SEO Fees: How Much Do SEO Services Cost in the UK?

SEO pricing in the UK varies depending on business size, competition, and service scope. Average SEO costs can range significantly based on business size, project scope, and industry specifics.

SEO services cost anywhere between £300 to £20,000+ per month, depending on whether you hire a freelancer, an agency, or build an in-house SEO team.

Factors such as technical SEO, content strategy, backlink, and local SEO influence the final SEO pricing.

Many businesses struggle to determine whether they are overpaying or underinvesting in Digital marketing. This is why we are writing this article to offer you a comprehensive guide on SEO pricing.

This guide breaks down SEO rates in the UK, including SEO fees for different business types, cost of SEO services, and how to choose an SEO provider without overpaying.

We’ll also cover SEO price per month, hidden costs, and budget-friendly ways to get the most out of your SEO investment.

Average SEO Cost in the UK

What affects SEO pricing in the UK?

The cost of search engine optimisation services in the UK depends on multiple factors, such as business size, industry competition, service scope, and SEO providers’ expertise. These elements, including backlink strategies and content marketing, influence SEO charges in the UK, making pricing highly variable.

✔ Business Size & Industry Complexity – Larger businesses and highly regulated industries need more extensive SEO strategies. For example, a local plumber may spend £500 per month on local SEO, while a financial advisory firm competing nationally could need a £5,000 monthly SEO package for technical SEO, high-authority backlinks, and content marketing.

✔ Work Tenure: One-Time vs Ongoing SEO – Businesses choose between one-time SEO audits, monthly SEO plans, or annual contracts. A startup might invest £1,500 in a one-time SEO setup, while an e-commerce business may budget £3,000 per month for continuous SEO growth.

✔ Service Scope – The more comprehensive the SEO strategy, the higher the SEO price per month. For instance, local SEO services (Google My Business optimisation, local keyword targeting) cost £300 – £2,000 per month, whereas enterprise SEO (advanced content marketing, conversion rate optimisation) costs £5,000+ per month.

✔ Competition Level – SEO rates in the UK increase for competitive industries where ranking is harder. A solicitor firm in London may need £5,000+ per month to compete for legal keywords, while a specialist B2B consultancy may only require £1,500 per month.

✔ SEO Agency Expertise & Location – Established agencies charge higher fees based on their reputation and service quality. An experienced fully UK based SEO agency may charge £5,000+ per month, whereas a freelance SEO consultant outside major cities might offer similar services for £1,500 per month (or even lower than that).

SEO Costs Vary by Business Size

The cost of SEO services in the UK depends on the size of a business, its SEO needs, and the level of competition in its industry. The cost of an SEO campaign can vary significantly based on the size of the business and the complexity of its SEO needs.

Small businesses typically invest in local SEO and website optimisation, while large multi-location enterprises require more complex SEO strategies, including structured data and content marketing.

Luxury brands focus on premium link-building and digital PR, whereas e-commerce businesses prioritise product page optimisation, schema markup, and SEO-PPC integration.

Below is a detailed breakdown of SEO pricing based on business size and the services required at each level.

How Do Small Businesses Pay for SEO?

Small business SEO typically costs between £300 to £1,500 per month. Hiring an SEO freelancer can be a cost-effective option for small businesses, with typical pricing models including monthly and hourly rates. SEO needs for the small businesses include: Local SEO, website optimisation, and a small-scale content strategy. The SEO price for the small business may become lower if it is entry-level SEO with Google My Business (GMB) setup, local keyword targeting, and citation building.

Small businesses, such as local accountants, plumbers, and cafés, focus on ranking for location-based keywords and attracting nearby customers. Their SEO strategy includes Google My Business optimisation, review management, and local backlinks to build authority.

As a reference, we charged £750 per month for a local accountant in Cardiff, which includes optimising their GMB profile, improving website loading speed, and securing local directory listings. According to BrightLocal, 78% of local searches lead to an offline purchase, making local SEO essential for small businesses.

How Much Do Large Multi-Location Businesses Pay for SEO?

SEO for large multi-location businesses typically costs between £2,000 – £10,000 per month. The scale of an SEO project for large multi-location businesses often requires extensive planning and resources. Multi-location SEO often need enterprise-level content strategy, and structured data implementation to rank website in different region. We often create city specific & niche specific pages for lead conversion that requires extra effort.

