How Much Does SEO Outsourcing Cost in 2024? [Industry Research]

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect of digital marketing that helps businesses improve their online visibility and attract more organic traffic to their websites. 

However, SEO can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialized knowledge and skills. 

As a result, many businesses choose to outsource their SEO needs to third-party service providers. 

In this context, one of the most important considerations is the cost of SEO outsourcing. 

But how much does SEO outsourcing actually cost? 

In this article, we will explore the expected cost of SEO outsourcing in 2024 based on the latest industry trends and insights. 

Whether you’re a small startup or an established corporation, understanding these costs will help you make informed decisions about investing in outsourced SEO services. 

We will examine the different factors that can influence the cost of SEO outsourcing and provide some guidelines on how to choose the right SEO service provider for your business.

So let’s get started!

SEO outsourcing is the practice of delegating search engine optimization tasks and responsibilities to external companies or agencies. 

Businesses often opt for SEO outsourcing services when they lack the in-house expertise, resources, or time to handle their SEO efforts effectively.

By partnering with specialized SEO agencies or freelancers, companies can enhance their online visibility, improve search engine rankings, and drive more organic traffic to their websites.

Big companies frequently resort to SEO outsourcing to leverage the expertise of professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and algorithms. 

Here are some examples of big companies that have used SEO outsourcing:

• Amazon: While Amazon has a massive in-house marketing team, they also work with external SEO agencies to optimize product listings and improve their search rankings for various products.
• eBay: eBay, a global e-commerce giant, has partnered with SEO agencies to improve its visibility in search results and attract more potential buyers to its platform.
• Microsoft: Even tech giants like Microsoft have engaged with SEO outsourcing to ensure their various products and services rank high on search engines, reaching a broader audience.
• IBM: IBM, a prominent technology company, has outsourced specific SEO tasks, such as keyword research and content optimization, to enhance its online presence.
• Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola, a renowned beverage company, has utilized SEO outsourcing to strengthen its digital marketing efforts and drive traffic to its website and social media channels.

These examples highlight how even large corporations with substantial in-house resources recognize the value of SEO outsourcing. 

By collaborating with specialized SEO outsourcing companies, they can tap into the expertise and experience required to achieve better search engine rankings and overall online visibility, leading to increased brand exposure and potential revenue growth.

Importance of SEO outsourcing for businesses

1. Focus on core business: Outsourcing SEO allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and strategic initiatives. By delegating SEO tasks to external experts, businesses can allocate their time and resources to areas that directly impact their growth and profitability.

Example: A small e-commerce business can outsource SEO to a specialized agency, allowing them to concentrate on product development, customer service, and expanding their product offerings.

2. Access to expertise: SEO is a complex and ever-evolving field that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Outsourcing SEO provides businesses with access to a team of experts who stay up-to-date with the latest SEO trends, algorithms, and strategies.

Example: A B2B software company can outsource SEO to an agency that has experience in the technology industry and understands the unique challenges and opportunities in that market.

3. Cost-effectiveness: Outsourcing SEO can be more cost-effective than hiring and training an in-house team. Businesses can save on recruitment, training, and overhead costs associated with maintaining an in-house SEO team.

Example: A startup with limited resources can outsource SEO to a reputable agency that offers flexible SEO pricing options, allowing them to get professional SEO services within their budget.

4. Scalability: Outsourcing SEO provides businesses with the flexibility to scale their SEO efforts based on their needs and goals. They can easily adjust the level of service or expand the scope of work as their business grows.

Example: A growing online retailer can outsource SEO to an agency that can handle the increased workload during peak seasons or promotional campaigns.

5. Access to advanced tools and technologies: SEO outsourcing companies often have access to advanced SEO tools and technologies that may be expensive for businesses to acquire on their own. This can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of SEO campaigns.

Example: A local service-based business can outsource SEO to an agency that has access to keyword research tools, analytics platforms, and SEO auditing software to optimize its online presence.

