SEO is a key component of a successful digital marketing strategy. SEO will help you get more traffic, leads, and customers, which can help you earn more revenue. It is also a great way to build brand awareness. However, it can cost a lot of money.

The average cost of SEO for small businesses depends on a number of factors. How long the project will last, the skills and experience of the SEO agency, and the size of the company will all play a role in the cost.

Smaller businesses usually pay between $500 and $1,000 a month for SEO services. This amount can go as high as $2,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the site.

Companies with bigger budgets can hire an in-house SEO team or outsource the work to an agency. They can do SEO on an hourly basis, but the final price depends on the size of the company and the skills of the staff.

An in-house SEO specialist will have the time to analyze analytics and perform a wide range of other tasks. On the other hand, an SEO agency can provide more services and be more flexible with prices.

In addition, a good SEO plan includes outreaching content to other sites to create links. When working with an agency, ask for a breakdown of the cost.

For small businesses with limited marketing budgets, a basic SEO package can be inexpensive. However, it’s important to invest in the future. If you can afford it, it’s recommended that you channel 5% of your profits back into marketing.