The Real Cost of SEO Services in Australia

Many Australian business owners wonder, “What does SEO actually cost, and is it worth it?” Finding the right SEO agency can be challenging. There’s no shortage of so-called ‘experts,’ but quality matters when it comes to SEO. Good SEO can drive real growth, while poor SEO can be a costly mistake.

Partnering with a reliable SEO agency can lead to lasting online visibility, but finding that perfect fit requires a little guidance.

So, how much should you expect to pay for SEO in Australia? Let’s break down the costs and benefits to help you make an informed choice for organic, high-quality SEO.

Reflecting Modern SEO Practices: 2024 Updates

This article has been thoroughly updated from its original version to align with 2024’s best SEO practices. In today’s competitive landscape, SEO demands a focus on user experience, high-quality content, and advanced technical optimisation. These updates ensure that the information provided is relevant to current SEO standards, covering essential topics like mobile-first indexing, core web vitals, and local SEO strategies that are crucial for success in Australia’s evolving digital market.

By refreshing this article, we aim to provide you with the latest insights and actionable tips that reflect what’s truly effective in SEO today. This keeps your business equipped to implement strategies that not only improve rankings but also build a meaningful connection with your audience in 2024 and beyond.

How Much Does SEO Cost per month in Australia?

With small businesses facing economic challenges, understanding the costs and benefits of SEO is essential. By investing wisely, you can avoid untrustworthy providers and get the results you need.

SEO is crucial to stay competitive. If your competitors are investing in SEO, they’re increasing their visibility and pushing you further down the rankings. With SEO, your site can capture more traffic, build authority, and ensure your audience finds you first.

While many businesses have social media management strategies, far fewer invest in a dedicated SEO plan. This is a missed opportunity for many brands aiming to grow.

Quick Overview: SEO Costs in Australia

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary of typical SEO costs in Australia:

1. Cheap SEO: Priced under $950/month, these packages are often ineffective and can risk your brand’s reputation.
2. Affordable SEO: Around $1,500/month, ideal for small businesses seeking steady results with a manageable budget.
3. Aggressive SEO: Starting at $4,500/month, this level is suited to competitive industries, with reliable agencies that commit to measurable results.
4. Expensive SEO: Starts from $10,000/month. Expensive doesn’t always mean effective, so ensure you’re getting proven value.
5. Premium SEO: Custom pricing, often exceeding $200,000, focused on significant, ROI-driven strategies for established brands.

Ready to Grow Your Business with SEO? Let’s Chat!

What is the Average Cost of SEO in Australia?

Currently, the average hourly rate for search engine optimisation in Australia is between $150 and $450. For those opting for an affordable SEO package in Australia, monthly SEO prices typically range from $950 up to around $2,700 for entry-level packages with larger agencies.

To ensure we’re all on the same page about what SEO actually entails, it involves a blend of technical website knowledge and digital marketing expertise designed to boost your site’s search rankings, particularly on Google.

This guide will clarify SEO costs, what each package delivers, and where you should be focusing your investment to maximize return. Remember, when partnering with an SEO agency, it’s essential to consider minimum contract lengths and the time required to see substantial results.

Understanding SEO Package Pricing in Australia

The cost of SEO services largely depends on your goals and how quickly you want to see results. Investing in SEO requires careful consideration; while cost is a factor, quality is paramount. Cheap SEO can be risky, as it often delivers limited results and, in some cases, can even harm your website’s reputation and rankings.

In the digital marketing world, SEO is known for its share of “cowboys,” so it’s crucial to choose providers wisely.

Cheap SEO

Cheap SEO often comes from less-experienced consultants or overseas providers, generally costing below $950 per month. Be cautious with these services, as they often lack the depth and quality needed for effective results.

While some low-cost SEO providers may offer initial boosts, they may use black-hat techniques that can temporarily raise your rankings but ultimately harm your site’s reputation. If you’re on a tight budget, look for an up-and-coming freelancer with updated skills who is eager to grow their portfolio. Otherwise, we recommend steering clear of cheap SEO services.

Affordable SEO

Affordable SEO sits in the “goldilocks zone” around $1,500 per month and is an excellent choice for businesses seeking consistent, quality-driven SEO.

At this price point, expect local SEO services, such as:

1. Meta description & title optimisation
2. Basic on-page SEO
3. Page speed optimisation
4. Mobile-friendliness improvements
5. Google My Business optimisation
6. Limited content creation

Though these packages may take time to deliver noticeable results, consistent effort and transparency from your provider can yield significant long-term benefits. Remember, with SEO, patience pays off!

Aggressive SEO

Businesses in competitive niches, especially in metro areas, often benefit from an aggressive SEO strategy. In Australia, SEO is still underutilized by many industries, which makes it a smart area for investment compared to other channels.

