SEO Packages

SEO Packages

Based on our over 15 years of providing SEO Packages, here is an overview of SEO Packages, the inclusions you should expect from an SEO Services Package and our insider tips to look out for.

Quality SEO Packages

Just as there are multiple packages to service and clean your car or manage your financial planning, so are there multiple approaches to SEO Services Packages.

With so many SEO agencies offering packages at different service and price levels, it can be difficult to know which company to use. Some SEO Consultants will offer out of the box solutions and others will create tailored and customized applications.

Our approach to SEO service packages depends on the complexity of your site, the authority of your site, the context of your competition, and the effort required to ‘move the needle’. At The SEO Works we offer customised packages that will be tailored to your needs and budget.

Fixed price SEO Packages

Our fixed price SEO Packages start from $2500 per month, see example pricing below. If you would like a tailored SEO Package quote, get in touch.

StarterAdvancedSuperiorBespoke
Ideal for small websites targeting a handful of phrases.Ideal for medium websites or new sites with low authority.Ideal for large or ecommerce websites.For bespoke needs or enterprise level websites.
$2500 per month$3500 per month$5000 per month$Custom
Get a quote today

A guide to Organic SEO packages

Based on our over 15 years of providing quality SEO Services, here our detailed guide to organic SEO packages. Get an overview of SEO Service Packages, the inclusions you should expect, and our insider tips for things you should be on the lookout for.

1. What is an SEO Package?

An SEO Services Package is simply where several SEO Services are bundled together into a cost-effective and time-effective approach to optimising your website.

SEO Service Packages are usually based on a fixed monthly fee, sometimes for a minimum contracted period, but with smaller and less experienced agencies you may get the option of a month-to-month agreement.

Every business has different needs and our SEO experts completely understand this. SEO is not a one size fits all approach, so when we are creating your custom package we need to fully understand who your business is. We will talk to you about how your site is and what your goals are. We will audit your site to give you an overview of what and where needs improving.

2. The main pillars of an SEO Services Package

SEO success comes from maximizing three core pillars outlined below. Your SEO package may focus on one, two or three of these pillars. Check to see if your SEO package is holistic and covers all areas, or if it misses out on a key area.

Content

Content can take many forms, from unique product descriptions to expert articles and insightful blogs. It’s important that you are creating quality content – original, trustworthy, expert content that demonstrates your leading knowledge in that particular subject matter.

Technical

Your website needs to be “seen and understood” by Google. This means your website’s technical SEO friendliness – the code, speed, and structure – needs to be optimised. Depending on the size and complexity of your site this could be a huge part of the project. As technology becomes smarter it is vital that your website is up to scratch so it doesn’t get left behind.

You must build links and citations from high quality, authoritative and relevant pages to show Google that you are an expert and have a reputation in your field. External signals pointing to your site add credibility and authority to your domain. It should be a focus as part of your ongoing strategy, be it an SEO Package or a custom SEO consultancy.

a mind map showing the relationship between content, links and technical for SEO
The main pillars of an SEO package

3. SEO Package Inclusions

Clearly SEO Service Packages vary from one provider to another, but as a minimum should include the following elements. Beware of long lists of inclusions and take a reality check. For example, if there are 150 items in the list and your monthly fee is $500, how likely is it that these 150 items will either a) be completed at all or b) be completed with a quality outcome in mind.

Preliminary assessment

Sometimes called an SEO Audit, this element typically includes a high level review of the current status of your website. It sets the scene for task prioritisation amongst the inclusions in your quality SEO Services Package.

An SEO Audit is a much more comprehensive analysis of your website, your competition, Search Engine visibility and if required would normally be conducted separate to any ongoing monthly SEO Marketing Package.

Keyword Research

Keyword research is an essential component of Search Engine Optimization packages and integral to the success of your SEO campaign.

Normally there are a set number of keywords that an agency will target – this will usually depend on the level of package you have bought. SEO consultants will use a variety of methods to obtain what they believe are the best keywords to drive traffic to your website. This may include some or all of the following:

  • using research tools
  • analysing Google Analytics
  • analysing competitor’s keywords
  • surveying customers/clients/suppliers
  • reviewing natural language used on relevant social media sites

Unless you operate in a high tech or bio segment, your targeted keywords will not change significantly from to month. This task should be conducted in detail at the beginning, and then revisited every six months for a quick sanity check.

And unless your website or target market is particularly complex, keyword research should take no more than a few hours twice a year.

Inbound Linking

If you are considering an SEO Service Package, then we can safely assume that you have discovered the importance of another website linking to your website.

