How Much Does It Cost To Outsource SEO in 2025? A Complete Breakdown

A lot of business owners understand that outsourcing SEO can be an effective way to increase their search traffic and generate more leads. However, few truly understand the costs involved, leading to hesitation or misconceptions about the feasibility of outsourcing. 

This article will pull back the curtain, explaining SEO outsourcing costs for different hiring models, price structures, and provider types. Whether you’re a small startup or a larger corporation, outsourcing your SEO can be a valuable investment—but only if you clearly understand the potential expenses.

How Much Does Outsourcing SEO Cost?

Generally, SEO outsourcing costs can range from as low as $20 per hour for a freelance SEO expert to several thousand dollars per month for a full-service SEO agency.

Let’s break down the costs associated with different types of SEO service providers to give you a clearer picture.

Freelancers

Freelancers typically charge between $20 and $150 per hour, or between $500 and $5,000 per month, depending on their expertise and experience. 

The main advantage of hiring a freelance SEO expert is affordability, making them an ideal option for small businesses or startups with limited SEO budgets.

Freelancers are also usually flexible with their pricing structures, allowing businesses to hire on a project-by-project basis without long-term commitments. 

SEO agencies

SEO agencies generally charge between $500 and $10,000 or more per month. The average cost to outsource SEO to an agency is 138% more expensive than hiring freelancers but usually comes with comprehensive services, including:

• Keyword research
• On-page and off-page optimization
• Technical SEO

Agencies provide the advantage of a team of specialists who can tackle various facets of SEO, ensuring a well-rounded strategy that improves online visibility and search rankings. However, this breadth of service comes at a higher cost and may require long-term contracts.

Offshore remote hires

Offshore remote hires work as dedicated members of your internal team. The advantage you get is specialized SEO skills at a significantly reduced cost compared to US-based employees.

This approach allows businesses to integrate SEO expertise directly into their operations without the overhead associated with full-service agencies.

A full-time SEO specialist hired with Near, for instance, has an average annual salary of $36,000 ($3,000/month), over $50,000 less than a similarly-experienced US employee. 

While there are sometimes communication or time zone challenges with offshore providers, working with nearshore providers in Latin America avoids these issues, making nearshoring hiring a cost-effective way to access advanced SEO services and expertise.

Different SEO Pricing Models

When outsourcing SEO, understanding the various pricing models can help you choose the best option that aligns with your business needs and budget. 

Hourly rates

Hourly rates are a popular choice for businesses looking for flexibility in their SEO engagements. This model allows you to pay for the exact amount of work completed, which can be advantageous if you have small, specific tasks or short-term projects.

The average hourly rate for SEO services is $111 but varies significantly depending on the provider’s expertise and experience. Freelancers often use this pricing model, making it a good option for businesses with limited budgets.

Monthly retainers

Monthly retainers are a common pricing model used by SEO or digital marketing agencies. In this model, you pay a fixed monthly fee, which covers a predefined set of services and continuous support. 

Retainers typically range from $500 to $10,000+ per month, depending on the scope of services and the provider’s reputation. This model offers a stable and predictable cost structure, allowing businesses to plan their budgets more effectively.

Project-based fees

Project-based fees are best suited for businesses with specific, one-time SEO needs. This model involves paying a fixed price for a defined SEO project, such as a website audit, keyword research, or a site redesign. 

A per-project fee can range from $1,000 to $30,000+, depending on the complexity and duration of the work involved. This type of pricing model allows businesses to tackle specific SEO issues without committing to a long-term contract.

Factors Affecting SEO Outsourcing Costs

Here are the main aspects that can influence the pricing of outsourced SEO services:

Business size and industry

The size of your business and the industry you operate in significantly impact the cost of SEO services. 

Larger companies often have more complex websites and require more comprehensive SEO efforts, leading to higher costs. Conversely, smaller businesses may need less intensive strategies, which can be more affordable. 

Highly competitive industries like finance, healthcare, or e-commerce often require more robust and continuous SEO efforts to stay ahead of competitors. Industries with high competition may require advanced SEO tools and sophisticated content marketing strategies to outperform rivals in search rankings.

Outsourcing location

The geographic location of your SEO service provider also plays a crucial role in determining costs. Providers based in countries with a lower cost of living can offer more competitive rates than those in high-cost regions. 

For instance, the rates of LatAm SEO experts are nearly 40% cheaper on average than their peers located in the US. 