These businesses often manage hundreds of pages across different locations, requiring consistent optimisation to maintain rankings.

How Much Does SEO Cost for Luxury Brands?

Luxury brands SEO normally costs between £5,000 – £20,000+ per month due to high-end branding SEO, premium link-building, influencer collaborations, and PR-driven SEO.

Luxury brands often rely on SEO professionals to implement high-end branding strategies and premium link-building. Luxury brands rely on SEO to build exclusivity and credibility, using high-authority backlinks, PR features, and influencer marketing rather than traditional keyword-based strategies.

SEO Pricing for E-commerce Businesses

Online based retailers for example shopify e-commerce website SEO typically costs £1,500 – £10,000 per month, which includes product page optimisation, structured data/schema markup, content SEO, and PPC integration.

E-commerce businesses often utilize various SEO tools to optimize product pages and implement structured data. E-commerce businesses rely on SEO to drive product sales, focusing on category page optimisation, structured data for rich snippets, and internal linking to improve rankings.

SEO Charges Based on Work Tenure

SEO pricing in the UK depends on whether a business chooses a one-time SEO setup, monthly SEO services, or an annual contract. The cost of SEO campaigns can vary based on their duration and the specific goals they aim to achieve. Each option serves different purposes, from quick website fixes to long-term SEO growth strategies.

✔ One-time SEO costs £500 – £5,000 in the UK – This covers a site audit, technical fixes, and initial optimisation. Businesses that only need meta tag improvements, page speed fixes, structured data implementation, and basic on-page SEO usually opt for this. However, it does not include ongoing content, link building, or monitoring.

✔ Monthly SEO services cost between £300 – £10,000+ – Most businesses prefer ongoing SEO services to maintain rankings and improve organic traffic. Small businesses typically spend £750 – £1,500 per month for local SEO and basic link building, while larger brands may invest £5,000+ to cover content marketing, backlink strategies, and advanced technical SEO.

✔ Annual SEO contracts range from £3,000 – £100,000+ – Larger companies commit to long-term SEO strategies, which include bespoke content plans, digital PR, advanced analytics, and competitor analysis. For example, a national law firm might invest £50,000 annually in SEO-driven thought leadership content and link-building campaigns.

Cost Breakdown by SEO Services

SEO services in the UK vary in cost depending on the type of service, business goals, and competition. The cost of services can also vary depending on the SEO company and their level of expertise. Some businesses may need local SEO for map rankings, including Google My Business optimisation, while others require high-end link-building or content SEO.

Below is a detailed breakdown of SEO pricing for different services.

Local SEO Costs: £300 – £2,500 per Month

Local SEO helps businesses rank in Google Maps and local searches, which costs around £300 – £2,500 per Month. Ranking high on search engines like Google is crucial for local businesses to attract nearby customers. This includes Google My Business (GMB) optimisation, citation building, local keyword research, and location-based content.

Organic SEO Price: £500 – £5,000 per Month

Organic search engine optimisation focuses on ranking a website for national or global search terms. This includes on-page optimisation, keyword research, technical fixes, and content creation. Small businesses may pay £500 – £1,500 per month for basic organic SEO, while larger brands with higher competition might invest £3,000+.

Bespoke SEO Charge: £2,500 – £10,000 per Month

Bespoke SEO plans include custom strategies tailored to a specific industry or high-competition niche. Bespoke SEO plans often require the expertise of SEO professionals to tailor strategies to specific industries. This service is commonly used by finance, healthcare, and legal businesses that require in-depth technical SEO, advanced link-building, and AI-driven content marketing.

Paid Marketing (PPC + SEO): £500 – £50,000 per Month

Some businesses combine SEO with paid marketing (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads, etc.) for faster results. Combining PPC with an SEO campaign can provide faster results and improve overall visibility. A local café may spend £500 per month on PPC for foot traffic, while a large eCommerce brand could invest £50,000+ per month in SEO and PPC campaigns for national sales.

Social Media & Reputation Management: £300 – £5,000 per Month

This covers social media content creation, online brand monitoring, and reputation management. Navigating the SEO world requires careful management of social media and online reputation to avoid pitfalls. For example, a private medical clinic might spend £1,000 per month managing Google My Business, Trustpilot ratings, and social media engagement.