An aggressive SEO package typically starts around $4,500 per month, with services like:

1. Technical on-page SEO
2. Off-page SEO strategies
3. Regular content creation and marketing
4. Conversion optimisation to boost ROI
5. Link building and outreach
6. Competitor benchmarking
7. Schema markup implementation
8. Redirect management

A trustworthy provider will guide you through these advanced strategies, keeping you informed with data-driven insights to outpace competitors and secure top rankings.

Good SEO is all about being data-driven. Make sure your provider is committed to using accurate data to guide your strategy, ensuring every effort is targeted and impactful.

Ready to Discuss SEO for Your Business? Let’s Connect!

Expensive SEO: High-Impact, High-Investment Strategies

We believe that “expensive SEO” is a misnomer; in SEO, the only thing that’s truly costly is a strategy that fails to generate a return on investment (ROI). What some consider “expensive” SEO is often high-end SEO designed to deliver substantial results for businesses with ambitious goals.

For major brands and large-scale projects, SEO monthly retainers can start at $10,000, while one-off projects easily surpass $50,000. This level of investment indicates a serious commitment to achieving market-leading positions and driving significant traffic and conversions. Investing at this level enables Australian businesses to compete on a global scale, especially in eCommerce, where international reach offers immense growth potential.

Premium SEO: Custom Solutions for Leading Brands

Premium SEO ventures into a highly tailored approach, often exclusive to major corporations or highly specialised industries. In some cases, one-time projects like in-depth keyword research for large global brands can begin at $200,000. Similarly, on-site optimisation for a substantial eCommerce platform can extend over several months and cost well into six figures.

This level of SEO service involves intensive strategies, such as competitor benchmarking, content alignment, and sophisticated technical adjustments, all aimed at achieving dominant market positions and unparalleled visibility.

The Cost of SEO Packages in Perth

At 3am Ideas, we provide bespoke SEO packages tailored to Perth businesses and beyond. Our packages are designed to complement your content creation strategy, whether you have an existing framework or need us to build one. Starting at $750 per month for Local SEO, our small business SEO packages include a wide range of services such as:

1. Comprehensive keyword research
2. Backlink audits and strategic link-building
3. Competitor analysis
4. Local SEO optimisation
5. Content creation planning

Content remains central to effective SEO. By helping you craft blog posts, articles, and infographics that resonate with your brand’s unique voice, we aim to create a lasting online presence that drives traffic and enhances your authority.

Ready to Boost Your Rankings? Let’s Start!

SEO Package Contract Lengths & Costs

Search Engine Optimisation is a long term investment. It doesn’t bring immediate results, so you can expect some minimum engagement terms.

These will range from 3 to 6 months at least.

Here at 3am Ideas, we hardly have any lock-in contracts as we choose to retain our clients on performance, not through paperwork.

We don’t say this to brag, but to set the expectations. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the only service we offer with a minimum engagement period of 3 months.

This is because good SEO takes time. Committing to one SEO service provider and going on a long-term journey with them will be key to your SEO strategy success.

Sure, on-page changes we make today will likely start benefiting your ranking almost immediately.

However, it is the content creation and off-page SEO that takes a long time to take effect.

Once-Off SEO

We have offered once-off SEO projects in the past, and these are certainly not uncommon.

Mainly, you have a specific outcome in mind.

Such as improving speeds, or improving ranking for one particular keyword.

On bigger projects, it might include the optimisation of all images, product pages etc.

There really is no measurement on cost here as it depends entirely on what needs to be done to your site to achieve your outcome.

Month-by-Month SEO Contracts

We’re pretty skeptical about month-by-month, or no lock-in SEO contracts.

As we’ve mentioned above, good SEO takes time.

If we’re publishing new content for you today, it might take a week before it has been properly ranked and getting you traffic.

That’s if all goes well.

What if we need to tweak some things? Adjust the content based on the user data you’re receiving back?

Then it could take another few weeks, depending on how many users you’re pushing to your content.

1000 people reading your blog post gives us a lot more insight into what needs improving when compared to only 10 people reading your blog.

As such, we believe that on a month-by-month engagement, you cannot possibly be receiving sustainable search engine optimisation efforts.

The agency you’re working with will likely be spending too much attention on ensuring you’re paying next month’s fees, to even be looking at growing your website traffic.

Minimum Engagement Periods

When it comes to SEO, you’ll want to partner up with somebody whom you can trust.

They can make your break your website’s ranking, permanently.

So before you go out making any hasty decisions, be sure you have a solid and trusting relationship with your SEO agency.

Your SEO agency should have your business’ growth at heart first and foremost.

We always tell our clients we want them to consider us as part of their business team, not some consulting company they’ve hired.

We’re there through the blood, sweat, tears, and successes.

If you have that sort of relationship with any of your service providers, then a 3 or 6-month engagement period shouldn’t worry you.