The off-page optimisation for your website is important to boosting your Search Engine rankings. Google sees a backlink or citation (web reference) from quality websites as a ‘vote’ or ‘validation’ for your website and they will rate your page being linked to or referenced more positively. A full-service agency may offer link building as part of a standard SEO package. This may include some or all of the following:

  • analysing your current link profile
  • analysing competitor’s link profiles
  • submitting your website to relevant, quality websites offering content that they will like to link to – known as link outreach
  • social bookmarking and networking
  • creating content to generate links or writing content for other sites

On Site Page Optimization – Existing Content Optimization

You won’t gain the traction you desire without ensuring that what is on your pages fulfils the expectations of your website visitors, and by implication, the expectations of the Search Engines. Auditing the existing content that you have and optimizing it to ensure if matches these needs is an initial task that should come early on in the first few months of a project.

Meta optimization

Reviewing and optimizing the meta titles across key pages is also another task that will take some time but is likely to bring benefits. When done in conjunction with copy optimization, this will ensure the page is relevant and matches the target phrases you are working towards.

SEO Copywriting

SEO copywriting is another service that may also be included in a Search Engine Optimization package if an SEO expert believes pages need to be added to your site or rewritten. Writing optimized copy for the web is an acquired skill. Keywords need to be inserted naturally, seamlessly and strategically throughout the body copy. It should strike a balance between being engaging for readers but also telling Search Engine spiders what your copy is all about.

New Content Optimization

For a variety of reasons, SEO and in general, your website should be publishing new quality content regularly, at least once a month and more frequently for highly competitive market segments.

Internal Linking

Whilst a link from within your website from one page to another is perceived somewhat differently to a link from an external page, it is still a link and has some value in passing link value throughout your website. A quality SEO company will usually include and internal linking strategy as part of their ongoing content optimization element of your SEO Package.

Reporting

The discipline of preparing, presenting and reviewing your Organic SEO Package performance is an essential component of an SEO Package and you should expect to not only receive a monthly report, on time, but you should also expect to schedule a discussion to review the outcomes and refine the objectives.
At a minimum you should receive a report that includes:

  • Ranking for your keywords
  • Backlinks summary of all links and especially new links
  • Organic traffic

These should be for the immediate month prior and compare the to preceding month, and if data is available, should also include a comparison to the same time in the prior year.

4. SEO Services Package Prices – How much does SEO Cost?

So, how much is SEO? We’re not going to dance around this subject, and try to provide you with our insider knowledge as to what sort of investment you should be making for an SEO Package.

Typically, search engine optimization pricing will come in three-tier pricing structure – let’s call them Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Many SEO Packages are based on the number of keyword phrases that they are targeting, which is broadly appropriate and relative to effort. Don’t be drawn in by larger keyword number inclusion – just about every segment we ever worked on ourselves has about 10-30 “core” keywords, 20-50 more “primary” keywords and a further 20-50 “secondary” keywords. More than that and either your site is huge (enterprise level), the SEO company is stretching itself too thin, or they are exaggerating their efforts.

The SEO Package Price formula

To help you, here is how a quality SEO Company reverse engineers their SEO Packages.

A good SEO consultant based in a developed country earns about $100,000 a year or $50 an hour. Payroll costs are about 40% of operating costs, overheads about 35% and profit margin about 25%.

Based on the above, an SEO company has to charge about $135 an hour for their billable hours. Infact, AHREFs ran a study where they found that 50% of SEO’s charge between $75 and $200 per hour. Note that the cost is higher if it is an agency vs a freelancer, as with an agency there are more overheads yet more access to the collective brain power of the agency.

SEO prices study

So, divide the SEO Package price you are contemplating by around $135 and you get the number of approximate man hours available to compete the SEO activities included in your SEO Package. Now you have a benchmark to enable you to see what can reasonably be achieved.

Calculating the cost of SEO

If your SEO Service Packages fee is $2000 per month, then expect about 14 hours of work. At $4000 per month expect around 30 hours of work and so on. Remember, hourly rates for consultants or companies will vary, but these will generally be between $75-200 per hour. Most SEO packages from reputable agencies (for a medium sized site) will cost between $2500-$5000 per month, depending on scope.

And what about SEO Marketing Packages fulfilled in popular outsourcing countries such as India, the Philippines or Thailand? The hourly rate will be cheaper there. Is it possible that good results can be delivered from this type of location? In our opinion it’s not impossible, it’s just much less likely. SEO techniques tend to be behind the curve there and mimic execution without much strategic thought behind why things are being done. Generally in SEO, you pay for what you get. Cheap search engine optimization rarely comes with any benefits. If it was fast and cheap, wouldn’t everyone be doing it?

5. The return on SEO Packages – Two Key Benchmarks

When considering an SEO Package, we strongly recommend that you consider two important benchmarks.

