How Much Should You Charge for SEO Services? Complete Pricing Guide
As an SEO expert with over a decade of experience, I'll break down exactly how to price your SEO services effectively.
The average SEO service rates typically fall into these ranges: - Hourly: $75-$200 - Monthly retainers: $1,000-$5,000 - Per-project: $1,500-$15,000 - SEO audits: $500-$2,500
For beginners just starting their SEO business, I recommend charging: - Hourly rate: $50-$75 - Monthly retainers: $500-$1,000 - Per-project: $750-$2,000 - SEO audits: $250-$500
For experienced SEO professionals (3+ years), consider these rates: - Hourly rate: $100-$150 - Monthly retainers: $2,000-$4,000 - Per-project: $2,500-$10,000 - SEO audits: $1,000-$2,000
Your specific rates should be based on: - Years of experience - Past results and case studies - Local market rates - Target client size - Service complexity - Time investment per client
I recommend starting with slightly lower rates while building your portfolio, then increasing them as you demonstrate results. For instance, begin with a $750 monthly retainer and increase it by $250-$500 every few successful clients.
When packaging your services, consider these common combinations: - Basic SEO: $500-$1,500/month - Keyword research - On-page optimization - Monthly reporting
- Standard SEO: $1,500-$3,000/month
- Everything in Basic
- Content creation
- Link building
- Technical SEO
- Premium SEO: $3,000-$5,000+/month
- Everything in Standard
- Advanced technical SEO
- Competitive analysis
- Strategic planning
Remember to always: - Document your deliverables clearly - Set realistic expectations - Include reporting in your pricing - Review and adjust rates every 6-12 months - Factor in overhead costs - Consider value-based pricing for enterprise clients
By following these guidelines and regularly reviewing market rates, you'll be able to price your SEO services competitively while maintaining profitability. Start conservatively and increase your rates as you build your reputation and expertise.