How much does SEO cost in Australia?

Quick Answer: SEO cost in Australia vary significantly, ranging from AUD $501 to more than AUD $1,000 per month. The pricing depends on the business size and the extent of services needed.

Search engine optimisation costs in Australia can vary depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the experience and qualifications of the SEO provider. Generally, SEO service pricing is determined by a combination of factors including the number of hours required to complete the SEO campaign, the level of difficulty, and the amount of work that needs to be poured into the project. 

For example, if you’re a new business that hasn’t performed due to poor or a lack of SEO strategies, you should expect to pay larger amounts each month. More established brands show the extensive use of and experience in SEO techniques.

Factors Influencing SEO Cost in Australia

Your current circumstance:

It is pivotal to reflect on where your business is using SEO techniques. Are you ranking on the first page of relevant search results? Are your industry and the keywords you’re targeting highly competitive?

What do your goals look like?

What are you hoping to achieve with your SEO? What keywords do you want to rank first for? Is your goal to attract a local or more national audience?

A sequence of events:

In creating a timeline, you can get a rough idea of how quickly you wish to reach your objectives. Note that SEO is a longer but more sustainable and cost-effective approach, to which factoring in more time for these goals is crucial.

Expertise required:

Compare the level of qualifications an SEO professional has after working 15 years in the industry, compared to a new professional that is relatively inexperienced. Depending on your desired outcome, hiring a quality SEO agency will ensure that your campaigns are executed in a professional, creative manner.

For example, a study conducted by Ahrefs shows that professionals who have been in the industry for two years or less earn around $79.37 per hour. This contrasts with a professional who has been in the industry for 10 or more years, where they’re likely to earn $142.50 per hour.

Your position and location:

Consider the location of your business and how competitive the industry is that you’re working in. For example, if your business is on the smaller side and exists in a highly saturated field, note that SEO costs tend to be higher in price, compared to businesses that have little to no competition.

Professionals in the international search engine optimisation markets charge 130.74% more for monthly payments, compared to local businesses.

SEO services needed:

Depending on how much development and assistance your website requires, your SEO pricing will change. Whether you require ongoing strategy research and guidance or assistance with a one-off project, these factors will shape your SEO Cost Australian agencies offer for SEO services.

Campaign efficiency:

If you want to create campaigns that are incredibly productive in ranking, the agency you recruit would require a larger sum of money for more hours of work in a shorter length of time. Additionally, the size of your business plays a role in determining the strength of a campaign. For instance, Search Engine Journal wrote an article on how international campaigns can cost between a minimum of $2500 to $5000 USD per month at a top SEO agency. However, a local campaign can cost around $780 per month.

SEO Pricing Guide – SEO Packages

You might be wondering, how much does SEO cost in Australia? Outlined below are several SEO packages that SEO professionals tend to offer, based on monthly and hourly SEO rates, performance-based pricing, and different contracts available.

93% of experiences online begin with the search engine, to which nearly 92% will click on the first page of search results. Paying a company thousands of dollars does not guarantee the best of results. However, an SEO pricing guide can help one determine how SEO costs are related to the time and effort that is invested into reaching your business goals.

Monthly SEO Cost Australia

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to understanding SEO pricing, fees are usually created on a monthly basis, which might include a set-up or joining fee at the start of your campaign. According to how much you have invested in your monthly budget, SEO activity and reporting will be completed depending on the work needed to be completed and with the budget in mind.

For example, the most popular pricing category lies between $501- $1000 per month.

Hourly SEO Pricing Australia

Sometimes SEO costs are based on hourly SEO rates, which is more suitable for SEO clients that only require limited work to be completed. However, note that if the workload increases, the cost can therefore increase, to which recruiting SEO professionals can help plan and prepare the marketing team that is working on your campaign.

• The most popular pricing tier for hourly services is between $100- $150 per hour.

Fixed-rate and Project-based contracts

Based on the agency you collaborate with, some agencies require a contract that offers a fixed price. For example, this can involve clients signing a 12-month contract. This helps set expectations for clients, particularly for SEO strategies, where a longer timeline will help create better results, ensuring that the customer is aware of how it is a longer-term approach. The fixed-price contract ensures that you stay on board long enough to see positive changes in your SEO. 