  • Return Of Investment – how many directly attributable, incremental sales must your company make to cover the cost of your SEO Package. If you are paying $2500 a month for and SEO package and your unit sales price is $100, by the end of the investment will you be easily able to make 25 new sales per month? This is your short-term measure. Remember that SEO can take time so you should give this a few months before you can begin to measure it effectively.
  • Return On Investment – what is your customer acquisition margin? Let’s say that you are prepared to invest 10% of your revenues in sales, marketing and customer acquisition costs. Using the same data as above, can you expect to generate $25,000 in directly attributable, incremental sales from your SEO Package. This should be your long-term measure.

6. Organic SEO Package Timeframes

We hear a lot about it taking 6 months or so to start gaining SEO traction with the Search Engines.

Whilst it does take a few weeks for the early changes to start having an effect, if you are not seeing some ‘green shoots of ranking improvement’ by week 12 then you may have chosen the wrong provider. Do not expect to get to page 1 for all of your core keywords in 3 months, but do expect to see some positive movement. For example, from invisible to being on page 4 or 5, or from being on page 5 to page 3.

You should budget for a minimum 6 month commitment, and more realistically 12 months, to start to see your rankings reach page 1. But you should not be waiting until month 5 or 11 to see any keyword movement across any of your keywords (from the keyword starting point).

Also consider that not all of your target phrases may move: some may gain more traction than others. What is important is to also consider the impact the increased visibility is having in terms of sales or leads and measure this.

7. What To Look Out For

Like just about every industry, there are the good guys and the charlatans and snake oil sales people, and the world of SEO is no different. There are few barriers to entry to starting up an SEO Company and there are no formal qualifications from Bing College or Google University.

Check out our How To Choose An SEO Company article for more specific details but here is a summary of things you should take into consideration when looking at SEO Packages and providers:

  • Technical Audits – as mentioned earlier, the Search Engines are pretty good at finding and indexing web pages – a high level technical review takes a few hours for most websites. If you need an SEO Audit you typically have a large, site with hundreds or thousands of pages, in a sector with tough online competition.
  • Link Building – if they do talk about link building, ensure there is transparency, ask about their methodology – be worried when they talk about exclusive relationships with groups or websites.
  • Proprietary solutions with cool sounding names – if it sounds like b******t, it usually is.
  • Lump Sum Up Front Fees – do not pay for 6 months in advance. Period.
  • Google Certification – Google does not certify SEO companies, Google only certifies Paid Search companies and SEO companies that refer to Google Partner Certification are breaking their Partner rules.
  • Blending SEO and PPC – some SEO packages include Paid Search in combination with organic SEO – if this is the case, understand the amount of time dedicated to each service.
  • Custom SEO Solutions – if you have a large site with 1,000’s of pages, an ecommerce site or a CMS that is not mainstream, you may well need a custom SEO consultancy or custom SEO package.
  • Look at online reviews, case studies and ask for references from other clients. A reputable agency will be happy to supply these.

8. In Conclusion

SEO Service Packages represent a mutually beneficial platform for SEO Companies and potential clients. A fixed range of SEO Services for a fixed price seems like a good deal, and usually is. Just make sure that you are clear on the inclusions, quality of workmanship, by who and over what time period should you expect results.

Can we help you with your own SEO, you ask?

Yes – Contact Us and we will be happy to discuss our SEO Packages.

SEO Packages FAQs

What is an SEO package, and why do I need it?

An SEO package is a bundled set of services and strategies offered by SEO professionals or agencies to improve a website’s visibility in search engine results. These services typically include keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, link building, and performance tracking. You need an SEO package because it helps your website rank higher in search results, which can drive organic traffic, increase online visibility, and ultimately lead to more customers or clients finding your business. It’s an essential tool for enhancing your online presence and staying competitive in the digital landscape.

How much does an SEO package cost? How much does search engine optimization cost?

The cost of Search Engine Optimization packages can vary significantly based on several factors, including the scope of services, the competitiveness of your industry, and the reputation of the SEO provider. Typically, SEO pricing packages can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month. It’s important to consider your budget and goals when selecting a package. Based on a reputable AHREFs study, SEO rates vary from $75 per hour to $200 per hour. Some providers offer SEO plan pricing with tiered levels of service, allowing you to choose an SEO marketing package that aligns with your financial capacity and objectives.

What services are included in an SEO package?

SEO packages often include a range of services, such as:
Keyword research and optimization
On-page optimization (title tags, meta descriptions, content improvements)
Link building
Content creation (blog posts, articles, infographics, videos)
Technical SEO (site speed, mobile-friendliness)
Analytics and reporting
The specific services included may vary from one package to another, so it’s essential to carefully review what’s offered to ensure it matches your SEO goals.

