In the UK, having a strong online presence is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. And at the heart of it all, lies Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). With so many companies competing for online attention, SEO has become a crucial component of digital marketing strategies.
But, here’s the problem: A lot of UK businesses struggle to find an SEO solution that meets their needs and fits their budget. As a business owner, you’re likely wondering, “How much does SEO cost in the UK?” or “What are the average SEO fees for my industry?” That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ll demystify the world of SEO costs in the UK, providing you with a complete breakdown of what to expect, pricing structure, key factors that influence SEO fees in the UK, and more. So, let’s get started:
On average how much does SEO cost in the UK?
| Service Type | Pricing Model | Average Cost |
| SEO Agencies | Hourly | £75 – £200 per hour |
| SEO Consultants | Hourly | £50 – £150 per hour |
| SEO Freelancers | Hourly | £40 – £100 per hour |
On average, SEO costs in the UK can vary greatly depending on multiple factors. There’s a wide range of pricing based on the type of service provider, the scope of work, and the specific needs of your business.
Let’s take a closer look at the average costs you can expect for SEO in the UK:
1. Hourly rates for SEO agencies, consultants, and freelancers
The hourly fees for SEO services in the UK can vary quite a bit. Typically, SEO agencies charge between £75 and £200 per hour, with more specialised and experienced firms charging higher rates.
SEO charges in the UK for independent SEO consultants are generally between £50 and £150 per hour, while freelance SEO experts often fall in the £40 to £100 per hour range.
2. Monthly retainer fees for ongoing SEO services
Many SEO providers in the UK offer monthly retainer packages for ongoing optimisation and maintenance. According to your business size, your industry’s competitiveness, and the scope of the work, retainers can range from £500 to £5,000 per month.
Smaller businesses may opt for a £500 to £1,500 per month retainer, while enterprise-level companies may invest £2,000 to £5,000 per month for comprehensive SEO services.
3. One-time project-based SEO costs
If you only need a specific SEO task completed, such as an audit, strategy development, or a one-time technical optimisation, you can expect to pay a project-based fee.
Cost of these one-time SEO projects in the UK typically range from £1,000 to £10,000, again depending on the complexity of the work and the level of expertise required.
Agency, freelancer, consultant, in-house team, and DIY SEO costs
| Approach | Average Cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| DIY SEO | £0 – £100 per month | Low cost, complete control | Time-consuming, requires expertise, potential for errors |
| SEO Freelancer | £200 – £1,000 per month | Budget-friendly, specialized expertise | Risk of inconsistent quality, limited resources, potential for delays |
| SEO Consultant | £500 – £2,000 per month | Strategic guidance, expert advice | May require client execution, not suitable for small budgets |
| SEO Agency | £500 – £5,000 per month | Comprehensive services, dedicated team, proven results | Higher cost, potential for communication challenges |
| In-House Team | £2,500 – £5,000 per month (per specialist) | Complete control, dedicated resources | High investment, ongoing expenses, requires management |
Thinking about how to get your SEO work done in the UK? Fortunately, there are many options available. For example, you can partner with an SEO agency, work with a freelance SEO expert, get help from an SEO consultant, build an in-house SEO team, or tackle it yourself (DIY SEO).
Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks, as well as varying cost implications.
Let’s break down the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of each approach:
1. DIY SEO
SEO Cost: £0 – £100 per month (depending on the tools and resources used)
The cost of doing SEO yourself can be relatively low, but it requires a significant investment of your time and effort. You’ll need to learn the ins and outs of SEO, conduct keyword research, optimise your website, build backlinks, and monitor your results.
While DIY SEO can be an economical option for small enterprises with tight budgets, it may not be the most efficient use of your time, and you risk missing out on the expertise and experience that professional SEO providers can offer.
2. SEO freelancer
Cost: £200 – £1,000 per month (depending on the scope of work and expertise)
Regarding SEO rates in the UK, hiring a freelance SEO expert can be the most budget-friendly option but also the riskiest. While many freelancers are truly experts in their field, not all are.
Most freelancers work alone and handle several projects, which can delay progress and lead to missed opportunities for your business. It’s also difficult to determine which SEO freelancer is a true expert to entrust with your website.
Opting for this option is risky unless you’re very well-versed in SEO to assess their skills.
3. SEO consultant
Cost: £500 – £2,000 per month (depending on the scope of work and expertise)
SEO consultants are often highly experienced professionals who provide SEO services. They can provide strategic guidance, conduct audits, and help you implement SEO best practises, but you may need to handle most of the execution yourself or hire an expert to do that.
Although SEO consultants offer valuable expertise, they are not a good option for small businesses with limited budgets.
4. SEO agency
Cost: £500 – £5,000 per month (depending on the scope of work and agency size)
Hiring an SEO agency typically costs more than freelancers or consultants, but it can also be the most comprehensive. However, several expert agencies like A2N Infotech Limited offer affordable, high-quality SEO services.
Therefore, your SEO costs in the UK necessarily don’t need to be higher to get effective results. From keyword research and on-page optimisation to building links and creating content, SEO agencies usually have a team of SEO professionals who can handle every step of your campaign.
