SEO Agency Cost Estimator
Estimate monthly SEO agency retainers based on your business size, industry competition, and service needs.
Estimated Monthly Retainer
Annual investment: $23,400
49
Hours/Month
$40
Effective Rate
10%
Contract Savings
Professional Package
Full on-page, content, link building
Industry Benchmark
Average SEO agency retainers range from $1,500-$5,000/month for small businesses, $3,000-$10,000 for mid-size, and $10,000-$50,000+ for enterprise. Results typically take 4-6 months to materialize.
How to Use This Calculator
This calculator estimates SEO agency costs based on industry benchmarks and your specific requirements.
Select your business size and industry to establish baseline pricing. More competitive industries like finance or legal require more intensive work.
Choose your desired service level and the specific SEO services you need. The calculator factors in keyword targets and contract length to provide an accurate monthly retainer estimate.
Results show a price range to account for geographic and agency-specific variations, plus effective hourly rates for comparison shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SEO cost per month in 2025?
SEO services typically cost $1,500-$5,000/month for small businesses, $3,000-$10,000 for mid-size companies, and $10,000-$50,000+ for enterprise. The wide range reflects differences in competition, scope, and agency expertise.
Is it worth paying for an SEO agency?
For most businesses, yes. SEO typically delivers 5-12x ROI over 12-24 months. Agencies bring expertise, tools, and resources that would cost significantly more to build in-house. The key is choosing an agency aligned with your goals and budget.
How long until I see SEO results?
Most businesses see initial improvements in 3-4 months, with significant results in 6-12 months. Highly competitive industries may take 12-18 months. SEO is a long-term investment that compounds over time.
What should be included in SEO services?
Core services include technical audits, on-page optimization, content strategy, link building, and analytics reporting. Premium packages add local SEO, conversion optimization, and dedicated account management.
Should I choose monthly retainer or project-based SEO?
Monthly retainers work best for ongoing optimization and competitive industries. Project-based works for specific needs like site migrations or audits. Most businesses benefit from retainer arrangements for consistent progress.
Why do SEO prices vary so much between agencies?
Pricing varies based on agency size, expertise, location, tools used, and service depth. Cheaper agencies often use templates and offshore work, while premium agencies provide custom strategies and senior talent.
What is a reasonable SEO budget for a small business?
Small businesses should budget $1,500-$3,000/month minimum for effective SEO. This covers essential services without cutting corners. Budgets under $1,000/month rarely deliver meaningful results against competition.
Why Use This Calculator
- Compare pricing across service levels from basic to enterprise
- Adjust for industry-specific competition and complexity
- Calculate effective hourly rates and annual investment
- Factor in contract length discounts
- Understand scope of services included at each tier
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"We use these calculators in every client pitch. They make it easy to set realistic expectations and prove projected ROI."
Account Director, Digital Agency