Content SEO Costs: £50 – £1,500 per Article

High-quality content is essential for SEO. Utilizing various SEO tools can help create high-quality content that ranks well. The cost depends on factors like word count, topic complexity, and industry expertise. A 500-word general blog post may cost £50 – £200, whereas a highly researched 2,500-word legal guide could cost £1,500.

Semantic SEO & Topical Maps: £1,000 – £10,000 (One-Time Cost)

Semantic SEO focuses on topic clustering and structured content mapping. A semantic SEO project often involves detailed planning and execution to create effective topical maps. Large enterprises invest in topical authority strategies, paying £5,000+ for an SEO agency to map out pillar content and internal linking structures.

Smenatic SEO brings faster SEO rank

We implement semantic SEO techniques to ensure better topical coverage through organised clustering

Semantic SEO is a process of optimizing your website for topics, not for the keywords.

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SEO Consultation Costs: £100 – £500 per Hour

SEO consultants charge for expert advice on SEO strategy, site architecture, and growth plans. Hiring an SEO professional for consultation can provide expert advice on strategy and site architecture. A small business owner might book a £200 consultation to audit their current SEO performance.

SEO Audit Costs: £300 – £5,000 per Audit

SEO audits analyse a website’s technical, on-page, and off-page SEO. SEO professionals conduct comprehensive audits to analyze a website’s technical, on-page, and off-page SEO. A basic audit costs around £300, whereas an enterprise-level SEO audit (including competitor analysis and conversion tracking) costs £5,000+.

Backlink Costs: £100 – £5,000 per Link

Backlinks improve domain authority and rankings. Reputable SEO companies provide high-quality backlinks that improve domain authority and rankings. Basic links from business directories cost £100 – £300 per link, while high-authority editorial links from major news sites like Forbes or BBC may cost £3,000 – £5,000 per link.

Other Charges Associated with SEO Services

Beyond standard SEO pricing, businesses should consider additional costs related to website performance, conversion optimisation, and automation tools. Hiring an SEO freelancer for specific tasks can be a cost-effective way to manage additional SEO services. These services enhance SEO effectiveness and help businesses improve rankings, conversions, and brand reputation.

Website Optimisation & Error Fixing Costs: £500 – £5,000

Fixing website errors and optimising site performance typically costs £500 – £5,000 in the UK. Small business websites with minor speed issues and basic mobile optimisations may pay around £500 – £1,500, while larger eCommerce sites requiring advanced technical fixes, Core Web Vitals improvements, and server-side optimisations could spend £5,000 or more.

Google’s Core Web Vitals update prioritises fast-loading pages, mobile usability, and interactivity. If a website has slow speeds or security vulnerabilities, an SEO agency might charge £1,500 – £3,000 for a full technical audit, site-wide improvements, and performance tuning.

Media Bundle (Images, Branding, Videos) Costs: £500 – £10,000

Creating high-quality visual content for SEO and branding can range from £500 to £10,000. Businesses needing custom images, infographics, or basic branding can expect to pay £500 – £2,000, whereas professional video production, animated explainers, and high-end brand visuals can cost £5,000 – £10,000.

For example, a local business looking to improve engagement on Google My Business and social media might pay £1,000 for branded images and short video ads. In contrast, a corporate brand launching a full-scale YouTube and Google Discover SEO strategy could invest £7,500 – £10,000 in professional videography and marketing creatives.

CRO Management Costs: £1,000 – £10,000

Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) services typically range from £1,000 to £10,000, depending on the level of testing, analytics, and optimisation required. Small businesses needing basic A/B testing and CTA improvements might pay £1,000 – £3,000, while large eCommerce platforms requiring multi-page funnel optimisation and advanced heatmap tracking could spend £5,000 – £10,000.

For example, an online retailer with high traffic but low conversion rates may invest £5,000+ in CRO strategies like UX improvements, checkout page redesigns, and behavioural analytics to increase sales. A service-based business looking to improve lead generation might pay £1,500 – £2,500 for landing page tweaks, user journey mapping, and CTA placement adjustments.

CRM Software & Automation Costs: £50 – £500 per Month

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software costs typically range from £50 to £500 per month, depending on features such as lead tracking, automation, and customer segmentation. Basic CRM tools like HubSpot or Zoho start at £50 – £150 per month, while enterprise-level solutions like Salesforce or Marketo can cost £300 – £500+ per month.

