HOW MUCH DOES SEO COST?

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Ecommerce SEO Services and have developed comprehensive guidance on How Much Does SEO Cost?.

One of the most common questions businesses ask is “How much does SEO cost?” The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your website, the competitiveness of your industry, and the level of service you need. SEO is not a one-size-fits-all investment—it’s a long-term strategy designed to deliver sustainable growth. This article explains how SEO pricing works in the UK, what affects the cost, and what businesses should expect when budgeting for effective search optimisation.

Why SEO pricing varies

SEO costs can vary widely because no two businesses are the same. A small local shop targeting a single town will need a very different strategy from an ecommerce brand selling nationally or internationally.

The price depends on the amount of work required to achieve meaningful results. Some websites need technical fixes and local optimisation, while others require full-scale content creation, link building, and competitor analysis. The more complex and competitive your market, the more time and expertise are needed.

Average SEO costs in the UK

In the UK, SEO services typically range from:

  • £300 to £800 per month for small businesses or local SEO

  • £800 to £2,000 per month for national or multi-location SEO campaigns

  • £2,000 to £5,000+ per month for large ecommerce websites or competitive industries

Some agencies also offer one-off SEO audits or project-based pricing, which can cost between £500 and £2,500, depending on the scope of work.

Freelancers may charge less than agencies, but established SEO firms often deliver more comprehensive strategies, analytics, and long-term support.

What affects the cost of SEO

Several factors influence how much you will pay for SEO.

1. The size and complexity of your website
A small five-page website requires far less work than a large ecommerce site with hundreds or thousands of product pages. Each page needs optimising for keywords, metadata, and technical health, which affects overall cost.

2. Competition in your industry
Highly competitive sectors, such as legal services, real estate, and finance, require more time and content to achieve strong rankings. The same applies to ecommerce industries like fashion, health, or technology, where major brands dominate search results.

3. Your goals and target area
If you want to attract local clients, local SEO focuses on optimising your Google Business Profile and local directories. National or international SEO campaigns involve more extensive keyword targeting, link building, and content strategy, increasing the cost.

4. The current condition of your website
Websites with technical issues, poor content, or no existing optimisation need more upfront work. A well-maintained site will cost less to optimise than one requiring a complete rebuild.

5. The level of service provided
Basic SEO services may include keyword research, on-page optimisation, and technical fixes. More advanced packages include content marketing, link building, conversion optimisation, and regular performance reporting.

Types of SEO pricing models

SEO agencies and freelancers use several different pricing models. Understanding these helps you choose the right approach for your business.

Monthly retainer
Most SEO services operate on a monthly retainer basis. This allows continuous optimisation, reporting, and content updates over time. SEO is an ongoing process, and this model ensures consistent progress.

Project-based pricing
Some businesses hire an agency for a specific task, such as a website audit, migration, or local SEO setup. These one-off projects have fixed costs but may not include long-term optimisation.

Hourly rate
For ad-hoc work, freelancers and consultants often charge hourly rates ranging from £50 to £150. This can be suitable for small businesses needing occasional SEO support.

Performance-based SEO
Some agencies offer performance-based pricing, where payment depends on results such as ranking improvements or traffic increases. However, this model is less common because SEO outcomes can’t be guaranteed.

What you get for your investment

An effective SEO campaign includes a combination of technical, on-page, and off-page strategies. Typical deliverables include:

  • Technical website audits and performance improvements

  • Keyword research and competitor analysis

  • Content optimisation and creation

  • Link building and outreach

  • Local SEO and citation management

  • Analytics and monthly progress reports

The goal is not only to increase rankings but also to attract visitors who convert into paying customers. Quality SEO delivers compounding returns, making it one of the most cost-effective marketing investments over time.

Why cheap SEO can be risky

Low-cost SEO services may seem appealing, but they often cut corners or use outdated techniques that can harm your website’s performance. Cheap providers may rely on automated link building, duplicate content, or keyword stuffing, which can lead to Google penalties and a loss of trust.

Professional SEO requires expertise, time, and ethical strategies. Paying slightly more for quality ensures lasting results and protects your site’s reputation.

The long-term value of SEO

Unlike paid advertising, which stops generating leads the moment you stop paying, SEO continues to deliver traffic long after the work is completed. A well-optimised website builds authority and can maintain strong rankings for months or years with only minor maintenance.

This compounding effect makes SEO more cost-efficient in the long run. Once you establish organic visibility, you can reduce reliance on expensive ad campaigns and enjoy steady growth.

How to choose the right SEO provider

When choosing an SEO partner, transparency and communication are key. Look for agencies or consultants who:

  • Provide clear explanations of their methods

  • Offer realistic timelines rather than instant results

  • Send regular reports showing measurable progress

  • Have proven experience in your industry

Avoid anyone promising guaranteed rankings or overnight success, as SEO requires consistent effort and adherence to best practices.

How Lillian Purge helps businesses maximise SEO investment

At Lillian Purge, we provide tailored SEO strategies designed to deliver sustainable growth for ecommerce and service-based businesses. Our approach focuses on data-driven insights, ethical optimisation, and measurable performance improvements.

We work with you to identify the most profitable keywords, fix technical issues, and build an SEO framework that grows with your business. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, our transparent pricing ensures you know exactly what you’re investing in and what results to expect.

We have also written in depth articles on How Does SEO Work? and How to Boost Website Ranking in Google as well as our SEO Hub to give you further guidance.