The Types of SEO Providers Available to You

The cost of SEO in the UK is influenced by various factors, which we’ll explore in greater detail throughout this article.

However, understanding the different types of SEO providers you’ll encounter is an essential first step in determining which option best suits your business. This will also help you dive deeper into the specific costs associated with a particular provider.

As of 2025, the most common types of SEO providers are:

• SEO agencies
• In-house teams
• Freelancers

SEO Agencies

Partnering with an SEO agency, like us at TSCA, provides expert guidance, a clear strategy, and a structured plan to optimise your SEO campaign for maximum results.

Through in-depth consultations, goal setting, and meticulous planning, an SEO agency can enhance your online presence and performance on Google’s search engine by employing various proven SEO techniques.

In-House Teams

This approach is better suited to larger companies with substantial budgets for digital marketing. It involves assembling a dedicated in-house SEO team and bringing specialists into your office to manage and execute your campaign.

It is ideal for businesses that can invest in training staff in-house, covering the cost of SEO training and hiring employees to perform SEO tasks on a daily basis. While this can be highly effective, it is most beneficial for those with the financial resources to support it.

Freelancers

One of the most cost-effective options on this list is hiring freelancers, who can perform SEO tasks as and when needed.

If you’re looking to improve specific aspects of your SEO strategy over a period of a few weeks or months, hiring a freelancer offers a flexible and affordable solution.

What Do You Get When You Pay for SEO in the UK?

While SEO (search engine optimisation) may initially appear simple, with claims like “we’ll rank you higher on Google” or “we’ll boost your online presence,” it’s not as easy as making a few adjustments and maintaining your top spot on Google forever.

In reality, SEO is an ongoing, dynamic process involving various strategies and techniques.

Here are some key areas your SEO provider will focus on to enhance your online presence:

• SEO audits
• Link-building
• Creating high-quality content
• Keyword research
• Site speed
• Technical SEO
• Using tools & analytics
• Researching target audience
• User intent

These are just a few of the main components SEO providers work on. Within each area, multiple strategies aim to improve ranking factors. Thus, your SEO strategy will always involve continuous efforts and best practices to ensure long-term success.

Different SEO Pricing Structures in the UK

Now that you have a basic understanding of who can handle your SEO needs and what it typically involves (you’ll get more details directly from the SEO provider), you can expect several common pricing structures when working with SEO professionals. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

• Hourly consultation
• Monthly retainer
• Performance-based
• Price per project
• Per product

Hourly Consultation

One of the most common pricing structures is hourly SEO consultations, which can be particularly useful for:

• Small businesses not ready to commit to long-term SEO contracts
• Companies seeking to address specific issues quickly
• Businesses with fluctuating needs, allowing for flexible use based on varying SEO requirements over time
• Those with budget constraints who want full control over when they pay for SEO services

While these benefits may seem appealing, offering control and flexibility, SEO is most effective when approached as a long-term strategy. If you only focus on it sporadically throughout the year, you may not be giving your business the best opportunity for growth.

Monthly Retainer

The monthly retainer is a pricing structure commonly offered by most digital marketing agencies and freelancers, and for good reason.

This option is ideal for companies that want:

• Consistency in their SEO efforts, giving them the best chance for long-term success
• SEO professionals to gain a deeper understanding of what your business needs to thrive online
• Frequent updates and ongoing work on all aspects of the SEO campaign
• To stand out in a competitive niche or market
• Long-term growth and development

A monthly retainer allows for steady, consistent progress within an SEO campaign, which is crucial for success. However, it’s important to discuss the terms, contract length, and tailored pricing with your provider to ensure you know exactly what to expect.

Performance-Based

A performance-based SEO package means the provider is only paid once they achieve a specific result for their client.

For instance, you agree on a price that is paid only when they successfully get your core landing page to the first page on Google. This model offers several benefits, such as not paying until you’ve received the results you requested. However, it can be challenging to manage, and trust is a crucial element in ensuring the process runs smoothly.

Per Project

The per-project pricing structure involves paying the SEO provider a fixed fee to complete specific SEO tasks on your website within a set timeframe. You and the SEO specialist will agree on the duration of the project and the appropriate flat fee, based on the goals you wish to achieve.

Per Product

The per-product pricing model can be an effective option for those wanting to focus on specific SEO tasks, such as content creation.

With this structure, you might pay for a set number of words per month or for improving a particular aspect, such as your link-building strategy.

This model works well if you’re facing challenges in a specific area and want to concentrate on improving it. However, in our view, SEO should be a continuous, comprehensive process that addresses all facets of optimisation.

Other Factors Influencing the Cost of SEO in the UK

Determining the cost of SEO in the UK isn’t as straightforward as providing a general figure. Several factors influence the overall price. Here’s what we know about the key elements that affect the price range:

Target Locations

As a business owner, you likely have a clear idea of the regions you want to target, where your audience is located, and how best to reach them. When determining SEO pricing, the provider will first need to know:

Are You Targeting Locally, Nationally, or Internationally via eCommerce?

If you’re a smaller business targeting local customers—whether e-commerce, brick-and-mortar, or service-based—the price you pay will differ significantly from that of a large enterprise aiming to attract customers worldwide with an established brand.

Ultimately, the decision of who your target audience should be rests with you, but partnering with SEO professionals can help clarify which approach – local, national, or e-commerce SEO – best suits your business model.

What are the Average Costs of SEO in the UK?

Now that you have all the information and a clear understanding of the factors influencing SEO prices, it’s important to note that the cost of SEO in the UK will never be set in stone.

However, we can provide you with some accurate estimates to give you an idea of what to expect:

To recap, SEO costs in the UK will vary based on your business type. Small businesses or entrepreneurs can expect to pay between £299 and £1,000 per month, SMEs typically pay between £1,200 and £6,000 per month, and large enterprises may pay £6,000 or more for monthly SEO services.

Where Do You Go from Here?

Now that you understand the factors influencing SEO pricing and how it can vary depending on your business needs, it’s a good idea to speak with multiple reputable SEO agencies and freelancers to find the best fit.

You may find that a particular company or individual resonates with you, regardless of the cost.

However, choosing a provider with proven expertise, a track record of delivering exceptional results, and one who aligns with your business goals to help you achieve your mission and vision is crucial.

If you’d like to discuss your vision and explore how SEO can enhance your digital marketing strategy to increase your online visibility, feel free to give a team a call and we’ll run through various options for you.