Competitiveness of keywords

High-competition keywords, which are often more lucrative, require extensive and ongoing efforts to achieve and maintain high search rankings. This includes:

• Intensive link-building campaigns
• High-quality content creation
• Advanced optimization techniques
• Use of advanced keyword research tools

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As a result, the cost of targeting these keywords is typically higher. On the other hand, targeting long-tail keywords or less competitive terms can be more cost-effective, though it might also result in lower search volumes and potentially fewer leads.

Scope of services

The scope of services you require from your SEO provider directly impacts the overall cost. A comprehensive SEO strategy typically includes a wide range of services, such as:

• Keyword research
• On-page and off-page optimization
• Content creation
• Technical SEO
• Link building
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting

The more extensive the scope, the higher the cost. Conversely, if your business only needs specific services, such as keyword research or a technical site audit, the costs can be significantly lower. 

How To Budget for SEO Outsourcing

Creating a realistic budget for SEO outsourcing is crucial to ensure that your investment yields the best possible results. While the exact budget will vary depending on your business size, industry, and specific needs, here are some general guidelines to follow. 

1. Assess your goals

Clearly define what you want to achieve with your SEO efforts, whether it’s increasing organic traffic, improving conversion rates, or enhancing brand visibility. Focus your resources on what provides the most significant impact on your search engine rankings and overall online presence.

2. Do a competitive analysis

Understanding what your competitors are doing can provide insights into the level of investment required to compete effectively in your industry. Here are some of the starting points for businesses of different sizes:

• Small businesses: A realistic starting budget for SEO outsourcing typically ranges from $500 to $2,000 per month.
• Medium-sized businesses: A more comprehensive SEO strategy requires a budget in the range of $2,000 to $5,000 per month.
• Large businesses: Enterprises operating in highly competitive industries allocate $5,000 to $15,000 or more per month for SEO.

If you want to stay competitive, you’ll probably have to stick around (or eclipse) these numbers. 

3. Focus on ROI

Prioritize activities that offer the highest return on investment, like technical optimization and quality content. That can be a bit tricky, which is why partnering with an experienced SEO professional is so critical. 

4. Be flexible

SEO is an ongoing process that requires adaptability. Be prepared to adjust your budget and strategy based on performance data and changing market conditions.

5. Consult with experts

Seek advice from SEO professionals to better understand the costs and benefits of different services. They can help you create a tailored budget that meets your specific needs.

An experienced SEO specialist can provide guidance on SEO goals, effective keyword strategies, and integrating SEO with broader marketing strategies.

The Importance of Choosing a Trustworthy SEO Provider

When outsourcing SEO, the adage “you get what you pay for” often rings true. While choosing providers offering unrealistically low rates might be tempting, this can be risky.

Hiring a reputable provider with a solid track record in SEO is essential to achieve sustainable growth and avoid costly setbacks.

Providers who present rock-bottom prices rely on quick fixes or questionable tactics, known as “black-hat” SEO, which can ultimately harm your site’s reputation and rankings. The cheapest option can end up costing you more when you consider potential penalties and the need to rectify these unethical strategies.

When choosing an SEO provider, opt for one that:

• Emphasizes transparency and ethical practices
• Has positive client reviews and case studies demonstrating long-term success
• Provides a clear, detailed proposal tailored to your business needs.

Building a strong, ethical SEO foundation will result in better search engine rankings, higher-quality traffic, and increased conversions that benefit your business in the long run.

Top 3 Countries Where You Can Outsource SEO Affordably

When looking to outsource SEO services affordably without compromising on quality, certain countries stand out due to their skilled workforce, competitive rates, and growing reputation in digital marketing outsourcing. 

1. Colombia

Colombia is rapidly emerging as a hub for digital marketing and SEO outsourcing. The country boasts a growing pool of talented SEO professionals with lower salary expectations (especially when compared to the US). 

Companies here focus on long-term, ethical SEO strategies that deliver sustainable results, making Colombia a reliable option for cost-effective SEO outsourcing.

2. Argentina

With a well-educated workforce and strong English proficiency, Argentine SEO experts provide a wide range of digital marketing services. Argentine professionals are known for their creative approaches and technical expertise, offering bespoke, innovative SEO strategies. 

3. India

India has long been a preferred destination for outsourcing a variety of services, including SEO, due to its large, skilled workforce and cost-effective solutions. The labor costs in India are among the lowest globally, though there may be communication and time zone challenges. 

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing SEO can be a highly effective way to boost your online presence and drive sustainable business growth, provided you understand the costs involved and choose a trustworthy provider.

Remember, investing in ethical, long-term SEO strategies will yield the best results over time.

If you want to learn more about some common mistakes companies make (and how to avoid them), check out our full SEO outsourcing guide.