With the help of an SEO agency, you can rest assured that your website will perform well in search engines.
5. In-house team
Cost: £2500 – £5000 per month (salary and benefits for a single SEO specialist)
Considering general SEO costs in the UK, hiring an in-house team of SEO experts is likely the most expensive option. While this approach offers complete control over SEO strategy and implementation, it requires significant investment in recruitment, training, equipment, and tools.
It also carries ongoing expenses such as salaries, benefits, and professional development. For small businesses, hiring an in-house team is not recommended, as it may not be financially feasible.
SEO pricing models in the UK
| Pricing Model | Description | Typical Cost |
| Project-Based | One-time fee for a specific SEO project (e.g., audit, optimization, link building) | £500 – £5,000+ |
| Retainer-Based | Recurring monthly fee for ongoing SEO services (e.g., keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation) | £500 – £5,000 per month |
| Performance-Based | Compensation tied to measurable outcomes (e.g., leads, conversions, revenue) | 10% – 30% of attributed revenue or sales |
| Hybrid | Combination of retainer and performance-based pricing | Base retainer fee plus performance-based incentives |
If you’re seeking SEO services in the UK, you’ll find that there are a number of pricing models available to businesses. The best one for your company will depend on your unique needs, budget, and the type of engagement you’re looking for.
Let’s explore the common SEO pricing models used in the UK:
1. Project-based pricing
This model entails a one-time fee for a particular SEO project, which could be a website audit, content optimisation, or link-building campaign.
In the UK, the cost of SEO services for this model can vary from £500 to £5,000 or higher, depending on the project’s complexity and extent.
2. Retainer-based pricing
Under this model, businesses pay a recurring monthly fee for ongoing SEO services. This could include services like keyword research, on-page optimisation, content creation, and performance reporting.
Typical retainer SEO fees in the UK range from £500 to £5,000 per month.
3. Performance-based pricing
Also known as “pay-for-performance” or “pay-per-result” pricing, this model ties the SEO provider’s compensation to measurable outcomes. This could include cost-per-lead, cost-per-conversion, or revenue-sharing arrangements.
Pricing is often structured as a percentage of the value generated, with fees ranging from 10% to 30% of the attributed revenue or sales.
4. Hybrid pricing models
Some SEO providers in the UK may utilise a combination of the above models, with a base retainer fee plus additional performance-based incentives. With this approach, the client’s interests and the SEO provider’s can be integrated while offering more flexibility.
How much does an SEO package cost in the UK
| Package Type | Services Included | Average Cost | Suitable for |
| Basic | Keyword research, on-page optimization, basic reporting | £300 – £1,000 | Suitable for small businesses with basic SEO needs |
| Standard | Content creation, link building, advanced analytics | £500 – £1,500 | Suitable for medium-sized businesses with more comprehensive SEO needs |
| Premium | Technical SEO audits, custom content strategy, competitor analysis, dedicated account management | £2,000 – £5,000 | Suitable for businesses with complex needs and higher service expectations |
| Enterprise | Comprehensive suite of services, including international SEO, advanced analytics, and custom reporting | £5,000 – £10,000+ | Suitable for large, high-profile businesses |
Many UK SEO companies offer bundled packages for their services. This can be a great way for businesses to cut SEO costs in the UK and get the assistance they need without breaking the bank.
Plus, it gives businesses the flexibility to choose the services that are most relevant to their specific goals.
1. Basic SEO package
A basic SEO package usually includes foundational tasks such as keyword research, on-page optimisation, and basic reporting. SEO fees in the UK for this level of service typically range from £300 to £1000 per month.
2. Standard SEO package
A standard SEO package often includes more comprehensive services like content writing, link building, and advanced analytics.
These packages typically cost between £500–£1,500 per month in the UK and are suitable for medium-sized businesses or those looking for more comprehensive SEO support.
4. Premium SEO package
Premium SEO packages are designed for businesses with more complex needs or those looking for a higher level of service. These packages may include technical SEO audits, custom content strategy, competitor analysis, and dedicated account management.
UK rates for SEO premium packages can range from £2,000 to £5,000 per month.
5. Enterprise SEO package
Enterprise-level SEO packages are available for large, high-profile businesses. These packages typically include a comprehensive suite of services, such as international SEO, advanced analytics, and custom reporting.
SEO fees in the UK for enterprise SEO packages can range from £5,000 to £10,000 per month or more.
SEO costs for specific industries in the UK
| Industry | Average Cost | Details |
| E-commerce | £1,000 – £5,000 | Requires comprehensive SEO strategy including product and category page optimization |
| B2B | £800 – £3,000 | Focuses on content marketing, lead generation, and targeted keyword strategies |
| Financial Services | £1,500 – £5,000 | Highly competitive industry requiring technical SEO, content marketing, and reputation management |
| Healthcare | £800 – £3,000 | Focuses on SEO for specific procedures, treatments, and services |
| Travel and Hospitality | £1,000 – £4,000 | Requires SEO strategies tailored to seasonal trends and location-based searches |
The amount you pay for SEO services depends heavily on your business’s nature and specific needs. For some companies, a few hundred pounds a month is sufficient, while others have to spend thousands.