Over those 12 to 24 weeks you’re giving your SEO experts the time and resources needed to put a long-term strategic plan into place.

Long-term strategic planning is what is required to sustainably grow Google and other search engine traffic.

If you want instant results, SEO isn’t for you. Maybe check out Google Ads instead, if you need immediate results.

How Much Does SEO Cost in Perth?

Perth’s dynamic business scene brings unique challenges and opportunities to the SEO landscape. For Perth businesses, achieving impactful SEO requires tailored strategies that connect with both local and broader Australian audiences.

Generally, SEO services in Perth range from $1,250 to $5,000 per month, depending on the scope and goals of your business.

Local Market Insights

Understanding Perth’s market is essential for effective SEO. With a diverse economy powered by industries such as mining, tourism, and technology, an SEO approach that aligns with these sector-specific needs is vital. Our strategies are crafted to boost your visibility in these key areas, positioning your business prominently in Perth’s competitive landscape.

Customized Pricing Models

SEO in Perth demands flexibility. We offer pricing models that suit all business sizes, from startups wanting to enhance their online presence to larger companies aiming for a dominant position in search results. Our services include basic packages for local businesses and comprehensive SEO plans designed for established enterprises looking for extensive reach.

Local SEO Focus

For businesses targeting Perth-based customers, local SEO is essential. We focus on optimizing your Google My Business profile, building local citations, and using location-based keywords to ensure your business ranks prominently in local searches.

This is especially beneficial for businesses with physical locations or those offering city-specific services.

Content That Resonates with Perth Audiences

Content is king, and in Perth, it’s about crafting messages that resonate locally. Our content strategies are tailored to engage Perth residents by incorporating local language, references, and insights.

This personalized approach builds a stronger connection with your audience, making your content relatable and engaging.

Ongoing Market Analysis

The Perth market is ever-evolving, and our SEO strategies evolve with it. We stay on top of market trends, algorithm updates, and competitor activities to keep your business at the forefront.

This proactive approach ensures that your SEO strategy remains effective and continues delivering results in the long run.

Transparent Reporting and Communication

Transparency is key to our client relationships. We provide regular, in-depth reports and maintain open communication so that you’re always informed about the progress and performance of your Perth SEO campaigns.

In summary, SEO in Perth requires a combination of local expertise, adaptable strategies, and continuous optimization. With our specialised approach, your business won’t just rank in search results—it will become a trusted, prominent name in Perth’s business landscape.

Let’s Elevate Your SEO in Perth—Get in Touch!

In-House SEO vs Agency SEO. A Cost Benefit Analysis

When considering SEO for your business, deciding between in-house management and hiring an agency is essential. Below is a clear, side-by-side comparison to help you make the best decision:

In-House SEO:

• Annual Salary: Typically $65,000–$120,000 for an experienced SEO specialist.

• Additional Costs: Employee benefits, superannuation, training, software licenses, and ongoing professional development.

• Flexibility: Limited by the specific skills and experience of your hired staff.

• Scalability: Limited; scaling typically requires additional hires or training.

• Management: Requires significant oversight, training, and internal resources.

Agency SEO:

• Cost Efficiency: Monthly packages tailored to your budget, typically more affordable than in-house salaries.

• Expertise: Access to a team with broad and up-to-date industry experience and diverse skills.

• Flexibility: Easy to adjust service levels and strategies as business needs change.

• Scalability: Highly scalable, with easy adjustments based on results and growth.

• Reduced Management Overhead: Minimal internal management required, allowing you to focus on core business activities.

Choosing the right approach depends on your specific business needs, budget, and long-term growth goals. Often, businesses find that an experienced SEO agency provides more flexibility, scalability, and cost-effective results.

Other Things You Need To Know When Considering SEO Pricing

Location Matters

The cost of SEO packages can vary significantly based on location. An SEO package sourced in Melbourne may differ from one in Perth or Sydney. Local competition heavily influences SEO costs, as regions with higher competition may require more intensive strategies to achieve visibility.

However, you can be strategic about costs by asking the right questions during your initial meeting with an SEO agency. By understanding what services are necessary and which may not apply to your unique goals, you can ensure your investment is focused on the most impactful areas.

Factors Influencing SEO Costs:

• Industry Competition: Highly competitive industries typically require greater investment to achieve and maintain strong rankings.

• Target Market Size: Larger, more competitive markets generally involve higher SEO costs due to increased competition and complexity.

• Geographical Scope: Local SEO strategies tend to be more affordable, whereas national or international campaigns demand greater investment.

• Scope of Services: Comprehensive SEO services (such as content creation, technical SEO, link building, and ongoing analysis) influence overall costs.

• Current Website Condition: Websites requiring substantial technical updates or content improvements usually incur higher upfront costs.

Long-Term Investment Nature of SEO

SEO is inherently a long-term investment designed to yield sustainable growth and ongoing results. Businesses should prepare themselves for a commitment of at least 6-12 months to see significant improvements in rankings and organic traffic.

