If you've heard of SEO, you are probably aware of how it can attract visitors to your website organically. However, you may not have a large budget if you are a small business or just starting out.
Or you may want to test search engine optimization before you allocate more resources to it. Whatever the reason, we'll discuss the most affordable SEO services in this article.
What you will learn
- What kind of SEO services are affordable for business owners
- How to choose an SEO service that fits within your budget and needs
7 affordable SEO services
What is affordable, you may ask?
Yes, it is a complicated question, so let us look at a few options for each service. Eventually, you will have to decide what is affordable for you.
As a starting point, let's assume our budget is $500 - $1500 per month.
Affordability can be achieved in different ways:
- Employing an SEO agency or an SEO consultant to supply SEO services at a reasonable price
- Using SEO tools to perform certain tasks yourself
Securing budget-friendly SEO services for small businesses can be quite a challenging endeavor, no doubt about it.
Today tons of SEO agencies, gurus, and consultants promise improved website rankings.
The majority of service providers are experienced and professional SEO companies but can often be hard to validate.
Here are 7 budget-friendly SEO services that can help your website improve it's search engine ranking.
1. Keyword research
Researching keywords entails identifying and analyzing the specific words and phrases people use on the web when looking for information, products, or services.
Good keyword research aims to identify content that will generate maximum traffic.
Theoretically, you should look for keywords with high search volume and low competition. Practically, it may not be so easy to find those keywords.
Instead, you may pursue long tail keywords with lower search volume but higher commercial intent.
It will be harder to rank for keywords in your niche if there are a lot of other people trying to do the same thing. Some SEO experts and service providers will charge more to do research in that niche because of this.
Searching for keywords must be done periodically.
Keyword research at an affordable price
Researching keywords might be outsourced to an SEO provider, or one of your in-house team members could do it.
If you are outsourcing keyword research, hire an SEO expert from Fiverr or Upwork instead of an agency. Usually marketing agencies will have higher costs that marketplaces for freelancers.
You can also hire an SEO consultant but expect them to have high prices since they're established industry experts.
In practice, the most affordable keyword research is to use an SEO tool.
Sure, you'll have to dedicate a few hours yourself but will save you a lot of money.
With the assistance of AI, you don't even have to be an expert to use SEO tools for keyword research.
Surfer Keyword Research for example, will take a minute to generate content ideas for blog post topics that your website should cover.
All you need to do is connect your website and enter the main topic of your website.
You can then use metrics like monthly expected traffic and search volume to choose which topics to write about first.
You will find many SEO tools for researching keywords, some free and some paid.
Google's SERP features like Google autocomplete, Related searches and People Also Ask as well as tools like Answer The Public can augment your keyword research process.
2. On-page optimization
On-page optimization refers to optimizing individual web pages to improve search engine rankings and draw more relevant organic traffic.
You carefully fit the pieces - the content, keywords, meta tags, headings, and links - together to create a clear and coherent article that search engines and users will love.
On-page optimization can help search engines understand the context and content of websites, thus helping increase their visibility in SERPs.
On-page covers a range of tasks like
- Keyword optimization
- Title tags, meta description, and URL
- Silos and internal linking
On-page SEO at an affordable price
Generally, on-page SEO services won't be considered a separate service by SEO providers. Because it is crucial to improving results, they'll cover it within their scope of work.
You can also use Surfer's Content Editor for keyword optimization tasks.
Instead of hiring someone to tell you which keywords to choose for your article, Surfer will show you the most appropriate keywords and their suggested frequency in your content.
The content score will help track your use of keywords so you can focus on writing content.
Take the example of this aticle you are reading now. The score and highlighted keywords below help me see which keywords I've used correctly, and which ones I need to insert or reduce.
3. Link building
Building links involves forging alliances with other websites.
Thes contribute to your site's domain authority, ensuring that your website emerges as an authority figure in the search results.