Performance-based rates

This model is most suitable for clients who are searching for concrete results, making it more straightforward with the goals that need to be reached. With this agreement, the client will mostly only pay when the company you’re collaborating with delivers the results you’ve been searching for. This may be categorised into something as simple as a certain ranking for a keyword. This proves to be productive if your SEO goals are centered around listed keywords, where there is a clear indication of which ones you want to continue improving on, and which ones you already know to perform well.

Regular or Entry-level SEO work

Cheap SEO is not the same as entry-level SEO. If you consider yourself to be a small business that is currently operating on a thin marketing budget, monthly,  you would only be able to afford a limited number of services offered by SEO professionals. For these types of clients, it is not impossible to find such low/affordable SEO costs in Australia. However, we advise that you consider the points below as a result of cost-cutting.

• Your SEO work completed will be minimal.
• The agency you’re collaborating with most likely has an off-shore, trained team of SEO professionals, to which your work is most likely allocated to them.
• The SEO provider you’re working with most likely aligns one account manager with many clients, meaning that there will be limited communication between you and them.

Mid-level SEO marketing services

This category is considered by most small and medium-sized companies. This SEO package often offers a plethora of services available for customers, including link building, CRO, localised SEO options, content creation, and reporting. Typically, in this arrangement, there’s an account manager who directs a team of specialists. Alternatively, you could be collaborating with an incredibly qualified freelancer/consultant.

Top-Tier SEO services

With SEO services that cost more, you are most likely participating in a highly saturated and competitive field, all of your competition exists online as a result of being an eCommerce business, or you’re looking to achieve more in a shorter period, without having to compromise on the quality of work. With a higher-end SEO provider, services in mid-level marketing agencies will be revised but also enhanced, as link building will be more PR-focused, and additional, creative services such as infographic creation and more will be offered. 

Custom services

With custom packages available, enterprise-level businesses are addressed, considering their SEO needs are very different from ordinary, everyday companies. 

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Given that your scale might be drastically different, such as requiring a website that offers thousands of items, your SEO strategy will be more customised. This is due to playing in a very competitive sphere, in which your creative strategy should exist and function across the sophisticated, difficult infrastructure. Despite the average SEO cost for custom or enterprise agreements being significantly higher than other categories, you’ll most likely receive a team of specialised professionals for your SEO campaign. Most likely arranging meetings with you on a monthly basis, they’ll discuss how their strategies can reach your page or brand-relevant goals by improving your company structure and image.

How much does SEO cost in Melbourne?

SEO Melbourne prices can vary depending on your business goals, industry competition, and the level of expertise you hire. In Melbourne, most professional SEO services start from around $1,200 per month and can increase for larger or more competitive industries. Hourly rates of SEO work typically range from $100 to $150 for experienced specialists.

SEO cost in Melbourne may also differ depending on whether you work with a freelance consultant or a full-service agency. Since Melbourne’s digital market is highly competitive, it’s smart to view SEO as a long-term investment that strengthens your visibility and credibility online, making it truly worthwhile.

How much does SEO cost in Sydney?

SEO prices in Sydney can vary depending on your business size, goals, and the competitiveness of your industry. On average, the SEO costs for Sydney businesses are similar to those in other major Australian cities. Small businesses usually invest between $1,000 and $3,000 per month, while larger or more competitive industries may require a larger budget.

The total cost depends on the services included, such as keyword research, content optimisation, and link-building. A reputable Sydney SEO agency will be clear about its process, avoid unrealistic promises, and focus on long-term growth that delivers consistent traffic and measurable results.

How much does SEO cost in Australia?

Even though this information may seem irrelevant, it is important to consider SEO costs in Australia, and whether you wish to collaborate with local or international agencies. Consulting a local SEO company is beneficial for smaller businesses, as they understand local demographics. For example, the worldwide market earns 23.17% more than local markets, where international agencies earn around $118.80 per hour, compared to an Australian average of $96.44 per hour.

