What does SEO stand for?

SEO—aka Search Engine Optimization—is the art and science of making your website the prom queen of search engines like Google and Bing. It’s about getting your site to show up when people are searching for exactly what you offer—and doing it without paying for ads. SEO brings you qualified traffic, leads, customers, and all the brand street cred you could ask for.

But here’s the kicker: SEO isn’t some cookie-cutter solution you can just slap on your business. Oh no. The price tag on SEO can swing wildly depending on a whole bunch of things—like the kind of SEO work you need, the size and scope of your project, how cutthroat your industry is, and just how sharp your SEO team is.

Which is exactly why we’ve whipped up this no-nonsense, up-to-date guide on SEO pricing for 2024. It’s packed with all the latest data and trends, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you dive in.

Average Cost For A Small-Medium SEO Contract

Average Price

$400 – $1,500 per month

If you’re running a small-to-medium biz with 1 to 3 locations and you’re looking to lock in solid SEO without bleeding cash, expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $1,500 per month with a Canadian based SEO agency. This sweet spot covers everything you need to get seen in an average competitive landscape—think keyword research, on-page tweaks, local SEO magic, and a bit of link-building juice.

It’s not the “luxury yacht” of SEO packages, but it’s definitely more than a rowboat. You’ll be cruising at a steady speed, getting solid results without needing to remortgage your office. Perfect for businesses that don’t want to just survive online, but actually make some noise—and attract customers—without dropping a small fortune.

Here are Startemup we work with clients with different needs and budgets. If you work like to learn more about our SEO services click here

In this guide, we will cover the following topics:

Pricing Models How do SEO agencies bill you for their magic tricks? Some charge you like clockwork, month-to-month. Others hit you with project-based fees, or even by the hour. Each has its perks and downsides—like, do you want predictability, flexibility, or just one big shot of SEO juice?

Costs by Industry Not all industries are created equal when it comes to SEO pricing. E-commerce? Buckle up—you’re playing in the big leagues. Healthcare and education? You might score a better deal. Different sectors come with different levels of competition, and that affects how deep you’ll need to dig into your pockets.

Costs by Service Wanna know what you’re paying for? Here’s the breakdown: things like consulting, keyword research, technical audits, content creation, and link building all come with their own price tags. Some services are light on the wallet; others can get a little spendy. But hey, quality over quantity, right?

By the end of this guide, you will not only have a better understanding of how much SEO should cost, but also how to choose the best SEO pricing for your business goals and budget.

Breakdown Of SEO Cost’s In Canada

SEO Pricing Models

There are three main SEO pricing models that SEO agencies use to charge for their services: monthly retainer, project-based, and hourly. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best one for your business depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a comparison of the three SEO pricing models:

1. Monthly Retainer

A monthly retainer is a fixed fee that you pay to an SEO agency every month for a set of agreed-upon SEO services. This is the most common and preferred SEO pricing model, as it provides a long-term and consistent relationship between the client and the agency, and allows for a more strategic and comprehensive approach to SEO. The reason this works so well for brands is that SEO is a longterm marketing tactic that requires diligent work over time to dominate competitive rankings.

The pros of a monthly retainer are:

• You get a dedicated SEO team that works on your website on a regular basis, and can adjust and optimize the SEO strategy as needed
• You get a clear and transparent report of the SEO activities and results every month, and can measure the return on investment (ROI) of your SEO campaign
• You get a more competitive and affordable SEO pricing, as you can benefit from discounts and economies of scale

The cons of a monthly retainer are:

• Some agencies do charge 3-6 month agreements. However this is not the case everytime! Make sure to ask your agency if they are month to month.
• You need to have a clear and realistic SEO goal and budget, and trust the SEO agency to deliver the expected results
• You may not have full control over the SEO tasks and priorities, as the SEO agency may have other clients and projects to manage

The average monthly retainer for SEO services in 2024 is $2,500 to $5,000, according to Clutch.co. However, the actual price can range from $500 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size and scope of the SEO project, the competitiveness of the industry, and the quality and experience of the SEO agency.

Project-Based

A project-based SEO pricing model is a one-time fee that you pay to an SEO agency for a specific SEO project or task, such as a website audit, a keyword research, a content creation, a link building, etc. This is a less common and less preferred SEO pricing model, as it provides a short-term and limited relationship between the client and the agency, and does not allow for a holistic and integrated approach to SEO. However, if you are very SEO savvy and manage the majority of the strategy this model could work for you. Getting an external SEO audit can show you the holes in your current strategy and suggest opportunities to capture more of your market.