Investing in link-building services is a smart move to enhance your SEO rankings but it's essential to focus on acquiring relevant backlinks over a period of time instead of getting them all together.
Fortunately, link acquisition services offer diverse strategies.
Some SEO companies will include link building in their “off page SEO” services.
Link building can be time-consuming if done independently and you will save valuable time by entrusting the task to SEO professionals.
Here are a few link-building strategies that your provider may include.
- Competitor backlink analysis allows you to tap into your rivals' successful links.
- Through guest posting services, you can create content for other blogs in exchange for backlinks
- HARO link building can land you link referrals from some high authority websites.
Surfer Audit can help you identify which websites link back to your competitors.
You can then reach out to these websites with similar content and ask for a link.
Link building at an affordable price
But using a link building service can be expensive. They'll often charge you separately for the link, and more if you use a guest posting service.
Unfortunately, even if you attempt building links yourself, it can take time and requires some effort on your part.
Instead, you could focus on building topical authority for your website.
Doing so will help you rank for keywords once your website is recognized as an authority in your niche.
If you'd still like to build links yourself, check out some of these tools and platforms.
- HARO
- SourceBottle (journalists looking for sources)
- Instantly.ai (for cold outreach)
4. SEO audits
An SEO audit aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to optimize the website's performance, align with search engine guidelines, and achieve better rankings in search results.
Meticulously examining each page to ensure that it is crawlable can ensure that you are optimizing for higher rankings.
SEO audits include examining different aspects of a website:
- On-page elements
- Technical setup
- Content quality
- Link profiles
- Silos and topical coverage
An SEO website audit is a task that you can perform once every few months or after major changes to your website.
SEO audits at an affordable price
Usually, marketing providers will offer SEO audits for free as a way to setup a first time consultation with your company.
Of course, some companies like WebFX may also charge for this service.
If you're wondering why there is such a large disparity, the agency above likely caters to enterprise clients who may have thousands or millions of web pages to audit.
If you're not in the same situation, you can use auditing tools where all you need to do is enter your domain.
Surfer Audit for example, will analyze these elements on your URL, and offer recommendations.
- Content Score
- Internal links
- Terms to use
- Word count
- Exact keywords
- Partial keywords
- Page structure
- Title and meta descriptions
- Technical SEO
- Missing backlinks common to competitors
Here, it is telling me to review a list of suggested keywords on my page.
5. SEO Content writing
Website content writing refers to creating written material for a website to convey information, engage the reader, or promote a product.
It involves crafting well-structured and relevant SEO driven content that aligns with the website's objectives and goals.
Website content writing includes:
- Homepage content
- About us page
- Services or product pages
- Blog posts
- Frequently asked questions
- Landing pages
Producing SEO content is one of the hardest things to do for your website, not because it is difficult.
But because, writing takes a great deal of research, effort and time.
Effective website content writing involves:
- Understanding the target audience
- Using appropriate tone and language
- Optimizing for search engines
High-quality website content can attract organic traffic, build brand authority, and drive your business to success.
SEO writing at an affordable price
Producing SEO content is one of the hardest things to do for your website, not because it is difficult.
But because, writing takes a great deal of research, effort and time.
You will have to hire SEO copywriters who can create direct response content content, as well as content writers for long-form blog posts.
Okay-ish writers will charge between 5-7 cents a word at minimum, even if you are looking in countries with lower incomes. Anything below that is generally low quality content.
Good writers will charge above 8 cents a word at minimum.
With most blog posts averaging about 2000 words at minimum, that means you will have to shell out a minimum of $100 per article.
You may need anywhere from 50 to several hundred blog posts depending on how competitive your niche is.
If you're being offered 1 to 4 cents a word
Here are some portals to find content writers.
- Upwork
- Glassdoor
- ProBlogger Job Board
Realistically, you will be much better off using AI writing tools to produce content for your website.
They cost a fraction of what you will pay a writer and can be scaled for your needs.
