How much does good SEO cost?

What affects the price of SEO?

There’s no set cost for SEO. What you pay depends on a few key things. These include your industry, how big your site is, your goals, and the kind of SEO you need.

How competitive is your industry?

The tougher the competition, the more work it takes to rank well.

If you’re in a busy market with lots of similar businesses, SEO tends to cost more. That’s because it takes extra time and effort to help your site stand out.

Small businesses often face this head-on. They need sharp, focused SEO to grab attention. In less crowded areas, local SEO can be more affordable. But in popular spaces, prices can rise fast.

Knowing your place in the market helps you set better goals and manage your spend.

How big or complex is your site?

A basic site with five pages is easier to manage than a huge online store with hundreds of listings.

Bigger sites need more time and attention. That means higher costs. It takes longer to optimise every page, update tags, check links, and keep everything running smoothly.

The more features or products you have, the more your SEO will cost. That’s why your budget should match the size and setup of your site.

What are your goals and who are you trying to reach?

Clear goals lead to better SEO results. Want more traffic? More sales? More local leads?

Knowing what you want helps shape the plan. It also helps your SEO provider build a strategy that fits.

Your audience matters too. Who are they? What do they search for? The more targeted your approach, the better the return.

When your SEO matches your goals and your audience, the cost makes more sense - and the results usually follow.

What kind of SEO do you need?

There are three main types:

• On-page SEO
  This covers everything on your site. Think titles, keywords, and images. It helps search engines understand your content.

• Off-page SEO
  This is all about building trust. It uses backlinks from other sites to improve your authority.

• Local SEO
  Perfect for businesses that work with local customers. It helps your site show up in nearby searches.

Knowing the difference makes it easier to pick the right service. And knowing what each type costs can help you stay on track with your budget.

SEO Agency vs Consultant vs In-House Team: What’s the Best Fit?

Trying to choose the right SEO setup? It can be hard to know which one works best for your business.

Agencies, consultants, and in-house teams all have something different to offer. What’s right for you depends on your budget, your goals, and how much support you need.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each:

Option	Pros	Cons
SEO Agencies	Access to a team of experts Broad range of skills Scalable services	Can be costly Less control over specifics
SEO Consultants	Personalised attention Flexibility in services	May lack broad skill sets Availability issues
In-House Teams	Complete control Aligned with company's culture	High initial investment Training and development costs

 

If you need fast results and expert tools, an agency might suit you. If you prefer more hands-on guidance, an SEO consultant could work well. If SEO is a big part of your strategy, building an in-house team might be worth the spend.

The best choice is the one that fits how you work - and what you need SEO to do for you.

What to think about before you decide

If you run a small business in Ireland, picking the right SEO option is a big step.

Here are a few things to weigh up:

• Cost
  Prices can vary a lot. Agencies might charge more but offer more support. Consultants may be more flexible. An in-house team needs ongoing investment.

• Industry competition
  If your market is packed with competitors, you might need extra support to stand out.

• Website size
  A larger or more complex site will need more time and work to optimise properly.

• Business goals
  Do you want local customers or a wider reach? Do you need fast results or a long-term plan?

Think about the kind of SEO you need too. Local SEO is great for nearby customers. Off-page SEO is better for growing your reach.

Whatever route you take, make sure it matches your goals - and what you can afford. Take your time. Look at what each option offers before making the call.

Different types of SEO and what they might cost

Not all SEO is the same. The service you need depends on your goals - and each one comes with its own price.

Here’s a quick look at the main types of SEO and what you can expect from each:

On-page SEO

This is all about what’s on your website.

On-page SEO makes it easier for search engines to understand your content. It covers things like:

• Using the right keywords

• Writing clear titles and headings

• Optimising page content and images

The goal is to make your site easier to find and more useful for visitors.

Cost
Prices vary depending on how big your site is and how much needs to be done. If your SEO content needs a full refresh, it may cost more. But for small sites with just a few pages, there are often budget-friendly options.

Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO focuses on what others say about your site.

It’s about building trust and credibility through:

• Backlinks from other sites

• Online mentions

• Social media activity

When search engines see that other trusted sites link to yours, your rankings improve.

Cost
Costs depend on how much link-building work is needed. The more competitive your space, the more effort it takes. Social media management and outreach can also affect the price.

Off-page work takes time but can really boost your visibility if done well.

Local SEO

Trying to get noticed by customers near you? That’s where local SEO comes in.

It’s all about helping people in your area find your business. Key steps include:

• Setting up a Google Business profile

• Adding your business to local directories

• Getting reviews and local backlinks

Cost
Local SEO is often cheaper than full national campaigns. Some agencies offer starter packages aimed at small businesses. But if you’re in a crowded local market, expect to pay a bit more for results.

Setting your SEO budget and getting the most from it

To get the best results from SEO, you need a clear plan and a budget that works for your business. Setting the right goals and knowing what to expect will help you make better choices - and better use of your money.

Start with clear goals

What do you want from SEO?

Maybe it’s more traffic. Maybe it’s more sales. Or maybe you want people in your local area to find you first.

Setting clear goals helps shape the work. It also makes it easier to pick the right services and measure progress.

Be realistic with your timeline too. SEO is a long game. It can take months to see real change. Stick with it and stay focused.

How to pick the right SEO agency

A good agency can lift your business online. But choosing the wrong one can waste time and money.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Stay local
  An Irish agency will know your market. That local insight makes a difference.

• Check reviews
  What are other businesses saying? Good feedback usually means good results.

• Ask about their track record
  Have they helped businesses like yours before? Look for real examples.

• Know their pricing
  Some charge by the hour. Others offer monthly packages. Ask upfront.

• Check their services
  Make sure they offer what you need - on-page, off-page, or local SEO.

• Request case studies
  Past wins show what they’re capable of.

• Talk about communication
  Will you get regular updates? Do they explain things clearly?

• Meet the team
  A quick chat can go a long way in building trust.

• Ask about their methods
  Make sure they follow safe, honest SEO practices. You don’t want shortcuts that put your site at risk.

• Think long term
  Ask what happens after the first project. Do they offer support to keep things running smoothly?

Why ongoing SEO matters

SEO isn’t something you set up once and forget.

Search engines are always changing. Competitors come and go. Your content needs to stay fresh.

Keeping your SEO active helps your site stay visible and relevant. It also means you can adjust your plan when needed.

If your goal is to grow your site and bring in more visitors, then an ongoing SEO strategy is one of the best ways to get there - and stay there.

Final thoughts

Good SEO can move your business forward. The cost depends on things like your goals, your industry and the type of support you need.

Stay focused on what you want to achieve. Compare your options. Whether you go with an agency or a freelancer, choose what fits your business best.

With the right plan and a clear budget, SEO can work for you - without stretching your spend.

FAQs about SEO costs

1. How much does a good SEO project cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all price. It depends on your goals and how much work is involved. Some sites only need a light touch. Others need a full rebuild. Use SEO price lists or online calculators to get a rough idea.

2. What do SEO agencies charge per hour?

Hourly rates vary. Some charge less, some charge more - usually based on their experience and where they’re based. It’s worth getting quotes from a few to compare.

3. Can small businesses afford SEO?

Yes. Many providers offer packages made for small businesses. You don’t have to spend big to start seeing results.

4. What’s the average monthly price for SEO?

Monthly costs vary by business size and goals. Start by checking what’s included in the package, then see if the price fits your budget.

5. Where can I learn more about SEO pricing models?

Plenty of guides online break down the different ways SEO is priced - whether that’s hourly, monthly or by project. Look for simple, clear info to help you compare.

Need help with your SEO?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or want better results from your current setup, I can help. Book a free 30-minute chat and let’s see how SEO can support your business goals.