses, impacting costs accordingly.

Is paying for SEO worth it?

Don’t you think this progress is worth it?

dive newcastle semrush

This is what we did to one of our clients; their website traffic went from 0 to 7,202 visitors per month & their sales went from $8 to $200,000 a month.

Investing in SEO can yield substantial long-term benefits, including increased website traffic, improved search engine rankings, and enhanced brand visibility. While the upfront costs may seem daunting, the return on investment (ROI) from effective SEO strategies can be significant over time.

What kind of business needs SEO?

SEO is essential for businesses of all sizes and industries. Whether you’re a small local business or a multinational corporation, having a strong online presence is crucial in today’s digital age. SEO helps businesses attract targeted traffic, generate leads, and ultimately, increase revenue.

SEO Costs: by Pricing Model

1. SEO Cost by Hour:

  • Some SEO consultants charge an hourly rate for their services, typically ranging from $200 to $300 per hour.

2. SEO Cost by Project:

  • For specific SEO projects like website audits or keyword research, prices can range from $2,500 to $20,000 depending on the complexity.

3. Monthly SEO Retainer:

  • Monthly SEO retainer packages vary widely in price, starting from $2,000 to $10,000 for comprehensive SEO campaigns.

SEO Costs: by Business Size

1. Small Businesses:

  • Small businesses may opt for affordable SEO packages tailored to their needs, typically ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 per month.

2. Medium-Sized Businesses:

  • Medium-sized businesses with higher SEO requirements might invest between $2,500 to $5,000 per month in SEO services.

3. Enterprise-Level Businesses:

  • Enterprises with complex SEO needs and larger budgets may spend upwards of $5,000 per month on comprehensive SEO strategies.

Professional SEO Vs DIY Costs

While some businesses may consider DIY SEO to save costs, professional SEO services often yield better results in the long run. DIY SEO requires significant time, effort, and expertise, and may not deliver the same level of effectiveness as professional services.

We asked one of our clients about his thoughts on DIY SEO as a business owner & this is what he has to say, “SEO analytics tools can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per month, and you would require a budget anywhere between $500 to $1,000 to be able to do your SEO yourself. On top of this comes in time that you should be investing in learning and implementing. I would definitely recommend going with a reliable local agency.”

AIAD’s SEO Costs & how our packages work?

Updated on 10/05/2025

At Australian Internet Advertising (AIAD), we offer a range of SEO packages tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses:

  • SEO Light Speed Pack: Starting from $9999 / Month + GST, this comprehensive package includes up to 60 focus keywords, SEO audit, monthly reporting, onsite and offsite optimization, content creation, and more.
  • SEO Rocket Pack: Starting from $4999 / Month + GST, this package offers up to 25 focus keywords along with essential SEO services.
  • SEO Jet Pack: Starting from $2999 / Month + GST, this package is designed for businesses with moderate SEO needs.
  • SEO Starter Pack: Starting from $1999 / Month + GST, ideal for small businesses aiming to establish their online presence.

Our SEO packages use a credit system, allowing flexibility in allocating resources based on your specific needs and goals. Custom packages are also available upon request.

How to Determine What You Need?

To determine your SEO needs effectively, start by conducting a thorough website audit and defining clear objectives, such as increasing traffic or improving rankings. Consider your budget and consult with professionals like those at Australian Internet Advertising (AIAD) for tailored guidance. When assessing costs, factor in pricing models (hourly, project-based, or monthly retainers), industry competitiveness, and the complexity of your requirements. By aligning your goals with available pricing options, you can confidently invest in SEO services that meet your needs and budget.

Australian Internet Advertising Can Help!

SEO is a long-term investment that requires careful planning and execution. At Australian Internet Advertising, we’re dedicated to helping businesses achieve their SEO goals and drive sustainable growth. If you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level, contact us today to learn more about our SEO services and how we can help you succeed.

Remember, when it comes to SEO, investing in quality services and strategies is key to unlocking your business’s full potential in the digital realm. Don’t hesitate to reach out and start your journey towards SEO success today!

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!

Billy P.

About The Author

William Polson founded Australian Internet Advertising in 2013 and has over 12 years of experience immersed in Digital Marketing.

With an in-depth level of digital marketing knowledge, William has been sort after by and worked for, many large national brands including Subaru, Blooms The Chemist, and Nova 96.9.

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