Surfer AI, for example can write an SEO optimized article for you in about twenty minutes.
It will be customized for your tone of voice and will be at a level equivalent or higher to writers who charge 9 cents or more per word.
Here's an example of a blog post that is about 3393 words long. At minimum, this would have cost $305 to match this quality with a human writer.
6. Local SEO services
Local search engine optimization is a tactic to enhance a website's visibility in local search results. It helps you to increase your online visibility and attract potential customers from your local area.
Key aspects of local SEO include:
Google Business Profile optimization: Optimize your Google Business Profile by ensuring accurate and up-to-date information, such as address, phone number, business hours, and categories.
Local citations: Build consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) citations across online directories and platforms to establish trust and authority.
Online reviews and ratings: Encourage customers to leave positive reviews and manage your online reputation to build credibility and attract potential customers.
Local keyword optimization: Incorporate location-based keywords into website content, meta tags, and headings to target local search queries.
Local link building: Acquire high-quality backlinks from local websites, directories, and community organizations to boost local relevance.
Mobile optimization: Ensure that the website is easy to navigate and user-friendly for people accessing it from their mobile devices.
Implementing local SEO strategies can help you connect with the target audience within your geographical area, increase foot traffic to physical locations, and gain a competitive edge in the local market.
Local SEO at an affordable price
Optimizing your business website for local SEO should be done once every few months or so. You will be able to find an affordable SEO service provider on Fiverr or Upwork.
Here are some tools to use for local SEO marketing
The most affordable way to do local SEO is to optimize your Google business profile based on the many recommendations that Google will email you with.
Ensure that you keep your profile updated with images, reviews and information about your business.
7. Technical SEO
This is a process in which your website is optimized from a technical perspective to improve its search engine performance and visibility.
It ensures search engines can crawl, index, and understand the site effectively.
Some aspects of technical SEO include:
- Website speed
- Mobile responsiveness
- URL and site structure
- XML sitemap: for search engine indexing
- Robots.txt file: instruct search engine crawlers
- HTTPS ( SSL certificate)
- Setting up proper redirects (301, 302, etc.)
- Structured Data Markup: To help search engines in understanding the content and display rich snippets in search results.
Technical SEO is critical because at minimum, you need your website to be able to appear in search engine rankings.
As your website grows, performing technical SEO practices can ensure that it is compliant and optimized for a good user experience.
Technical SEO at an affordable price
Since technical SEO requires you to act on your website's code and hosting among other infrastructure, you will be better off recruiting an expert.
You can find technical SEO services for small businesses on Fivver and Upwork, but note that you'll likely have to share your login details or assign user privileges.
For this reason, a good content management system is useful when first setting up your website.
If you are skilled yourself, or have someone in-house, you can use some of these tools.
- SEO Site Checkup
- Screaming Frog
How to find affordable SEO services for small business
Finding affordable SEO services can be challenging but empowering yourself with SEO fundamentals can help you avoid falling prey to persuasive providers.
You will be able to make informed decisions and confidently navigate sales pitches by understanding SEO basics.
It can go a long way in saving you from potential scams and enable you to collaborate better with SEO professionals.
The Google Search Central Youtube channel has a handy video on hiring SEO professionals.
Ask for recommendations from colleagues, friends, or industry peers using affordable and effective SEO services.
Here are some steps to help you find cost-effective SEO services without compromising on quality.
Research and compare
Conduct thorough research and compare different SEO service providers.
Look at successful small businesses that are winning with their SEO strategies and inquire about the agencies they are using.
Evaluate the “affordable SEO service” provider's website and online presence to see if they walk the talk.
You will be surprised to find how many times you will see SEO problems on their web pages.
Do you think these low cost SEO services will pay more attention to your website?
Eliminate some service providers
Avoid long-term “affordable SEO packages” or contracts. Be cautious when agencies require long-term contracts with no flexibility.
