How much does an SEO audit cost?

Thinking about getting an SEO audit but not sure what it’ll cost? You’re not the only one.

An SEO audit can help improve your site’s rankings and bring in more visitors. But the price can vary based on a few key things.

Here’s a quick look at what affects the cost - and what to keep in mind before you choose a service.

Quick takeaways

• Costs change depending on your site’s size, how complex it is, and how deep the audit goes

• Agencies often charge more than freelancers, but come with bigger teams and better tools

• Freelancers may offer a more personal touch at a lower cost

• The tools used in the audit can raise the price - but also give better insights

• Pricing models include flat rates, hourly charges, monthly retainers, value-based pricing, and mixed options

What is an SEO audit and why does it matter?

An SEO audit is a full check-up for your website. It looks at how well your site is set up for search engines.

Things like:

• Page speed

• Mobile performance

• Content quality

• Keyword use

• Site structure

If anything’s holding your site back, the audit will spot it.

A good SEO audit shows what to fix and where to improve. It gives you a clear plan to help your site rank higher and bring in more visitors.

For small businesses, this is a smart way to boost visibility and grow online. If you want better results from your website, this is the place to start.

Factors influencing the cost of an SEO audit

What you pay for an SEO audit depends on a few key things. The size of your site, how detailed the audit is, and who you hire all play a part.

Size and complexity of the website

The bigger your site, the more it usually costs to audit.

A small site with just a few pages is quick to check. But a larger site with loads of products, services, or blog posts takes more time.

If your site has lots of features or technical setup, it adds to the work. That means higher costs. Small business owners in Ireland should keep this in mind when planning their budget.

Depth of analysis

Not every audit goes the same depth.

Some just look at the basics. Others go all in - checking keywords, backlinks, content quality, site speed, and more.

The more detailed the audit, the higher the cost. But it also gives you more useful insights. For small businesses aiming to grow, a deeper audit can be worth the extra spend.

SEO agency vs SEO consultant

Should you go with an SEO agency or an SEO consultant? Here’s a side-by-side view to help you decide:

Both options have their place. Agencies may offer more coverage, while freelance consultants can give more hands-on support.

SEO tools and software used

The tools used in your SEO audit also affect the price.

Top tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Screaming Frog cost money to use - but they also give better data. Some free tools exist, but they don’t go as deep.

If your provider uses high-end tools, you might pay more - but you’ll likely get more value too.

SEO recommendations and reporting

An SEO audit without action points is just a report. The real value is in the recommendations.

After checking your site, most providers will give you a list of updates to make - like speeding up your pages, fixing broken links, or rewriting weak content.

A clear report will also show what’s working and what’s not. This helps you plan next steps with confidence.

Follow-up services

Some SEO providers stop after the audit. Others stick around to help you implement the changes.

Follow-up services might include:

• Fixing the problems found in the audit

• Ongoing checks and updates

• Monthly reporting and support

This adds to the cost, but it can lead to better long-term results.

Industry and niche

Not all industries are the same.

If you’re in a competitive space like finance or law, expect a more detailed (and costly) audit. These sites need a sharper strategy to compete.

Niche markets have their own needs too. A local café won’t need the same audit as a national ecommerce store.

The type of business you run will shape both the price and the approach.

How long does an SEO audit take?

An SEO audit can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It depends on how big your site is and how deep the analysis goes.

Small to medium-sized websites

If your site is on the smaller side, the audit will usually be quicker and cheaper.

Basic sites with just a few pages often need less work. That means lower prices and faster turnaround. In Ireland, the cost for these audits typically falls between €300 and €1,500.

Some providers charge a flat fee. Others go by the hour. Either way, what you pay will depend on how many pages need checking and how detailed the review is.

Understanding this helps small businesses plan better and avoid surprise costs.

Large and complex websites

Big sites take more time to review. If your site has loads of pages, products or custom features, expect a longer audit and a higher cost.

More pages mean more detail. That means more hours and more tools.

Agencies may charge more for this kind of work, especially if advanced tools are used. If you run a large site, it’s worth setting aside a proper budget and checking prices early on.

Getting this right from the start can save you time and trouble later.

Is an SEO audit worth the cost?

If you want more people to find your business online, an SEO audit is a smart move. It shows you what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix it.

