Search engine optimization (SEO) has become a must-have for any digital marketing strategy.
As more businesses realize how crucial it is to maintain a strong online presence, the demand for effective SEO services has skyrocketed.
But here’s the thing—not every business has the in-house expertise or resources to handle SEO on their own. That’s where outsourcing comes in.
Outsourcing your SEO can give you access to expert knowledge, save you a ton of time, and even be more cost-effective. But the big question is, how much does SEO outsourcing cost in 2024?
In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence SEO outsourcing costs, explore different pricing models, and share tips on how to get the best bang for your buck.
Let’s jump in!
Why You Should Adopt SEO Outsourcing
There are several reasons to hire an expert SEO outsourcing team. Among them, we have sorted out some of the real reasons why a business should work with an SEO outsourcing team.
- Expertise: Get access to specialists who live and breathe SEO trends and best practices.
- Cost-effective: It’s often cheaper than hiring a full-time, in-house SEO team.
- Scalability: Easily adjust your SEO efforts based on your business needs.
- Time-saving: Free up your internal team to focus on what they do best.
SEO outsourcing types and their main responsibilities!
When outsourcing SEO, it’s important to understand the different types of SEO services and what each one involves:
- On-Page SEO: Optimizing website content, meta tags, headers, and images.
- Off-Page SEO: Crafting link-building strategies and promoting your content on social media.
- Technical SEO: Handling website structure, mobile-friendliness, and site speed.
- Content Creation: Producing blog posts, articles, and other content to support your SEO strategy.
- Content Creation: Producing blog posts, articles, and other content to support your SEO strategy.
A short comparison between in-house SEO vs. outsourced SEO
When it comes to SEO, businesses often find themselves debating whether to keep it in-house or to outsource.
Both options have their advantages and cons, so let’s break it down for better understanding:
Cost: In-house SEO can come with hefty fixed costs—salaries, benefits, training, you name it. Outsourcing, however, offers more flexibility, with costs that can be adjusted based on your needs.
Expertise: Outsourcing gives you access to a team of experts with deep SEO knowledge. In-house teams are great, but their expertise might be limited depending on your team’s size and experience.
Control: Want full control over your SEO strategy? In-house is the way to go. But if you’re looking for fresh ideas and innovative approaches, outsourcing can bring in perspectives that your internal team might be missing. Compare the cost and benefits of in-house vs. outsourced SEO services to help you make the best decision for your business.
Factors Influencing SEO Outsourcing Costs
Outsourcing SEO services can be a smart move, but costs can vary widely depending on several key factors. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions and budget effectively.
Suppose, you want to run a big SEO campaigns that include on-page, off-page, technical SEO, and content creation. Generally, you will need to spend more than basic optimization services.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Various SEO services demands
The type and scope of SEO services you need will significantly impact costs. For example:
- Comprehensive Campaigns: If you’re planning a large-scale SEO campaign that includes on-page, off-page, technical SEO, and content creation, expect higher costs compared to basic optimization services.
- Specialized Services: Services like local SEO, e-commerce SEO, or international SEO can also influence pricing, as they often require more tailored approaches and expertise. Check out the detailed rates of local SEO services to plan your budget effectively.
2. SEO pricing models with different working perks
Different pricing models can affect your budget in various ways:
- Hourly rates: Perfect for short-term or specific tasks. Rates can range from $50 to $250 per hour, depending on the provider’s expertise and location.
- Monthly rates: Common for ongoing SEO management. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 per month, depending on the project’s complexity and scope.
- Project-based rates: Ideal for one-time projects like website audits or strategy development. Costs here can vary from $1,000 to $30,000, based on the project’s size and complexity.
- Performance-based rates: Payment is tied to specific outcomes, such as ranking improvements or traffic increases. While this model can be appealing, it often comes with higher risks and potential costs.
3. Experience and expertise
The level of experience and expertise of the SEO provider is a significant cost driver. Established agencies with a proven track record and specialized knowledge typically charge higher fees, but this often correlates with better outcomes and higher ROI.
Conversely, less experienced providers may offer lower rates, but they might not deliver the same level of results as seasoned professionals.
4. Geographic location differences
Another factor to consider is the geographic location of your SEO provider, which can significantly impact costs. Agencies based in North America or Western Europe generally charge more, reflecting the higher operating costs in these regions.
For example, a U.S.-based SEO consultant might charge $200 per hour. On the other hand, providers in regions like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe may offer more affordable rates, but it’s essential to ensure that these lower-cost providers still have the necessary expertise to meet your needs.
5. Friendly budget with expectation
For businesses on a tight budget, finding affordable SEO outsourcing options is essential.