The pros of a project-based SEO pricing model are:

• You get a customized and tailored SEO service that meets your specific needs and objectives
• You get a clear and upfront SEO pricing, and pay only for what you need and want
• You can boost your own SEO strategy with external experts in the industry
• You get a more flexible and independent SEO arrangement, as you can choose the SEO agency and the SEO project that you want, and end the relationship anytime

The cons of a project-based SEO pricing model are:

• You may not get a consistent and continuous SEO support and maintenance, as the SEO agency may not be available or interested in working on your website after the project is completed
• You may not get a comprehensive and effective SEO strategy, as the SEO project may not cover all the aspects and factors of SEO, and may not align with your overall business goals and vision
• You may not get a reliable and accurate SEO report and analysis, as the SEO agency may not have access to your website data and performance, and may not be able to measure the impact and ROI of the SEO project

The average project-based SEO pricing in 2024 is $5,000 to $10,000, according to Clutch.co. However, the actual price can range from $1,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the type and complexity of the SEO project, the competitiveness of the industry, and the quality and experience of the SEO agency.

Hourly

An hourly SEO pricing model is a variable fee that you pay to an SEO agency or a consultant for every hour of SEO work that they do for your website. This is the least common and least preferred SEO pricing model, as it provides a sporadic and uncertain relationship between the client and the agency, and does not allow for a strategic and long-term approach to SEO. The largest risk with this style of project is

The pros of an hourly SEO pricing model are:

• You get a flexible and transparent SEO service that you can use as needed and as desired
• You get a direct and personal SEO communication and collaboration, as you can interact and work with the SEO agency or consultant on a regular basis
• You get a more accountable and responsible SEO pricing, as you can track and verify the SEO hours and tasks that the SEO agency or consultant does for your website

The cons of an hourly SEO pricing model are:

• You may not get a stable and consistent SEO quality and results, as the SEO agency or consultant may have different rates, skills, and availability
• You may not get a clear and predictable SEO budget and outcome, as the SEO hours and tasks may vary depending on the SEO needs and challenges of your website
• You may not get a comprehensive and integrated SEO solution, as the SEO agency or consultant may not have a complete and holistic view and understanding of your website and your business goals

The average hourly SEO pricing in 2024 is $100 to $200, according to Clutch.co. However, the actual price can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the level and expertise of the SEO agency or consultant, the competitiveness of the industry, and the quality and experience of the SEO agency or consultant.

How to Choose the Best SEO Pricing Model for Your Business

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to SEO pricing. Why? Because it’s not some cookie-cutter deal – it’s all about what you need, what you want, and what you’re ready to spend. So how do you know what to aim for with your pricing model? Well we have written out the top considerations to keep top of mind when you choose your SEO agency.

1. What’s Your SEO Game Plan and Budget?
   • Ask yourself: What’s the end goal here? World domination on Google? Or maybe just edging out your competitors? Either way, you’ve got to be real about what you want—and how much cash you’re ready to invest in getting there.
2. How Much SEO Do You Actually Need?
   • Are you looking for the full bells and whistles—everything from keyword strategy to technical fixes—or just one-off tweaks? And is this a quick-fix or a long-term play? Nail this down before you even think about pricing models.
3. What’s Your Style?
   • Do you like predictable, fixed rates or are you cool with flexible pricing that adjusts to your needs? Want an SEO team in your back pocket every month or only when things break? And do you lean more toward big-picture strategy or in-the-trenches tactics?

Once you’ve got your answers, the right SEO pricing model should be glaringly obvious. If you’re in for the long haul, a monthly retainer is usually your best bet—think of it as your “always-on” solution that tackles your SEO needs with consistency and depth. Just make sure that when you go with an agency that they are going through the numbers every day and aiming to improve your bottom line for the business.

If your needs are more one-and-done or hyper-specific, project-based or hourly pricing can still get the job done without committing to the SEO equivalent of a gym membership.

SEO Costs by Service

SEO is not a single or a simple service, but a complex and multifaceted process that involves many different tasks and activities, such as consulting, keyword research, technical audits, content creation, link building, etc. Each SEO task has its own cost and value, and the total SEO cost depends on the combination and the quantity of the SEO tasks that you need and want for your website.