Benefits of an SEO audit

An SEO audit helps spot the issues that might be holding your website back. Things like slow loading pages, poor keyword use, or broken links can all affect your visibility.

Fixing these problems can lead to more traffic and better rankings. And for small businesses, more traffic often means more sales.

You’ll also get clear advice on what changes to make. That means less guesswork and more focused action.

How it can improve online growth and revenue

When your site ranks higher, more people see it. More visitors mean more chances to turn clicks into customers.

A good audit gives you a plan to improve your site. These changes can help you reach the right people and grow your revenue over time.

For small businesses looking to grow online, it’s a smart investment that pays off.

Different pricing models for SEO audits

SEO audits don’t follow one set price. Different providers use different pricing models, depending on how they work and what you need.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options.

Flat fee or project-based pricing

This is the simplest model. You pay one fixed price for the full audit, no matter how long it takes.

Flat fee pricing is great if you want a clear upfront cost. Some agencies also offer different packages based on how detailed the audit is. That way, you can pick an option that fits your budget and your goals.

Hourly rate

Some SEO professionals charge by the hour. You’re billed based on how much time they spend working on your site.

In Ireland, rates usually range from €50 to €200 per hour. This model gives you more control over the cost - you decide how much time to book in.

Just make sure you know what’s included, like which tools are used or if there’s any follow-up help.

Value-based pricing

Value-based pricing links the cost to the results. You’re paying for the potential return on investment - not just the time or effort involved.

If the audit helps improve your traffic and sales, the higher price might be worth it. This model works well if you want a service that focuses on long-term results.

Retainer model

With a retainer, you pay a set fee every month for ongoing audits and support. This keeps your site in good shape over time.

It’s a popular choice for businesses that want regular updates, reports, and recommendations. It also helps build a long-term partnership with your SEO provider.

Hybrid pricing model

Hybrid pricing combines two or more models. For example, you might pay a flat fee for the initial audit, and then hourly for extra work or follow-ups.

It gives you more flexibility and can be useful if your needs change as the project goes on.

Understanding how these pricing models work makes it easier to choose the right option - and avoid any surprise costs down the line.

The importance of transparency in pricing and deliverables

Clear pricing builds trust. When business owners know exactly what they’re paying for, it’s easier to feel confident about the service.

Why clear pricing and deliverables matter

If you’re paying for an SEO audit, you should know what’s included. That means more than just a headline price - you should understand the tools being used, how the audit works, and what you’ll get at the end.

A clear breakdown of services helps set the right expectations. It also makes it easier to compare options and avoid hidden costs.

A well-structured proposal should cover:

• What the audit includes

• How long it will take

• What you’ll receive (report, recommendations, follow-up support)

• The total cost and what it covers

When this is all laid out clearly, both sides stay on track - and the process runs more smoothly.

For SEO providers: how to create a high-value proposal

If you offer SEO audits, your proposal should be simple and straight to the point.

Start with what you offer and why it matters. Show how your service can help the business improve online. Keep it focused on results, not just features.

Break down the cost so there’s no confusion. Use real examples of past results to show what clients can expect.

Be clear about what happens after the audit too. Will you offer follow-up support? Can you help make the changes?

All of this makes it easier for potential clients to say yes - and trust that they’re getting real value.

Final thoughts

Knowing what an SEO audit costs helps you plan better. Prices can change depending on how big your site is and how deep the audit goes. But one thing stays the same - a good audit can improve your visibility and help you grow online.

Always ask for clear pricing and a breakdown of what’s included. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and can get the most from your investment.

FAQs about SEO audit costs

1. What’s the average cost of an SEO audit?

There’s no fixed number. Costs depend on things like your site’s size, the level of detail, and where you’re based. It’s best to get a few quotes to compare.

2. Does the price change based on location?

Yes. Prices can vary from place to place. For example, SEO audit costs in California might be higher than in other areas due to local market rates.

3. What does the price of an SEO audit usually cover?

Most audits include a review of keywords, site structure, content, and overall performance. Some also include tools, reports, and follow-up support. Ask for a breakdown to be sure.

4. Can I pay for an SEO audit monthly?

Some providers offer monthly plans or payment options, especially if you’re getting ongoing support. Not all do, so it’s worth asking.

Need help with your SEO?

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your rankings, we’re here to help. Book a free 30-minute chat and let’s see how SEO can support your business goals.