Opt for services that offer monthly or project-based options.
Avoid any SEO company/freelancer offering guarantees such as a certain ranking in a certain period of time.
Do not fall for cheap SEO services because they are cheap for a reason!
Having a clear budget will help you eliminate some options.
Check reviews and testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge the quality of people’s services.
Look for someone with recommendations and testimonials from real people. Look up the companies and folks who left testimonials and analyze their websites.
Filter for companies with positive feedback and a track record of delivering results.
Consider local agencies
Local SEO agencies may offer more affordable rates as they better understand the local market and competition.
Run a web search for an affordable SEO agency specializing in your niche and industry.
Browse freelancer marketplaces
Here are a few points to consider before selecting a freelancer:
- Examine the freelancer's portfolio of work
- Review the feedback provided by fellow buyers
- Check for relevant industry or work experience.
- Communicate with the freelancer on an initial no commitment call
Ask for quotes
Reach out to multiple search engine optimization services and request quotes. Compare the quotes and the services included to find the best value for your budget.
Following these steps, you will find SEO services that fit your budget and help you achieve your online goals without breaking the bank.
Remember that low cost does not always imply low quality, so take the time to pick a respectable and trustworthy SEO partner for your company.
In-house vs outsourced affordable SEO services
Invariably, you will be faced with the difficult decision of deciding to setup an internal team, or outsourcing SEO tasks for your business.
Here is an analysis of internal versus outsourced teams to help make that decision.
In-House SEO teams
Pros:
- You have full control over your SEO strategy, tailoring it to your unique business needs.
- With an in-house team, you can summon SEO tasks whenever you need it without waiting for outside assistance.
- Your in-house team will immerse themselves in your company's values and goals, aligning SEO efforts seamlessly.
- Better knowledge of your industry and product.
- Familiarity with your past SEO efforts.
Cons:
- Training and mastering the art of SEO takes time, and your team may need to battle a learning curve before becoming true wizards.
- Maintaining an in-house team can be costly, as you'll need to invest in tools, training, and salaries for your SEO sorcerers.
- Your in-house team might need access to the vast knowledge and experience of external SEO consultants.
Outsourced SEO teams
Pros:
- Outsourcing brings you the expertise of seasoned SEO professionals who are seasoned experts.
- Outsourcing can be more affordable as you avoid the ongoing expenses of maintaining an in-house team.
- External SEO experts bring a mix of diverse strategies, ensuring your website's SEO status stays top-notch.
- Access to an established network for link building and partnerships.
Cons:
- As with any alliance, clear and frequent communication is required to ensure both parties are on the same page.
- Outsourcing means relying on external forces, and you may need to wait for task and results on their time.
- It may take time to find the right SEO partner that aligns with your vision.
- Less knowledge of your business and industry.
- It may not give you the focus an in-house specialist would.
The choice between outsourcing and hiring internally will eventually depend on your budget, goals, and ambitions.
Key takeaways
- Learning the fundamentals of SEO can help you decide the services you need. It will also enable you to evaluate SEO company offerings and pricing.
- You can use an SEO agency or an SEO consultant to supply services at a reasonable price. Or you can use some of the many SEO tools to do certain tasks in-house.
- Some SEO tasks, like keyword research, SEO audits, and technical SEO, should be performed periodically. Other tasks, like publishing content and on-page optimization, are ongoing.
- When looking for affordable SEO services, avoid long-term contracts and service providers who promise unrealistic results. Thoroughly research and compare service providers in terms of their offerings, pricing, and credibility. Make sure that you will be getting value for your money!
Conclusion
Investing in SEO is a necessity, but finding affordable SEO services can be a challenge - especially if you are not familiar with what these services entail.
The best advice I can give you is to make sure you understand the basics of your SEO strategy so that you can better evaluate your options.
Investigate, research, and don’t fall for cheap SEO services. But remember, affordable SEO services can be as efficient as expensive ones.
