How much does SEO cost? I’m here to you tell you exactly what you can expect to pay for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services in Canada. We already know that SEO’s a crucial investment for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence but the cost can vary significantly based on multiple factors – it’s not one a one size fits all approach.

At the end of the article I’ve provided a SEO ROI calculator – so you can exactly see the ROI you’ll generate through SEO.

Now let’s get started…

How Much Does SEO Cost?

SEO costs vary by pricing model. Here is a list of some of the most popular.

Pricing Model	Frequency and SEO Pricing
Ongoing Monthly SEO	$700 to $30,000 per month
One-time SEO Project	$1,000 to $30,000 per project
Fixed Contract	$500 to $25,000
Hourly SEO Consulting	$100 to $300 per hour
SEO Copywriting	$0.10 to $0.50 per word
Link Profile Audit	$500 to $5,000 per audit
SEO Content Audit	$500 to $20,000 per audit

Okay so some wild ranges there. Why is that? It’s because of the size of websites that are involved – if you’re a small business you’ll be paying towards the lower end of that. If you’re an enterprise company you’ll be paying towards the higher end – now let’s break down costs by business size.

Business Size	SEO Pricing
Startup	$700 to $10,000 per month
Small Business	$700 to $10,000 per month
Medium-sized business	$1,500 to $30,000 per month
Enterprise	$5,000+ per month

So that gives you a better idea, still a wild range but you can see how costs can vary based on the size of your business. SEO costs can also vary based on the city you’re located in.

SEO Costs in Canada For Small Businesses (By City)

City	SEO Pricing
Brampton	$700 to $3,500
Calgary	$700 to $3,000
Edmonton	$500 to $2,000
Gatineau	$700 to $1,500
Halifax	$700 to $3,000
Hamilton	$700 to $3,500
Kitchener	$700 to $3,500
Laval	$700 to $1,500
London	$700 to $3,000
Markham	$700 to $3,000
Mississauga	$700 to $3,000
Montreal	$700 to $3,500
Ottawa	$700 to $3,000
Quebec City	$500 to $3,000
Saskatoon	$700 to $3,000
Surrey	$700 to $3,500
Toronto	$700 to $3,500
Vancouver	$700 to $3,500
Vaughan	$700 to $3,500
Winnipeg	$500 to $2,000

What Determines the Cost of SEO?

Okay so now let’s get into more detail and talk about additional factors that determine the cost of SEO:

Size of Business

The size of your business significantly impacts SEO costs. Larger businesses typically have more complex needs and higher competition, leading to higher costs.

Scale of Project & Website

The scope of your SEO project and the size of your website also play crucial roles. Larger projects with extensive websites require more resources and time, increasing the overall cost.

Your Industry

Industries with high competition often demand more aggressive SEO strategies, which can be more costly.

Agency or Consultant’s Experience

Experienced SEO agencies or consultants with a proven track record generally charge higher rates due to their expertise and success rates.

Chosen Pricing Model

The pricing model you choose (monthly retainer, project-based, hourly, etc.) can influence the overall cost of SEO services.

Your Current Performance

If your website already has a good SEO foundation, the costs may be lower compared to a site that needs significant work from scratch.

Your Goals

Ambitious SEO goals, such as ranking for highly competitive keywords, will require more effort and investment.

Your Budget

Your budget will ultimately determine the scope and scale of the SEO services you can afford.

Is it Worth Paying for SEO?

I’m biased – so I’ll say yes, but let’s be real. Investing in professional SEO services can be highly beneficial. According to a study by BrightEdge, organic search drives 53.3% of all website traffic, that’s half of the traffic on the internet. Hiring a good SEO professional can lead to higher search rankings, increased traffic, and ultimately, more conversions and revenue. Use the calculator below, to see if it’s worth paying for SEO.

SEO ROI Calculator

Number of new customers acquired via organic search in a given month: Average net income (profit) per order ($): Total profits from new organic search customers in a given month ($): Average number of orders per customer over a lifetime: Calculate

Can I just do SEO myself? Hiring a professional vs DIY SEO

While DIY SEO can save money initially, it requires significant time and expertise. Professional SEO services offer the advantage of experienced specialists who can efficiently implement strategies tailored to your business needs. However, for small businesses with limited budgets, DIY SEO with a well-structured plan can still yield positive results.

How to set a budget for SEO?

Setting a budget for SEO involves assessing your business goals, current SEO performance, and available resources. Consider the competitive landscape of your industry and the level of expertise required to achieve your objectives. A well-defined budget will help you plan and allocate resources effectively.

How much should I spend on SEO?

The amount you should spend on SEO depends on your business size, goals, and industry competition. As a general guideline, businesses should allocate 5-10% of their revenue to marketing, with a significant portion dedicated to SEO. If you’re a small business then you can expect to pay at least $700 a month for results that actually make a difference.

Invest in SEO that will help you meet business goals!

In my opinion, you need to invest in SEO that’ll help you achieve overall business goals. Keyword rankings mean nothing without associating them with business goals – so find someone that will help you do that. If you’re interested in learning more then book a free consultation and we’ll tell you if SEO is the right choice for your business.