Are you curious about how much it actually costs to hire a digital marketing agency for SEO? Whether you’re a student exploring the digital world or a small business owner planning to improve your online presence, understanding SEO costs is super important.
Let’s break it down in a simple way, without the confusing jargon.
1. Project Scope
Are you just starting out and want basic SEO help? Have a website but need a next-level SEO game plan to grow faster? The wider the scope, the higher the cost.
If you’re new to SEO, check out our Beginner-Friendly SEO Topics or What Is SEO? A Simple Explanation for Beginners to understand how it all works.
2. Agency’s Experience and Reputation
An agency with more experience and successful case studies may charge more — and that’s fair. It’s not just about the service; it’s about their experience that gets results. Not sure whether to choose an agency or manage SEO yourself? Here’s a helpful read on In-House SEO vs. Hiring an SEO Agency: Pros and Cons.
3. Services Offered
Different agencies offer different things. Some only handle on-page SEO, while others may include off-page SEO, technical audits, content creation, and even social media SEO.
Learn more about specific services here:
SEO Pricing Breakdown: What You Might Pay
1. Basic SEO Services (₹10,000–₹25,000/month)
This is perfect for small businesses, students starting a blog, or anyone with a limited budget.
What’s usually included:
- Basic keyword research
- Making small changes to your website like fixing titles, descriptions, and headings
- Google Analytics and Search Console setup
- Monthly performance report
- Light content updates or blog suggestions
👉 Ideal if you’re just starting out and want to build a strong SEO foundation.
Want to understand these terms better? Read What Is On-Page SEO? Examples and Best Practices and What Is SEO? A Simple Explanation for Beginners.
2. Mid-Level SEO Services (₹25,000–₹40,000/month)
This is for businesses that want to grow online and compete in their niche.
What you get here:
- Advanced keyword targeting
- Competitor research
- Getting your business set up on Google so people nearby can find you
- Monthly blog writing
- Building connections by having other sites share your links
- SEO audit every 2–3 months
👉 This level suits startups, coaching centers, or local businesses aiming for better reach.
Learn more about how this works in What You Get When You Pay for SEO Services: A Breakdown and Top SEO Tips for Beginners to Get Started.
3. Advanced SEO / Enterprise SEO (₹40,000–₹1,00,000+/month)
This is for larger companies, e-commerce sites, or businesses in highly competitive industries.
Here’s what’s usually included:
- Custom SEO strategy
- Improving your website’s performance, like faster loading and mobile-friendly design
- Dedicated SEO manager
- Weekly progress calls
- Content marketing strategy
- Integration with ads, email marketing, and YouTube SEO
👉 If your brand relies on constant traffic and leads, this is the investment level you need. Explore Off-Page SEO Explained and What Is Technical SEO? to see what these services mean.
Additional or One-Time Costs to Keep in Mind
One-Time Setup Fees (₹5,000–₹20,000)
- Initial website audit
- Keyword strategy planning
- Competitor analysis
Project-Based Fees
- Fixing a website issue: ₹5,000–₹15,000
- Creating a blog content plan: ₹3,000–₹10,000
- Backlink building campaign: ₹10,000–₹50,000
You can also read What Are Backlinks and Why Are They Important for SEO? for better understanding.
Website Development / Content Creation
SEO works best with a good website. If your website needs a redesign or if you need blog posts, landing pages, or infographics — agencies might charge separately for that.
Content plays a big role, especially if you’re working on SEO for Blogging or platform-based SEO like YouTube or Instagram.
Why Do SEO Costs Vary So Much?
- Some agencies are small and work with limited clients
- Others are full-service digital marketing firms with big teams
- Services and tools used (premium SEO tools are expensive)
- Results expected: Faster results usually need more budget
Final Student Tip: Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest Option
Cheap SEO might look tempting, but poor strategies can actually hurt your rankings. Instead:
- Look for transparent pricing
- Ask what’s included
- Check if it works for your plans and your timeline
Don’t forget, SEO is a smart investment, not just a bill to pay. It grows over time and gives results even after months of work are done.
Still confused? Feel free to Contact Brandbizztech — we’ll guide you like a mentor, not just a marketer.