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What Does SEO Cost in 2021

Wondering what SEO costs as we turn the chapter over to a new year? The good news is that SEO, or search engine optimization costs, remain relatively flat year over year. Average SEO costs are $100-$250 an hour for SEO agencies based in the U.S. and costs and average of $2,500 – $10,000 per month.

According to Equipment Leasing and Financing, the 2021 economic outlook forecasts 7.8% expansion in equipment and software investment growth and 4.7% GDP growth despite an uneven Recovery. This means that digital marketing costs in general will remain largely unchanged.

The Cost Basis of SEO

The true cost of SEO is based on the amount of work required to complete each stage of an SEO engagement. These stages include but are not limited to:

  • Basic SEO including Google Analytics and Google Console Setup
  • Keyword research
  • Technical SEO
  • On Page optimization and Content
  • Off-page optimization

Costs associated with each of these stages is largely based on labor and expertise of a qualified expert. Prices may vary based on industry due to competition. The other expenses impacting the cost of search engine optimization are related to software. Popular SEO software like SEMrush, MOZ, and Ahrefs remain the same – keeping costs in check for digital marketing agencies offering organic optimization services.

SEO Costs by Type

SEO in a b-to-b marketplace varies by industry. In large, competitive industries like real estate, longer, more intense projects are required to drive organic traffic. To that end, engagement are typically more expensive and take longer to implement.

For smaller retail businesses, you could find smaller SEO packages that are capable of making a significant difference in online optimization – increasing exposure for retail establishments targeting a small geography.

SEO Pricing: Top 5 Takeaways

Here are my top 5 personal takeaways from the data:

  1. Most SEOs charge a monthly retainer for some or all of their services. 75% of SEO firms charge clients a monthly retainer fee. Pricing for this varies significantly from country-to-country, but it almost never exceeds $5K/month.
  2. Many SEOs offer numerous pricing models, although the majority don’t. According to a recent study 40.8% of respondents stated they offer multiple pricing models, but 59.2% of respondents offer only one pricing model. 40% of all SEOs surveyed only charge a monthly retainer—they do not offer hourly or per-project pricing to any of their clients.
  3. For hourly pricing, $100-$150 per hour is the most popular pricing tier. 25% of all hourly rates fall within this range. In the US, that figure jumps to 35.29%. The second most popular hourly pricing tier is $75-$100, which accounts for 19.53% of all hourly rates.
  4. SEO agencies charge more than freelancers and consultants. Freelancers charge $68/hour, on average, whereas SEO agencies charge almost double that ($134.66). It’s a similar story for monthly retainers and per-project fees; SEO agencies charge 2–4x more than freelancers and significantly more than consultants.
  5. More experienced SEOs charge significantly more than less experienced SEOs. Those who’ve been in business for 2+ years charge 40% more per hour, 102% more for monthly retainers, and a staggering 275% more for one-off projects than those who’ve been in business for fewer than 2 years, on average.

The True Cost of SEO

If you want to improve organic traffic and make a real impact online, you get what you pay for. Many international SEO agencies offer inexpensive search engine optimization. Unfortunately, the results are almost always disappointing. Making a true investment in search engine optimization means spending money on a reputable agency with deep experience in SEO.

For a free quote, contact Big Fin SEO, a leader in search engine optimization.

Michael Fleischner

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Corine RigbyCorine Rigby
SEO Specialist

Corine Rigby is the technical heart of Big Fin SEO’s search engine optimization practice. From deep-dive audits to link acquisition strategy, Corine brings precision and insight to every project, helping clients rank higher and stay visible in an ever-changing search landscape.

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

At Big Fin SEO, I work behind the scenes to help our clients’ websites sail smoothly and rank higher. From deep-dive technical SEO audits and onsite optimizations to strategic keyword mapping, I make sure everything’s shipshape. I also lead our link acquisition efforts to help boost domain authority and increase organic visibility, so our clients stay ahead of the current.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

I really enjoy the collaborative vibe and the chance to make a measurable impact on our clients’ growth. It’s rewarding to be part of a tight-knit crew that values both smart strategy and solid execution, and where every win feels like a team victory.

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

I love walking along the shore collecting shells, soaking in the sound of the waves, and watching the sunset. It’s the perfect reset.

Laura AyresLaura Ayres
Chief of Operations

Laura Ayres is the operational backbone of Big Fin SEO, ensuring that every client engagement runs on time, on budget, and above expectations. As Chief of Operations, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the agency, supports account managers in delivering standout results, and keeps the entire crew aligned and moving in the same direction.

Before joining Big Fin SEO, Laura served as Executive Director at The CIO Initiative, a leadership organization dedicated to advancing senior technology executives. She held that role for nearly six years across two tenures, developing deep expertise in organizational operations, stakeholder management, and executive-level program delivery.

Background

  • Chief of Operations, Big Fin SEO (current)
  • Executive Director, The CIO Initiative (2018–2021, 2023–2025)
  • Experienced in operations leadership, account management, and team development

LinkedIn Profile

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

As Chief of Operations at Big Fin SEO, I’m the one making sure the ship runs smoothly. I support our account managers in delivering standout results for clients, assist with day-to-day operations, and help keep everything sailing in the right direction. My role touches nearly every part of the business, ensuring we stay efficient, effective, and ready to ride the next wave of growth.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

The people, hands down. Our crew is smart, supportive, and genuinely fun to work with, and the same goes for our clients. Big Fin SEO is the kind of place where collaboration, flexibility, and good vibes come naturally. It makes every day feel purposeful (and just a little bit fun, too).

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

The beach is my favorite place; it energizes me. When I go, I love to lay in my favorite chair and watch the ocean while my daughter builds sand castles at my feet. Then as a family, we walk the shore to collect shells.

Michael FleischnerMichael Fleischner
Founder & CEO

Michael Fleischner is a digital marketing entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience helping businesses grow their online visibility. He founded Big Fin SEO in 2014 after seeing firsthand that agencies were being asked to deliver services they could not staff, and businesses were being sold SEO programs that produced reports but not results.

Today, Big Fin operates as a white-label GEO and SEO fulfillment partner for marketing agencies nationwide, helping over 1,000 brands achieve measurable search visibility without building internal teams. Michael leads strategy across the agency’s GEO, SEO, paid search, and website development programs.

Credentials & Recognition

  • TEDx Speaker, “The Freelance Journey”
  • Author of SEO Made Simple, The 7 Figure Freelancer, Local Marketing Made Simple, and Blogging Made Simple
  • Featured on the TODAY Show and in USA Today
  • President, American Marketing Association Professional Chapters Council (2022–2023), representing 15,000+ marketers across 70+ chapters
  • Executive Producer, “The Strange” (feature film)
  • Founder, CapitalQuest AI

LinkedIn Profile  |  Media Kit

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

As Captain and CEO at Big Fin SEO, I navigate our skilled crew through the ever-changing tide of digital marketing solutions. My role involves charting a strategic course, anchoring solid client relationships, and ensuring we stay ahead of industry currents to reel in outstanding results.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

What I enjoy most about Big Fin SEO is our vibrant, collaborative crew. It’s rewarding to see our combined efforts help businesses ride the waves of online growth, helping them make a lasting impact. Watching our clients elevate their online visibility, expand their reach, and net significant revenue through the strategies we deploy is deeply gratifying.

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

At the beach, I love to explore the shoreline, relax under the sun, and dive into a captivating book. I’m always on the lookout for fresh inspiration, particularly anything that resonates with our shark-inspired branding or reminds me of adventures on the open sea!