How Much do SEO Companies Cost?

Knowing how much SEO companies cost is extremely important prior to selecting an organization to manage your internet marketing campaign. Often, business owners want to increase their online presence and do so quickly. It is apparent especially for small businesses that in order to increase your visibility, build your reputation, and drive leads, operating a successful website is a must. My friends over at SEOmoz recently put out the results of their survey that attempts to answer the very question regarding what SEO companies are charging. Before you make a decision - take a look at the survey results!

The survey reached out out to SEO companies in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Australia and New Zealand. While some of the survey results surprised me, others did not. Let's take a deeper look in to the numbers.

In What Countries do SEO Companies Charge the Most?

Interestingly enough, it appears that the greatest percentage of SEO companies that charge between $76-200 are located in Australia and New Zealand. The United Kingdom appears to have the second largest percentage of SEO companies charging their customers within that range. I was somewhat surprised to learn about the organizations in Australia and New Zealand, although to be honest, before reading the SEOmoz post I had no prior knowledge as to the pricing models that had been established there. Apparently, if you are looking for SEO in the Down Under, you have to reach further down in your pockets. 

In What Countries do SEO Companies Charge the Least?

There is no surprise here. SEO companies in India are charging their customers the least. The greatest percentage of organizations located in India that responded to the survey are charging less than $25 per hour! While I was expecting SEO services to be the cheapest in India, the price range in comparison to the remaining countries is striking. It is no wonder that many small businesses operating on strict budgets turn to India-based companies to manage their online marketing. Although, it should be noted, going overseas for your SEO, while it may have its fiscal benefits, certainly has its downfalls as well. For example, you can't expect the same level of customer service as you could from a local company. 

So What Should I Pay for SEO?

If you are looking for SEO services in the United States, you should be seeking out a company that charges between $100-$200 per hour. Ultimately, you have to look at a number of additional factors to determine whether or not their rate is appropriate. For example, how long has the company been in business? How many people do they have on staff? What link building strategies do they use? Are the transparent as to how they operate? And finally, are they working with other businesses that are trying to rank for the same keywords (that wouldn't be good!). Make sure you do your homework and research every company that you are looking in to. And don't be afraid to ask the hard questions!