Here’s a breakdown of SEO costs in the UK for some key industries:
1. E-commerce SEO costs
E-commerce businesses often require a more comprehensive SEO strategy. As a result the SEO cost in the UK for eCommerce businesses is often higher.
Online business websites often require product page optimisation, category page optimisation, and advanced technical SEO work. Typical SEO fees for e-commerce businesses in the UK range from £1,000 to £5,000 per month.
2. B2B SEO costs
B2B businesses usually have a more complex sales funnel and must focus on content marketing, lead generation, and targeted keyword strategies. SEO rates in the UK for B2B businesses are between £800 to £3,000 per month.
3. Financial services SEO costs
In the financial services industry, SEO charges in the UK can be on the high end, ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 per month, due to high levels of competition. These businesses often need to invest in technical SEO, content marketing, and reputation management.
4. Healthcare SEO costs
Healthcare providers and medical businesses may need to focus on SEO for specific procedures, treatments, and services. UK SEO costs in this industry typically range from £800 to £3,000 per month.
5. Travel and hospitality SEO costs
Businesses in the travel and hospitality field generally require SEO strategies tailored to seasonal trends and location-based searches. Typical SEO costs in this sector range from £1,000 to £4,000 per month.
Key factors affecting SEO costs in the UK
To make a well-informed decision based on your objectives and budget requires an understanding of the key factors that influence SEO charges in the UK.
Here is the crucial factor that affects UK SEO costs:
1. Location and competition
SEO costs can be significantly impacted by the location of your business as well as the competitive landscape of your industry. It is likely that businesses operating in highly competitive industries like finance or e-commerce will have to invest more in SEO, which will result in higher costs.
Similarly, businesses located in major cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham may face stiffer competition, driving up SEO charges in the UK.
2. Scope of SEO services required
SEO Costs in the UK can be significantly impacted by the breadth and depth of the SEO services required. Businesses with complex or extensive requirements, such as international SEO, technical SEO, or large-scale content creation, will typically pay more than those with more straightforward needs.
3. Type of service provider
The type of SEO provider you choose can also affect the cost. Hiring an SEO agency, a freelance SEO expert, or an in-house SEO team can result in different pricing structures and levels of expertise.
4. Level of SEO expertise needed
The level of SEO expertise required will also impact costs. If your business needs specialised SEO services, such as technical SEO audits or advanced content marketing, you may need to pay more for a provider with the necessary expertise.
5. Type of SEO services required
The type of services you require will also influence SEO charges in the UK. For example, local SEO services may be less expensive than nationwide SEO campaigns. Similarly, technical SEO audits may be more costly than basic on-page optimisation.
6. Size and complexity of the website
SEO costs in the UK are affected by the size and complexity of your website. Larger, more complex websites often require more extensive optimisation and ongoing maintenance, which can translate to higher fees.
7. Industry and competition level
Some UK industries are more competitive than others, which can increase the cost of SEO services. Businesses in highly competitive niches, such as finance or healthcare, may need to invest more in their SEO strategies to stand out.
Factors that can increase or decrease SEO costs in the UK
A number of factors can both positively and negatively influence the cost of SEO services in the UK. Understanding these factors can help you better plan and manage your SEO budget.
Factors that can increase SEO costs in the UK
- Competitive industry or niche: Highly competitive industries in the UK, such as finance, e-commerce, or law, often require more intensive SEO efforts, leading to higher SEO costs.
- Existing website condition and optimisation level: If your website is poorly optimised or has technical issues, it may require more extensive work, increasing the overall SEO costs.
- Content creation and marketing needs: Companies that need to produce a lot of new content, such as posts, videos, or infographics, may be charged more for SEO.
- Ongoing reporting and performance tracking: Regular reporting, data analysis, and adjustments to your SEO strategy can add to the overall costs.
Factors that can decrease SEO costs
- Established website with strong foundations: If your website is already well-optimised and has a good technical foundation, the cost of ongoing SEO maintenance may be lower.
- Targeted and focused SEO strategies: Carefully prioritising your SEO efforts and focusing on the most impactful activities can optimise your budget and reduce overall costs.
- Leveraging in-house resources: If you have team members with SEO skills or the ability to handle certain tasks in-house, you can potentially save on outsourcing costs.
- Long-term partnerships with SEO providers: Establishing a long-term relationship with an SEO agency or freelancer may result in more favourable pricing and discounts over time.
- Scalable SEO solutions: Choosing SEO packages or services that can be scaled up or down as needed can help you manage costs more efficiently.
Get started with our SEO services today
Want to dominate the UK market with your SEO? We combine the best of both worlds – agency know-how and personalised attention – to craft a strategy that fits your unique needs and budget. To see real results for your business, contact us today!
Final words
As we’ve explored the complex landscape of SEO rates in the UK, we have examined different pricing models, key determinants of SEO rates, and various options to choose from. We have covered everything you need to know to figure out how much SEO costs in the UK for your business.
Now it’s your turn to use this information by assessing your budget, key objectives and exploring different options. With the right approach, you can harness the power of SEO without needing to spend too much.