Can your SEO services packages be customized for my business?

Many SEO providers offer customization options to tailor the package to your unique needs. This is important because every business has different goals and challenges. Customization allows you to focus on the strategies that matter most for your industry, target audience, and competitive landscape. Work with your SEO provider to determine which services should be emphasized or de-emphasized to align with your specific objectives.

How long does it take to see results with an SEO services package?

The timeline for seeing results with a Search Engine Optimization package can vary depending on several factors, including the current state of your website, the level of competition in your industry, and the specific strategies employed. You should expect to see some positive keyword movements within a few months, for example being on page 5 to page 3. This is unlikely to happen for all of your keywords though. Generally, it may take several months to start noticing significant improvements in search engine rankings and organic traffic. It is important to remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and long-term results often yield the best return on investment.

What is the difference between local and national SEO packages?

Local Search Engine Optimization packages are designed for businesses targeting a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. They focus on strategies like optimizing Google My Business listings and acquiring local citations. National SEO packages, on the other hand, are intended for businesses with a wider target audience, often spanning an entire country or even international markets. These packages emphasize broader keyword research and a more extensive content strategy to reach a national or global audience.

Do you provide ongoing support and monitoring with the SEO package?

Yes, we offer ongoing support and monitoring as part of our SEO packages. This includes regular tracking of keyword rankings, website traffic, and conversion rates. Ongoing support ensures that your SEO strategies are adjusted as needed to adapt to changes in the search engine algorithms and your business goals.

What is your approach to link building and content creation in the SEO package?

Link building and content creation are crucial aspects of SEO. We will explain our strategies for acquiring quality backlinks from reputable websites and creating SEO-optimized, valuable content for your target audience. All of our methodologies focus on ethical practices and avoid techniques that violate search engine guidelines.

Are there any guarantees for results with the SEO packages?

SEO is influenced by numerous factors, including algorithm changes and the competitive landscape, making it challenging to provide specific guarantees. As a reputable SEO provider, we can guarantee ethical practices and commitment to delivering the services to the best of our ability. We can also provide an opportunity plan demonstrating clear expectations regarding potential outcomes based on experience and expertise.

Can you provide case studies or references from previous clients who used your SEO packages?

Yes, asking for case studies or references is an excellent way to evaluate our track record. We are able to offer examples of successful campaigns and provide references from satisfied clients. This information can help you gauge our expertise and the results you may be able to expect from the SEO packages.

What is the difference between white-hat and black-hat SEO, and which one do you use?

White-hat SEO employs ethical strategies within any published guidelines to improve rankings, such as quality content creation and natural link building. Black-hat SEO, on the other hand, relies on manipulative and risky tactics that can result in penalties from search engines. We strictly adhere to white-hat practices to ensure long-term success and compliance with search engine guidelines.

How often will I receive progress reports and updates?

Regular progress reports are crucial for tracking the effectiveness of your SEO services package. We provide monthly reports, detailing key performance metrics such as keyword rankings, organic traffic, and conversion rates. We also provide frequent reporting via calls, meetings and video. At month 6 and month 12 we will take a step back and review the campaign holistically and review/adjust the strategy where necessary.

Can you provide insights into my competitors’ SEO strategies?

Competitive analysis is an important part of effective SEO. Using our in-house enterprise software we will be able to offer insights into your competitors’ strategies, such as the keywords they target, their backlink profiles, and content tactics. This information can help inform your own SEO efforts and help you stand out in your industry.

How will you determine the most relevant keywords for my business?

Keyword research is a foundational step in any SEO package. We will conduct thorough research to identify the most relevant and valuable keywords for your business. This process will involve considering search volume, search intent, competitiveness, and relevance to your products or services. We will fully involve you in this process of selection so that you are happy with the keywords chosen to optimize.

Do you provide content marketing as part of the SEO package, and how do you ensure it’s high-quality?

Content marketing is a critical component of SEO. As part of any SEO package we offer content creation services, with an approach that focuses on quality. This includes original, engaging, and informative content that caters to your target audience. All content will follow SEO best practices, including optimizing content for relevant keywords.

What is the best SEO package for me?

Determining the best SEO package for you depends on several factors, including your specific business needs, goals, budget, and the competitive landscape of your industry. It’s often beneficial to have consultations with a few providers to discuss your needs and get a sense of their approach before making a decision. Ultimately, the best SEO package for you will align with your business objectives, budget, and the specific challenges and opportunities your website faces. Each business is unique, so the right package will be the one that addresses your individual circumstances and helps you achieve your SEO goals.