Average Hourly Cost For SEO By Service

Here is a table that shows the average SEO costs by service in 2024, based on the data from Clutch.co. All prices have been converted to Canadian dollar.

Service	Description	Average Hourly Cost
Link Building	Think of it as digital networking. An SEO agency will reach out to other websites and businesses to snag high-quality backlinks for your site. The better your backlink profile (quality + quantity), the better you’ll rank on Google. You want your backlinks to be relevant, provide value, and give useful information to the end user. Pro Tip: Avoid paying for mass backlinks for cheap! These are always on low quality spam sites and will actually hurt your SEO efforts.	$35–$66
Local SEO	Trying to dominate your neighborhood search results? Local SEO makes sure your business pops up when people nearby are searching. Perfect for lawyers, dentists, accountants—basically anyone with a brick-and-mortar. The heart of your local SEO will be in your Google Business profile and citations relevant to your industry.	$135–$200
Multilingual SEO	Want your site to speak multiple languages? Multilingual SEO optimizes your content for international audiences. From picking the right markets to adding hreflang tags, an SEO agency has you covered.	$35–$66
On-Page (On-Site) SEO	This is the nitty-gritty stuff on your site, and most importantly this is also the single largest factor for what keywords your site ranks for. Keywords, title tags, content—it’s all about making sure your website’s front-end is dressed to impress for search engines.	$35–$66
Technical SEO	Behind-the-scenes magic! Technical SEO tackles the backend of your site—speed, structure, and all the nerdy stuff that makes it run smoothly and rank higher.	$35–$66
SEO Content Creation	Want content that ranks and makes your audience love you? An SEO agency teams up with your marketing crew to whip up high-value, high-ranking content that boosts your visibility.	$135–$200
SEO Mobile Optimization	Everyone’s glued to their phones, so your site better look good on mobile! This is actually a massive ranking factor on most search engines for over the last 10 years. SEO agencies make sure your website is mobile-friendly, using all the classic SEO tricks with a mobile twist.	$35–$66

SEO Cost Breakdown By Industry

SEO pricing isn’t a one-size-fits-all game—different industries come with different levels of competition, which means different price tags. If you’re in a highly competitive space like finance or insurance, expect to fork out more for SEO. Why? Because the stakes are higher, and it takes a more aggressive strategy to rise above the noise and snag those top spots on Google.

On the flip side, industries like healthcare or education don’t usually face the same cutthroat competition, so you can get away with a smaller SEO budget and still make waves.

Now, there are two key things that’ll affect how much you pay:

1. The number of competitors in your industry: More competition = higher SEO costs. Simple as that.
2. Your target location: Selling locally or going global? Geographic scope plays a major role in determining SEO pricing.

For example, if you’re an injury lawyer, you’re looking at a whopping $150-$200 per click. Why? Because that space is hyper-competitive. You’re not just playing to win—you’re playing to survive.

Top 25 most expensive keywords in Google Search

Keyword	Cost-Per-Click (USD)
motorcycle injury lawyer	200
motorcycle injury attorney	190
personal injury attorneys las vegas	180
spinal cord injury attorney	170
birth injury attorney	160
spinal cord injury lawyer	160
personal injury lawyer dallas	150
car injury attorney	140
motorcycle accident injury attorney	130
catastrophic injury lawyer	120
birth injury lawyer	110
workplace injury attorney	100
personal injury lawyers dallas	100
personal injury lawyer in las vegas	100
motorcycle injury attorneys	100
head injury lawyer	100
car accident lawyers in charlotte nc	100
personal injury attorneys	100
dallas personal injury lawyer	100
traumatic brain injury attorney	90
brain injury attorney	80
auto injury attorney	70
serious injury attorney	60
personal injury lawyer	50
las vegas personal injury lawyer	40

Essential Question To Ask Your SEO Agency Before Hiring Them

1. What previous experience does your agency have in SEO?
2. Do you have any past experience with SEO in my industry?
3. What tools and analytics do you use to track and measure the success of SEO campaigns, and how often will you provide reports on our website’s performance?
4. Do I have a dedicated account manager/ team?
5. What is your strategy for dealing with SEO challenges, such as penalties from search engines, and how will you work to recover and maintain our website’s rankings?
6. What’s your pricing model?
7. What’s the contract time commitment (if applicable)?
8. What are your termination terms?