How much does SEO cost?

How Much Does SEO Cost? A  Guide for Businesses in Australia

If you run a small business in Australia, you’ve likely heard about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). But determining how much SEO should cost can feel like navigating a maze. Here’s an article to demystify those costs for you and provide guidance based on industry best practices often discussed on platforms like SEMrush.

Why is SEO Essential for Small Businesses?

Before diving into costs, it’s crucial to understand the value SEO brings. When done correctly, SEO can increase your website’s visibility on search engines, driving more quality traffic to your site and ultimately leading to more clients. For some industries like construction where word-of-mouth also plays a significant role, SEO helps bolster your online reputation as well.

What Does Basic SEO Involve?

Platforms like SEMrush often suggest that basic SEO services usually include keyword research, on-page SEO changes, and optimizing meta descriptions. For such services, you might expect to pay between $500 to $2,000 per month in Australia. Prices can fluctuate depending on the complexity of your website and the level of competition in your industry.

Ongoing Costs of SEO vs One-off costs

Many SEO Agencies and service providers will try to lock you into 12 month contracts that can be awfully hard to wriggle out of. They claim to do monthly SEO but their reporting can be vague and it can be hard to ascertain what value you are getting.

Don’t get me wrong, ongoing SEO is important for your website and Mrs Bloggs also offers a monthly SEO service. However, with Mrs Bloggs there is no lock-in contracts. Just an agreed monthly fee based on your budget and you can cancel at any time. This means you can cancel over Xmas for example when your cash flow is low, which is typically the case for businesses that close for a period of the Xmas/New Year break.

So, what are ONE-OFF costs??? I am so glad you asked. At Mrs Bloggs, we are disrupting the SEO industry by providing one-off services. We have identified from our own experience, that there are enormous benefits in doing a SEO blitz on your website every so often. This is why at Mrs Bloggs we have developed two one-off packages that are essential for EVERY small business owner at the start of their SEO journey. 

The first is SEO Foundations. If you do NOTHING else with your website SEO, at least DO THIS. This package alone will make a difference to your online visibility. This is a one-off package. No lock-in contracts, no ongoing fees.

The second is taking your website to the next level with the Mrs Bloggs Traffic Booster package. Again, this is a one-off package. No lock-in contracts, no ongoing fees. This package is designed to drive consumers to your website for your most profitable products or services.

Once you have completed SEO Foundations and the Traffic Booster package, you can order the MONTLY SEO as a one-off blitz for a few months in a row or just for a month at a time when cash flow allows! This is seriously disrupting the SEO industry!!!

What About Comprehensive SEO Strategies?

More advanced strategies might include a host of other services like content creation, technical SEO, and backlinking strategies. Such plans can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 per month. These advanced tactics are generally aimed at aggressive growth and are often recommended by leading SEO platforms.

Can Offshore Services Provide a Cheaper Alternative?

While offshore services may promise low costs, they also come with their own sets of risks, such as:

1. Quality Concerns: Low prices often mean low quality, which could ultimately hurt your site’s ranking.
2. Communication Barriers: Language differences could lead to misunderstandings and poorly executed strategies.
3. Accountability: It’s often more difficult to hold offshore agencies accountable for results, something that platforms like SEMrush frequently caution against.

Are Big Agencies the Answer?

Though large agencies offer comprehensive solutions and have a reputation for expertise, they may not be the best fit for small businesses:

1. Cost: These agencies often have higher overhead costs, which can get passed on to you.
2. Impersonal Service: Bigger agencies often have many clients to manage, which could mean less personalised attention for your business. If you do not want to be treated like just a ‘number’ then avoid.
3. Generic Strategies: Large agencies might use a one-size-fits-all approach, which is usually not the best for niche industries like construction. In my experience, the wheels also turn very slowly. What I mean by this, is that they often only spend a small slice of time on your website per month and as such the traffic growth can take quite a while to kick in.

What to Look For in an Ideal SEO Partner?

SEMrush and other reputable platforms often recommend looking for:

1. Customizable Plans: Choose an agency or small business that offers tailor-made solutions.
2. Transparent Reporting: You should have access to regular reports and updates on your SEO campaign.
3. Expertise in Your Industry: An agency with experience in the construction sector would be beneficial.

Conclusion

SEO is an investment that can yield significant returns if done right. While the costs may vary, understanding what you are paying for can go a long way. It’s crucial to avoid going too cheap with offshore services or too broad with large agencies. Instead, look for a balanced, expert solution that suits your business needs.

By considering industry standards and expert advice as often shared on platforms like SEMrush, you can make an informed decision for your construction or trade business in Australia.