This might involve working with freelancers or smaller agencies, negotiating favorable terms, or adopting a phased approach where services are gradually added over time.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between cost savings and quality. While it may be tempting to choose the lowest-priced option, ensuring that the provider can deliver effective results is crucial to avoid wasting resources on subpar services.
So the bottom line is SEO outsourcing costs depend on the services you need, the provider’s expertise, and location—so balance your budget with the quality you expect.
SEO Outsourcing Pricing Model Breakdown in Details
When you’re looking to outsource SEO (Search Engine Optimization), it’s important to understand the various pricing models. Each model comes with its own set of responsibilities, pros, and cons.
Let’s dive into the different ways you can be charged for SEO services and what you can expect from each.
Hourly rate charge and responsibilities
Hourly Rate Charge is where you pay an SEO professional for each hour they work on your project. The rates typically range from $75 to $150 per hour. This model is straightforward and allows for flexibility in how much time is dedicated to your SEO needs.
Usually, they submit their daily reports of the tasks. Like what they did, what they completed, mention any special tasks, etc. Best for those with short-term projects or specific tasks that don’t require a long-term commitment.
Monthly rate charge and responsibilities
The monthly Rate Charge involves paying a fixed fee every month for ongoing SEO services. This rate can range from $500 to $5,000 per month, depending on the level of service.
They provide continuous services such as keyword research, content optimization, link building, and monthly reporting. The businesses that need consistent SEO efforts and a strategic approach over time are good for them.
This bar graph shows the cost for different monthly SEO packages ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Project-based charge and responsibilities
A project-Based Charge is a one-time fee for a specific SEO project, such as a website audit or full SEO overhaul. Costs typically range from $1,000 to $30,000 based on the project’s scope.
They deliver the project within the agreed timeline, covering all specified tasks and objectives. It’s ideal for companies looking to address particular issues or optimize certain aspects of their site.
The graph shows the costs associated with different types of SEO projects, such as a site audit, full SEO overhaul, and ongoing campaigns.
Performance-based charge and responsibilities
Performance-Based Charge ties payment to the results achieved, such as an increase in rankings, traffic, or revenue. The fee is usually a percentage of the revenue generated, ranging from 15% to 30%.
Focuses on meeting or exceeding the agreed-upon performance metrics, such as traffic growth or conversion rates. Best for companies that are confident in their revenue potential and want to align costs with actual outcomes.
It illustrates how the cost as a percentage of revenue changes based on different levels of performance improvement.
Fixed-rate charge and responsibilities
Fixed-Rate Charge is a set amount paid for a predefined package of SEO services. Rates typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the package.
They deliver all services outlined in the package, without any additional charges unless extra work is requested. Perfect for companies that know exactly what they need and want a straightforward, no-surprises pricing structure.
This bar graph compares fixed-rate packages for different levels of service, from small business to corporate.
Revenue sharing charge and responsibilities
Revenue Sharing Charge involves the SEO provider taking a percentage of the revenue generated through their efforts. This can range from 20% to 40% of the generated revenue, depending on the agreement.
Drives traffic, conversions, and revenue, aligning their success with your business growth. Best for companies expecting significant growth from SEO efforts and willing to share a portion of that success.
This bar graph shows how revenue-sharing costs scale with the revenue generated, ranging from $10,000 to $60,000.
A detailed comparison table to get an overview at a glance.
| Pricing Model | Description | Typical Cost Range | Best Suited For |
| Hourly Rate | Agencies charge per hour of work done. | $75 – $250 per hour | Short-term projects or ongoing consultation |
| Monthly Rate | A fixed monthly fee for a set range of services, usually ongoing. | $500 – $5,000+ per month | Businesses looking for continuous SEO efforts |
| Project-based | A one-time fee for a specific SEO project. | $1,000 – $30,000+ per project | Businesses needing specific SEO tasks completed |
| Performance-Based | Charges based on the results achieved (e.g., ranking improvements, traffic gains). | Typically a percentage of the improvement value | Risk-tolerant businesses focused on results |
| Fixed Price Package | Set price for predefined services | $500 – $20,000+ depending on the package | Small to medium businesses with specific needs |
| Revenue Sharing | Agencies take a percentage of the revenue generated from SEO efforts. | Varies; typically 15-30% of revenue growth | E-commerce or high-margin businesses |
What are Some Hidden Costs of SEO Outsourcing
While the upfront costs of outsourcing SEO services are important, businesses should also be aware of potential hidden costs that can impact the overall budget.