6. Faster results: SEO outsourcing can lead to faster results as experienced agencies have the expertise and resources to implement effective SEO strategies. They can leverage their knowledge and experience to drive improvements in search engine rankings and organic traffic more efficiently.

A newly launched online marketplace can outsource SEO to an agency that can quickly optimize its website, improve keyword rankings, and attract targeted traffic to generate sales.

Overall, SEO outsourcing offers numerous benefits for businesses, including the ability to focus on core activities, access to expertise, cost savings, scalability, advanced tools, and faster results.

By partnering with a reputable SEO outsourcing company, businesses can enhance their online visibility, attract more organic traffic, and ultimately achieve their business objectives.

SEO Pricing: Influential Factors that Affect SEO Outsource

When it comes to outsourcing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) services, several influential factors can affect the cost.

Here are some key factors that can impact the price of SEO outsourcing:

Project Scope: The scope of your SEO project plays a significant role in determining the cost of SEO outsourcing. Factors such as the number of web pages to optimize, the size of your website, and the complexity of your SEO requirements can affect the overall cost. Larger websites or projects that require extensive optimization may incur higher SEO services costs.

Geographic Targeting: If you are targeting a specific geographic location, the seo services cost may vary based on the size and competitiveness of that location.

Local SEO services typically require specific optimization strategies to target a specific area, which can impact the pricing.

Experience and Expertise:The experience and expertise of the SEO outsourcing company you choose to outsource to can affect the cost.

Established agencies with a proven track record may charge higher rates due to their reputation and expertise.

SEO Service Provider: Different SEO service providers may have different pricing models. Some agencies may charge an hourly rate for SEO, while others may offer fixed pricing packages or monthly retainers.

The reputation, location, and size of the agency can also influence the pricing.

Additional Services: Additional services offered alongside SEO, such as content creation, social media management, website design, and development, may incur extra costs.

These services can complement your SEO efforts but may contribute to the overall price.

Contract Duration: The duration of the SEO contract can also influence the cost. Short-term projects or one-time optimization may have different pricing structures compared to long-term contracts or ongoing monthly SEO services.

It’s important to note that SEO outsourcing costs can vary significantly depending on these factors and the specific requirements of your project.

It’s recommended to consult with SEO service providers, compare their proposals, and choose the one that aligns with your goals and budget while providing a high level of expertise and quality services.

Would you like to know where your business’s SEO needs will fall on the pricing scale? Take a look at how SEO experts calculate their prices.

SEO Outsource Pricing: What’s the Average Cost You Should Expect?

In order to boost their websites’ search engine visibility consistently, companies should be prepared to set aside a fairly generous budget for SEO expenses each month.

Hiring an SEO outsourcing company typically falls within the $2,000 to $10,000 range per month if you go with a reputable provider.

Spending less may mean you don’t get experienced professionals or the return on investment your business requires. 

Various prices are advertised by agencies and based on our research, the average expense is $3,594 for monthly SEO packages. However, to implement strategies and create content such as blog posts, images, and videos, you’ll likely end up paying more than the minimum $1,200 fee.

SEO Pricing Models: How SEO Agencies Charge?

SEO Outsourcing Hourly Costs

• The average SEO hourly rate is $100-$149 per hour.
• Large-scale agencies, such as Major Tom and OuterBox’s  SEO hourly rate is $150-$199 per hour.

Image Source: Growth Ramp

It’s important to keep in mind that these figures serve as general guidelines, and hourly rate for SEO services can vary based on factors such as:

• The complexity of the project
• Agency’s expertise
• Specific goals of the SEO campaign

Ultimately, businesses should carefully consider their budget and objectives when selecting an SEO agency, ensuring that the hourly rate for SEO aligns with the expected return on investment and the level of service required.

SEO Outsourcing Costs Per Projects

Compared to consultants (64%) and freelancers (40.68%), a higher percentage (73.3%) of SEO agencies command rates of $1,001+ per project.

