Cost is the most difficult question when it comes to Search Engine Optimsation services. Because search engine optimisation is such a common service to offer, there are many choices of supplier. Price almost always reflects the quality of the service even taking into account professionals from less developed countries where living costs are considerably lower are able to be more competitive and can offer you better value for money.
The general rule is that professional services cost.You're paying for the knowledge that brings you a return on your investment as well as for the results. It is difficult to give an estimated figure for the cost of an SEO strategy for an average business as fees depend on the difficulty of your objectives.
Having said that, you need to know what kind of cost you are starting from.
SEO example 1
Holiday Cottage in Lincolnshire, near a major town eg Grimsby
Typical objectives would be a first page result on Google natural search for:
- holiday cottage grimsby
- self catering grimsby
- self catering accommodation grimsby
- short break grimsby
- holiday cottage lincolnshire
- self catering accommodation lincolnshire
- short break lincolnshire
This can usually be achieved in a few months for at least half the terms and over the space of a year you should have them all on the first page of Google. Work will be required to keep them there once those positions have been achieved.
This would cost around £70 per month and be achieved by obtaining quality incoming links, article placement and key changes to the website structure and its content. Usually achieved without changes to the appearance of the website.
SEO example 2
Business Plans Supplier, selling nationally
Typical objectives would be a first page result on Google natural search for:
- business plan
- business plan assistance
- business plan seminar
- business plan support
- business plan template
- business planning
- business plans
- business start up
- sample business plan
- starting a business
These are terms for which there are a lot of competitors and will require a very substantial effort to get ahead of them, and stay ahead of them, because of course they won't just sit and watch you take their spot at the front of the queue. A first page position should be achievable in a few months for at least half the terms and over the space of a year you should have them all on the first page of Google. Work will be required to keep them there once those positions have been achieved.
This would cost around £150 per month and be achieved by obtaining plenty quality incoming links, many article placements, expansion of the website content and key changes to the website structure. Usually achieved without changes to the appearance of the website.