Communication challenges
Outsourcing SEO services often involves working with providers in different time zones or countries. This can lead to communication challenges, including delays in responses, language barriers, and difficulties in coordinating efforts.
These issues can result in additional time and costs to manage the relationship effectively.
Quality assurance
Ensuring the quality of outsourced SEO work is critical. Poor-quality work can lead to penalties from search engines, loss of rankings, and the need for costly rework.
Businesses should establish clear quality standards, conduct regular audits, and maintain open lines of communication with their SEO provider to avoid these hidden costs.
Scalability
As businesses grow, their SEO needs may evolve. Scaling up SEO efforts can involve additional costs, such as hiring more resources, expanding the scope of services, or investing in new tools and technologies.
It’s important to consider these potential costs when planning an SEO outsourcing strategy.
How You Can Maximize ROI from SEO Outsourcing
To get the most value from SEO, businesses can outsource SEO to specialized providers who use data-driven strategies to improve rankings and traffic.
Setting clear goals
Before outsourcing SEO services, businesses should define clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). This might include specific ranking targets, traffic increases, or conversion rate improvements.
Having clear goals in place helps to measure the success of the SEO efforts and ensures alignment between the business and the SEO provider.
Continuous Optimization: SEO is an ongoing process, and continuous optimization is essential for maintaining and improving search engine rankings.
This may involve regular content updates, technical adjustments, and refining link-building strategies.
Businesses should work closely with their SEO provider to ensure that their strategy evolves in response to changes in search engine algorithms and market conditions.
Tracking and Analyzing Performance: Regular reporting and analysis are key to understanding the effectiveness of SEO efforts.
Businesses should request detailed reports from their SEO provider that include metrics such as keyword rankings, organic traffic, bounce rates, and conversion rates.
Analyzing this data allows businesses to make informed decisions and adjust their strategy as needed.
Some examples of SEO Outsourcing Experiences
To provide a more practical perspective on SEO outsourcing costs, let’s look at a few real-world examples of businesses that have successfully outsourced their SEO efforts.
Example 1
Suppose, an e-commerce company wanted to improve its search engine rankings and drive more organic traffic to its website. The company outsourced its SEO to a reputable agency focusing on e-commerce SEO.
The agency implemented a compiled strategy that included on-page optimization, technical SEO, and content creation.
The company opted for a monthly retainer model, paying $3,500 monthly. Within six months, the company saw a 50% increase in organic traffic and a 30% increase in online sales.
That way, we can say the decision to work with an outsourced SEO team was successful for the company.
Example 2
A local service provider wants to improve its visibility in local search results. The company hired a freelancer with expertise in local SEO.
The freelancer worked on optimizing the company’s Google My Business profile, building local citations, and creating location-specific content. The company paid the freelancer an hourly rate of $100.
And that results in a total cost of $2,000 throughout the project.
In the end, the business noticed a significant increase in local search visibility, with a 40% increase in phone inquiries within three months.
Example 3
A tech startup aimed to establish its brand online and compete with established players in the industry.
The company decided to outsource its SEO to an agency that specialized in tech startups. The agency developed a tailored SEO strategy that included technical SEO, content marketing, and link building.
The startup opted for a project-based pricing model, paying $20,000 for a six-month campaign. The results included a 70% increase in organic traffic and a 25% increase in lead generation.
Example 4
Imagine a startup tech company wanting to level up its website’s content management game. They decide to bring in a content marketing agency to make it happen.
The agency’s main tasks?
- Do a thorough site audit
- Analyze competitors
- Dig up keywords from the competition
- Identify the “money” keywords
- Create a one-year content plan
- Organize content topics by the funnel (ToFU, MoFU, BoFU)
- Start writing content from the top of the funnel down
For this, they hired the agency every month at $700-800 a month. By the end of the year, the results spoke for themselves. They saw a solid 45% boost in clicks and impressions on their targeted keywords, and overall, the reach was pretty impressive.
These examples highlight the varying costs and outcomes of SEO outsourcing, depending on the business’s needs, goals, and the chosen pricing model.
Wrapping Up
Outsourcing your SEO can be a cost-effective way to boost your online presence and drive organic traffic.
But remember, SEO outsourcing costs in 2024 can vary based on factors like the scope of services, the provider’s expertise, and the pricing model you choose.
By understanding these factors and selecting your SEO provider carefully, you can maximize your ROI and hit your digital marketing goals.
Whether you opt for hourly rates, monthly retainers, or project-based fees, clear communication, quality assurance, and continuous optimization are key to successful SEO outcomes.
With the right approach, you’ll navigate the complexities of SEO outsourcing and set your business up for long-term success in the digital world.