Here are some prices for specific SEO projects based on our research:

• Freelancers are $101–$250
• SEO agencies, it’s $2,501–$5,000
• Consultants, it’s $5,001–$10,000

SEO Outsourcing Average Monthly Price

The average SEO monthly cost for outsourcing can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the scope of the project, the level of expertise required, the geographic location of the outsourcing company, and the specific services included in the monthly SEO packages pricing.

However, to provide you with a general idea, monthly SEO services rates typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month.

1. For small to mid-sized businesses basic SEO packages that focus on local optimization and include keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and basic link building, can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per month.

Image Source: Growth Ramp

2. For more Enterprise SEO campaigns that target larger markets, require more competitive keywords, and involve additional services such as technical SEO, off-page optimization, ongoing content marketing, and comprehensive analytics, the average monthly SEO cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

Annually Cost of SEO

When it comes to SEO outsourcing, the annual costs can be quite diverse, and it all depends on a bunch of factors.

You know, things like the size of the project, the level of expertise needed, where the outsourcing company is based, and of course, the specific services included in the package.

For small to mid-sized businesses going for the basic SEO packages, you’re looking at an annual cost between $6,000 to $18,000. However, this is just a rough guide.

Now, if your SEO ambitions are bigger, like enterprise-level stuff targeting larger markets with fierce competition, you’ll need more firepower.

The annual cost of SEO could go from $24,000 to $60,000 or maybe even more.

Local SEO Costs: How Does it Cost?

Businesses that have physical storefronts or offices, such as retailers, eateries, gyms, and designers depend largely on their local community for revenue.

This is where local SEO plays an essential part in helping them reach customers in the area by appearing on search results pages related to a particular location and showing up in business directories. 

You can expect local SEO pricing around $300 for 1-2 locations, $800 for 3-5 locations, $1,250 for 6-10 locations, depending on how many locations you want to rank. 

Or if you want to manage your own local SEO with purpose-built tools. Here are the prices of MOZlocal SEO tools:

• Moz Lite: Manage your listings and monitor reviews for only $14 per month.
• Moz Preferred: Inform local directories about your business automatically for just $20 per month.
• Moz Elite: Expand your reach by updating a broader selection of local directories for $33 per month.

How Much Does SEO Outsourcing Cost for a Small Business Owners?

SEO outsourcing offers a tailored approach, allowing small business owners to harness the power of SEO specialists who are well-versed in the ever-evolving world of search engines, algorithms, and consumer behavior. 

By entrusting your SEO needs to experienced professionals, you can focus on core business operations while reaping the benefits of enhanced website rankings, increased organic traffic, and a measurable return on investment.

Based on experience and expertise some SEO outsourcing companies or consultants may charge high fees. There are also affordable options available for small businesses with limited budgets.

Here are some common SEO packages for small business and cost ranges you might encounter when considering SEO services for a small business:

Monthly Retainer: 

Many SEO agencies offer monthly SEO packages pricing, where you pay a fixed SEO monthly fee for ongoing SEO services.

The cost can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and scale of the SEO campaign.

Hourly Consultation: 

If you’re willing to outsource to India, SEO hourly rate start at $35 per hour for their SEO services. 

Low-cost SEO services typically focus on the essential elements of optimization that can help improve a website’s visibility in search engine results.

When considering low-cost SEO options, it’s essential to research and evaluate service providers carefully.

Look for a reputable SEO outsourcing company with a track record of delivering results for small businesses.

Consider their experience, client testimonials, and the specific services they offer within your budget.

Note: Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and results may take time to materialize. It’s important to have realistic expectations and focus on long-term strategies that can provide sustainable growth for your small business.

How to Estimate SEO Campaign Costs?

Estimating the cost of an SEO campaign can be challenging, as it depends on various factors such as the industry, the size of the project, and the services included in the SEO package prices. 