For example, an SEO agency tracking inbound leads from organic search might use a £75/month CRM for client communication and pipeline management. A large enterprise integrating CRM with SEO, PPC, and email marketing automation may spend £500+ per month on advanced AI-driven analytics and sales funnel tracking.

Alternative SEO Pricing Models

SEO services in the UK are not limited to monthly retainers. SEO freelancers typically offer flexible and affordable pricing options, making them an appealing choice for many businesses. Many businesses choose alternative pricing models based on their budget and specific needs. Hiring an expert for hourly work, project-based SEO, or white-label solutions allows for more flexibility and cost control.

Hourly SEO Rates: £50 – £250 per Hour

Hiring an SEO consultant on an hourly basis typically costs £50 – £250 per hour, depending on their experience, expertise, and service scope. Hiring an SEO professional on an hourly basis can provide expert advice and targeted SEO services. Entry-level SEO specialists may charge £50 – £100 per hour, while highly experienced consultants offering technical SEO audits, site recovery, and advanced strategies can charge £200 – £250 per hour.

A small business needing basic keyword research and on-page SEO fixes might spend £300 for six hours of work, while a corporate company needing an SEO recovery plan could pay £2,000+ for an expert’s in-depth consultation.

Freelance SEO Pricing: £300 – £3,000 per Project

Freelance SEO pricing varies widely, typically ranging from £300 to £3,000 per project. Hiring an SEO freelancer can be a cost-effective option, with typical pricing models including project-based and hourly rates. A basic SEO setup, including keyword research, metadata optimisation, and on-page improvements, might cost £300 – £800, while a full-scale SEO strategy, content planning, and backlink-building campaign can cost £1,500 – £3,000.

An eCommerce startup needing product page optimisation and SEO-friendly descriptions may hire a freelancer for £500, while a business requiring a full website audit and SEO road map could spend £2,500+.

White Label SEO Reseller Cost: £500 – £20,000 per Project

SEO agencies and marketing firms often outsource SEO services through white-label providers. The cost of white-label SEO services can vary depending on the SEO company and the scope of the project. White-label SEO projects typically cost £500 – £20,000, depending on the scope. Small agencies outsourcing local SEO might pay £500 – £2,000, while large agencies reselling full-service SEO for corporate clients could spend £10,000 – £20,000.

A marketing agency wanting to offer SEO without an in-house team may purchase white-label link building for £1,500. In contrast, a full-service agency outsourcing enterprise-level SEO may spend £15,000+ per client project.

How to Reduce Monthly SEO Costs?

Reducing monthly SEO costs requires choosing the right package, optimising resource allocation, and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Strategic planning of an SEO campaign can help reduce monthly costs while maintaining effectiveness. Businesses can cut costs without sacrificing results by making informed decisions about SEO strategies and spending.

Choosing an Affordable SEO Package That Aligns with Business Goals

Selecting an SEO package that matches business needs prevents overspending. A local business needing Google My Business (GMB) optimisation and local SEO does not require an enterprise-level strategy costing £5,000+ per month. Instead, an affordable SEO package within the £300 – £1,500 range can deliver effective results.

Balancing In-House and Outsourced SEO to Control Spending

Handling some SEO tasks in-house while outsourcing complex activities saves money. A business with an in-house content team can write optimised blog posts, reducing the need for costly content SEO services (£50 – £1,500 per article). Outsourcing technical SEO audits (£300 – £5,000 per audit) and link building (£100 – £5,000 per link) ensures experts handle critical tasks without unnecessary long-term contracts.

Tracking SEO Progress Using Google Analytics & Search Console

Regular performance tracking prevents unnecessary spending on ineffective strategies. Analysing organic traffic, keyword rankings, conversion rates, and using tools like Google Analytics helps businesses adjust their SEO efforts and avoid investing in low-impact tactics.

Avoiding Unnecessary SEO Add-Ons and Hidden Charges

Some agencies upsell unnecessary services, increasing costs without significant ROI. Paying for AI-generated content, low-quality backlinks, or excessive technical fixes can waste budget. Reviewing contracts carefully ensures businesses only pay for services that genuinely impact rankings and traffic.

How to Select an SEO Agency Without Overpaying?