​Investing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a strategic, long-term commitment aimed at achieving sustainable growth and enduring online visibility. Unlike paid advertising, which can yield immediate but short-lived results, SEO requires consistent effort over an extended period to realize significant improvements in search engine rankings and organic traffic.​

Timeframe for Results:

• Initial Phase (0-3 Months): During this period, foundational work such as website audits, keyword research, and technical optimizations are conducted. Visible changes in rankings are typically minimal.​

• Mid-Term Phase (3-6 Months): With ongoing content creation, backlink building, and on-page optimizations, businesses may start to observe gradual improvements in rankings and traffic.

• Long-Term Phase (6-12 Months and Beyond): Substantial results, including higher search rankings, increased organic traffic, and improved conversion rates, often materialize after six months to a year of dedicated SEO efforts.

Preparing for the Long-Term SEO Journey:

• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that SEO is not a quick fix but a marathon that requires patience and persistence.​

• Allocate a Sustainable Budget: Plan for continuous investment in SEO activities, including content development, technical enhancements, and link-building campaigns.

• Engage Actively: Collaborate with your SEO team or agency, provide industry insights, and ensure alignment with your business objectives.​

• Monitor Progress: Regularly review performance metrics such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rates to assess the effectiveness of your SEO strategy.​

To maximise this investment, clients should maintain realistic expectations, budget appropriately for ongoing efforts, and remain actively involved in tracking progress and outcomes. By embracing SEO as a long-term investment, businesses can build a robust online presence, outpace competitors, and achieve sustained growth in the digital landscape.

Risks of Low-Cost SEO Services

• Quality Issues: Often deliver superficial or outdated SEO practices that fail to produce meaningful results.

• Search Engine Penalties: Use of black-hat tactics or shortcuts can lead to penalties from Google, severely impacting your website’s visibility.

• Wasted Resources: Despite lower initial costs, inadequate SEO can result in long-term financial and reputational damage.

• Lack of Transparency: Low-cost providers frequently lack clear reporting and transparency, making it difficult to measure effectiveness.

Choosing the right approach depends on your specific business needs, budget, and long-term growth goals. Often, businesses find that an experienced SEO agency provides more flexibility, scalability, and cost-effective results.

Outsourcing Overseas: Why Local is Better

We strongly discourage outsourcing SEO to overseas providers through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Keeping SEO jobs within Australia not only supports the local economy but also ensures your SEO provider understands the Australian market.

A local SEO expert will be more in tune with your target audience’s preferences and needs, creating a more cohesive, relevant strategy.

In the past, keyword stuffing might have worked, but today, search engines prioritise quality content and user experience. An overseas provider unfamiliar with local preferences may lack the nuance required to create content that resonates. Producing quality, locally relevant content builds your brand’s credibility and drives meaningful, lasting results.

Investing in high-quality content, rather than quick-fix SEO tactics, ensures that your brand attracts quality traffic over the long term.

Stay up to date With SEO News – Insider Marketing Tip

If you want to stay up to date you can always subscribe to our newsletter to get tried and tested insights about the ever-changing SEO landscape. We get a lot of news from John Mu’s blogs and X (Twitter) posts directly, and we recommend diving into this one every now and then. 

Doing Your Own SEO?

Check out our guide and list on how to get easy backlinks.

• 2018 Backlink Building Guide
• 2020 Backlink Building Guide
• 2024 Backlink Building Guide & Top 10 Free List

3am Ideas Australian SEO Packages

PRICING DESIGNED TO GENERATE RETURNS

We’ve been dominating the search engine results page for our clients since 2014. Since then, we’ve generated a significant amount of traffic and improved website conversion rates along with it.

Great SEO creates tangible results, sometimes within weeks of launching. Discover 3am’s SEO packages.

SEO Packages for Small Business

We can get almost immediate results with our SEO strategy.

But, Search Engine Optimisation is a long-term game, and often requires a decent amount of investment before you see results that are really, really good.

What we suggest you do is couple your small business SEO with a Google Ads campaign.

This will drive in immediate results, offsetting the initial investment you’ll need to make to start ranking higher and getting more traffic.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Packages for Small Business

If you’re not quite ready to onboard an SEO agency in Perth, that’s ok. Maybe you’re not sure if they’re even worth it yet, and you’re right to have your doubts. There are a lot of SEO cowboys out there.

To put your mind to rest and to show you what can be achieved with your website, we offer a free 1-hour consultation, where we sit down with you and go over everything you have in place at the moment and what you might want to consider implementing over the next 3, 6 and 12 months.

Consultations are also available via Skype if you’re interstate or based overseas. We’re happy working with SEO clients from all over Australia and the world.

Subscribe to Keep Up With Our
Guides & Insights!