Here are some ways to estimate SEO campaign costs based on the search results:

Use an SEO cost calculator: Several SEO cost calculators are available online that can help estimate the cost of an SEO campaign based on the specific needs of the business. 

For example, the SEO cost calculator on Search Engine Journal provides an estimate of the monthly SEO pricing based on the business’s location, industry, and target audience.

Consider the average cost: According to the search results, the average cost of SEO services for small and mid size companies ranges from $500 to $1,500 per month.

However, the cost can vary depending on the size of the business, the scope of the project, and the SEO provider.

Consult with SEO service providers: To get an accurate estimate of SEO campaign costs, it’s recommended to consult with SEO service providers directly.

They can provide a customized quote based on the specific needs of the business and the services included in the SEO package.

It’s important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of an SEO campaign can vary depending on many factors.

It’s recommended to research and compare different SEO service providers to find the best fit for your business’s needs and budget.

SEO Outsourcing vs Inhouse SEO: Which is Better?

When it comes to choosing between in-house SEO and an SEO outsourcing company, there are pros and cons to both options.

Here are some of the key differences between the two based on the search results:

SEO Outsourcing:

Pros:

• SEO agencies employ experts who have extensive training and experience in the field, and they often specialize in specific areas of SEO.
• SEO agencies have access to a wide range of tools and resources that may not be available to an in-house team.
• SEO agencies can provide a fresh perspective and bring new ideas and strategies to the table.

Cons:

• SEO Outsourcing can be more expensive than hiring an in-house team, especially for small businesses.
• SEO agencies may not have the same level of investment in your company’s success as an in-house team.
• Communication and collaboration can be more challenging with an external agency

In-House SEO:

Pros:

• In-house SEOs can help your business in many ways, such as collaborating with your marketing team and outsourcing parts of the work.
• In-house SEOs can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have a large team and a lot of ongoing SEO work.
• In-house SEOs can be more invested in your company’s success and have a better understanding of your brand and industry.

Cons:

• It can be challenging to find and hire an SEO specialist with the right skills and experience.
• In-house SEOs may not have access to the same level of resources and tools as an agency.
• In-house SEOs may not have the same level of expertise in all areas of SEO, such as technical SEO or link building.

What is the Return on Investment (ROI) for SEO?

Ultimately, the choice between in-house SEO and an SEO outsourcing company depends on your company’s specific needs, budget, and goals.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and choose the one that aligns best with your business objectives.

The ROI of SEO (Return on Investment) can vary depending on many factors, such as the industry, the size of the investment, and the time frame.

Here are some ROI percentages for different industries based on the search results:

• The average SEO ROI across all industries is 989%.
• The ROI of SEO for an e-commerce company is about $2.75 for every dollar spent.
• The ROI of SEO for a coffee shop that spent $100 on localized SEO efforts for other counties near their business’s location and netted $300 in sales, as a result, is three.
• Profitworks estimates that the average ROI of its SEO services is $2.75 for every dollar spent or a 275% ROI.
• FirstPageSage computes its average ROI for SEO at 748% from its campaign data over three years.
• Terakeet shows the SEO ROI for its clients is between 5x and 12.2x (500% and 1,220%).

It’s important to note that these percentages are meant to provide a general idea of ROI for different industries and should not be taken as definitive or comprehensive.

The ROI of SEO can vary widely depending on many factors, and it’s recommended to calculate the ROI of your specific SEO strategy to get a more accurate estimate of your return on investment.

Wrapping Up Notes

SEO outsourcing is a great way to increase your business’s online visibility and drive more traffic to your website.

With the right approach, it can be an affordable option that adds value to your business. 

We hope this article has given you some insight into how much SEO outsourcing may cost in 2024. 

Take the time to do research and find an experienced SEO service provider who understands how to optimize for success within the digital marketplace. So you can get the most out of your investment in SEO outsourcing service costs.