Selecting an SEO agency requires understanding pricing structures, deliverables, and potential hidden fees. Choosing reputable SEO companies can help avoid overpaying for low-quality services. Many businesses pay more than necessary due to unclear contracts, unnecessary upsells, and misleading industry claims. To avoid overspending, consider the following:

✔ Review the SEO Contract in Detail

• Check if the contract clearly defines all services, timelines, and reporting frequency.
• Avoid long-term commitments without performance review clauses.
• Look for agencies that provide transparent deliverables without vague promises.

✔ Identify Hidden Fees and Unnecessary Upsells

• Some agencies charge separately for backlinks, content updates, and technical SEO fixes.
• Avoid extra charges for services like AI-generated blog posts that offer minimal value.
• Be cautious of overpriced tools and reports that do not impact actual rankings.

✔ Avoid SEO Myths That Inflate Costs

• Guaranteed rankings do not exist since Google’s algorithm is unpredictable.
• Google does not certify SEO providers, so claims of Google-certified SEO are misleading.
• Expensive link-building packages often focus on quantity instead of high-quality backlinks.

What Does True SEO’s Monthly SEO Service Include?

True SEO offers a comprehensive Monthly SEO Service designed to improve website visibility, search rankings, and business growth. Navigating the SEO world requires a comprehensive approach to ensure ethical and effective practices. The key services included in the package are:

Website Redesign & Optimisation

True SEO enhances website structure, mobile responsiveness, and page load speed to improve user experience and meet search engine standards.

Topical Map Generation & Content Strategy

A well-researched topical map helps create high-quality, SEO-focused content that aligns with search intent and strengthens topical authority.

Technical SEO (Speed, Mobile UX, Structured Data)

Optimisation includes improving site speed, ensuring a seamless mobile experience, and adding structured data (schema markup) for better search engine understanding.

On-Page & Off-Page SEO

On-page SEO covers meta tag optimisation, content refinement, and keyword placement, while off-page SEO focuses on quality link building, social signals, and domain authority improvement.

Rank on the first Page of Google

We Offer Fixed-Price Monthly SEO Contracts

We extract high intent keywords and optimise your website gradually for the best search engine rank.

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Get Keyword Research

Local SEO for Geo-Targeted Rankings

For businesses targeting local customers, local SEO techniques improve Google My Business profiles, optimise citations, and increase location-based search rankings.

True SEO’s monthly service package is structured to deliver sustainable growth, increase organic traffic, and boost search visibility by implementing data-driven strategies tailored to business goals.

How to Manage an SEO Budget Effectively?

Managing an SEO budget effectively ensures a strong return on investment while maintaining long-term digital growth. Effective management of an SEO project requires careful planning and resource allocation. Businesses must allocate resources wisely and adjust spending based on performance.

Key Strategies for Managing an SEO Budget:

✔ Set a Clear Marketing Budget – Allocate a portion of the overall marketing budget to SEO, ensuring it aligns with business goals and revenue expectations.
✔ Balance SEO, PPC, and Social Media – SEO delivers long-term results, while PPC provides immediate traffic. A well-structured budget should support both strategies alongside social media marketing for brand visibility.
✔ Monitor ROI and Adjust Spending – Regularly track SEO performance using analytics tools. If rankings and conversions improve, consider increasing investment. If results plateau, refine strategy rather than increasing costs.
✔ Avoid Overspending on Unnecessary Add-ons – Some agencies upsell unnecessary SEO services. Focus on core activities like content, technical optimisation, and backlinks.
✔ Prioritise High-Impact SEO Tactics – Invest in content marketing, technical SEO, and authoritative link building to maximise results within budget constraints.

How Much Should You Pay for SEO in the UK?

SEO pricing in the UK depends on business size, industry competition, and service requirements. Understanding average SEO costs can help businesses set realistic budgets and expectations. Small businesses may spend between £300 – £1,500 per month, while larger enterprises or luxury brands can invest £5,000 – £20,000+ for comprehensive SEO strategies. Understanding pricing models—whether hiring a freelancer, an agency, or building an in-house team helps businesses make cost-effective decisions.

Before choosing an SEO service, compare packages, evaluate service scope, and ensure pricing aligns with long-term marketing goals. Investing in SEO is a strategic decision that delivers sustainable growth by improving organic visibility and conversions.

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