So do you think SEO is expensive?
You are right.
When you hire a local SEO agent, I will break down exactly where your money is. Actual numbers and examples of my own agency.
Employee Fees
Let’s start with the obvious: humans.
according to seojobs.com.
But if you want to “ok, 75k, not bad”, remember that you also have healthcare, vacation time, bonuses, workspaces, and technology (laptops, software licenses, and ergonomics chairs that cost more than your monthly grocery bill). Then someone has to manage that analyst. This means…more salary.
It adds up very quickly.
To reduce overwhelmingness, we have created a free tool to help you estimate some of these costs. You can find it here: SEO Cost Calculator
Tools (“Invisible” Budget Suction Cup)
SEO without tools is like trying to perform surgery with a spoon. Possible? perhaps. Smart? not at all.
In the Sterling sky, we wander around $93,000 per year Just on the tool. That’s not even high compared to some of the people I’ve talked to.
These are just some of the platforms we use:
- Asana: $762/month → $9,144/year
- relaxation: $3,500/year
- ahrefs: $4,500/year
- Fresh books: $146/month + 3% of all credit card transactions
- Google Workspace: $600/month → $7,200/year
- mailchimp: $282/month → $3,384/year
These tools are not optional; this is essential. We use them to keep organized, communicate, audit, bill customers, run campaigns and collaborate effectively.
Of course, they are expensive. But that’s also an important part of what we are good at at what we do.
Education and ongoing testing
SEO is not something you learn at once and will always master it. It’s changing all the time (thanks, Google).
To stay ahead, our team is constantly testing. So far, we have opened 113 test projects. Last year alone, we spent more than 400 hours on testing.
To keep it up to date, it’s about $14,400 in the workforce.
Last year we also participated in over 1,000 tests, attended meetings, and interesting facts: we even My own Localu Conference Series. Yes, we are serious about staying ahead.
The cost of a conference event ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. But the actual cost of not receiving education? Your ranking. Your visibility. Your traffic.
The final thought
SEO costs a lot because good SEO a lot of. It is strategy, testing, content, tools, project management and ongoing education.
You pay not only for tasks, but also for current, secure and proven expertise in your work.
And just because someone offers SEO for $300 a month, that doesn’t mean they’re a steal. This usually means you get fake traffic, shady backlinks or no value at all.
So when people ask, “Why is SEO so expensive?” Remember, you pay for the real thing. Trust me, the real thing is worth it.
Need local SEO help that won’t cheer on your rankings within six months?
Get in touch or leave a comment below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Resdjgycw
Want more local SEO tips?
Sign up for our October 22 webinar.
