Question
Hi there,
Like every other startup founder, my time is very limited, and while I'd love to learn all the intricacies of SEO and work on it daily, my schedule just doesn't allow for it. On the other hand, i understand the value of ranking highly in Google and I definitely don't want to overlook it.
That said, I've been working with a developer in India through Upwork on some minor changes to the website (adding an Instagram feed section, new fonts, etc), and I like the work he's done (he also has great reviews). He told me he has someone who works with him who is experienced in SEO, and that it would cost $800/month for the work. Below is how he described the process:
"It basically works in the following way :
1. It is an ongoing work.
2. We'll work regularly on our site on different things.
3. Developers and SEO guys, both are included in this work.
4. Work will go for regular 8 hours a day.
5. Output shows in around 4 minimum months as Google Indexing ..etc, takes time."
I asked him what methods the person would use, and he said he wasn't sure, but he would ask him and get back to me (not too surprising, I suppose, as he's not the SEO expert).
My plan is to speak with someone on clarity regarding some basic SEO methods I can learn so that i can at least be informed enough to track his progress, and keep an eye on what's being done through weekly reports.
So my question is: Does this sound legit? And what are some additional questions I can ask to determine this?
I'm self-funded and have a very small budget, so I'm really trying to ensure that i don't waste my hard-earned money on snake oil.
Thanks in advance!
Tanya
Answer
The cost of SEO services can vary significantly based on several factors, including the scope of work, the competitiveness of your industry, the level of expertise of the SEO provider, and your geographic location. Here's a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for SEO services:
Hourly Rates: Many SEO consultants and freelancers charge hourly rates. Rates can vary widely, but as of my last update in 2021, you might pay anywhere from $50 to $200 or more per hour. More experienced SEO professionals typically charge higher rates.
Monthly Retainers: Monthly retainers are common for ongoing SEO services. These can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month. The price depends on the services included, such as on-page SEO, off-page SEO, content creation, and reporting.
Project-Based Pricing: For specific SEO projects, such as website audits, keyword research, or link building campaigns, you might pay a one-time fee. These project prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Local SEO: If you have a small, local business, local SEO services can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 or more per month, depending on the level of competition in your area.
E-commerce or Enterprise SEO: Larger websites or businesses often require more comprehensive SEO services, which can cost several thousand dollars per month or more.
Geographic Variation: Prices can vary by location. SEO services may be more expensive in large cities and regions with higher costs of living.
Contract Length: Some SEO agencies offer discounts for longer-term contracts. For example, you might receive a 10% discount for signing a one-year contract.
Additional Costs: Be prepared for potential additional costs, such as ad spend for paid advertising campaigns, content creation expenses, or website development work if your site needs technical improvements.
When considering SEO services, it's crucial to:
Define your specific goals and needs.
Request detailed proposals or quotes from SEO providers.
Ask for references and case studies to gauge their past performance.
Ensure the services offered align with your objectives, whether it's improving search rankings, increasing organic traffic, or boosting conversions.
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