In recruiting international agencies, not only is there a cultural barrier to understanding Australian audiences and demands, but they tend to offer higher, hourly SEO rates.  Additionally, these agencies will operate in different time zones to you, making it harder to track their performance and how much they are committing to your project.

However, an advantage of recruiting an SEO agency within your city, is that you can enter the office or contact them easily during business hours, therefore minimising turnaround time, and allowing you to collaborate productively and closely with them. This helps with trust, especially knowing that the industry manipulates SEO costs in Australia.

Companies that often allocate your work to international employees demonstrate a tendency to underpay those who are completing the work, compared to Australian wages and standards. This can be incredibly problematic and contradictory if you’re a business that prides itself on ethical and quality practices. That’s why it is a safer option to compare other marketing agencies to each other and understand what SEO costs are efficient enough to guarantee you your desired outcome.

Cheap SEO Agencies

Search engine optimisation professionals often lure new customers into the SEO game by offering page 1 positions for an incredibly low price. Even though this sounds ideal, make sure to complete research of other qualified agencies and compare their pricing to these ‘SEO wizards’.

These companies ultimately require savings to keep the business running, and extremely cheap services from SEO companies often mean outsourcing your work from overseas or employing freelancers who don’t demonstrate sufficient experience. Considering that there is more of a focus on quantity, rather than the quality of services, you as a business can compromise the well-being of your brand. An SEO cost calculator can help you determine appropriate pricing for quality work.

How to Choose a Legitimate SEO Agency That Delivers Timely Results

Finding an SEO agency that truly fits your business starts with careful research. Take time to review their case studies, read through client testimonials, and look at examples of their previous work. A trustworthy team will be transparent about their SEO service prices, explaining precisely what’s included and why it matters.

Before sharing any quote, they should run a comprehensive website audit to understand your current performance and provide an accurate estimate of the SEO optimisation cost.

Real SEO growth takes patience and consistent effort. The cost for SEO services can vary depending on your goals, competition, and website size, so clarity at this stage is essential. In the end, choose a partner who values honest communication, realistic timelines, and measurable progress.

Ask for References:

Request references from past or current clients of the agency to get an understanding of their experiences. Speaking directly with other businesses who have worked with the agency can provide valuable insights into their professionalism, communication, and ability to deliver results. 

Evaluate Their Knowledge and Expertise:

During your initial discussions with the agency, pay attention to their level of knowledge and expertise in the field of SEO. A reputable agency will be able to show a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, industry trends, and best practices for optimising websites. 

Consider Their Approach to SEO:

Inquire about the agency’s approach to SEO and whether they focus on ethical, white-hat techniques that follow search engine guidelines. Avoid agencies that engage in black-hat tactics or promise quick fixes. These can result in penalties from search engines and long-term damage to your website’s reputation.

Assess Their Customisation and Flexibility:

Every business is unique. It’s important to work with an agency that offers customised SEO solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals. Look for agencies that are flexible and adaptable, willing to adjust their strategies based on your feedback and evolving market conditions. 

Monitor Progress and Results:

Once the SEO campaign is underway, stay involved in monitoring progress and results. Regularly review performance metrics, such as keyword rankings, organic traffic, and conversion rates. This ensures that the campaign is on track to meet your objectives. 

Stay Informed About Industry Changes:

SEO is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. So, it’s essential to stay informed about changes to search engine algorithms, industry trends, and best practices. Work with an agency that is proactive about staying ahead of the curve and adapting its strategies to keep pace with these changes. 

Thoroughly Research Potential Agencies:

Take the time to research and check many SEO agencies before making a decision. Look for agencies with a proven track record of success, positive client testimonials, and transparent pricing structures. Avoid agencies that make unrealistic promises or offer unusually low prices. These may show a lack of experience or questionable tactics. 

Review Case Studies and Portfolio:

Ask potential agencies for case studies or examples of past work they have completed for clients in similar industries. Reviewing their portfolio can give you insight into their approach to SEO and the results they have achieved for other businesses. 

Ask About Their Process:

Inquire about the agency’s SEO process and how they plan to achieve your goals within the specified timeframe. A reputable agency will be able to provide a clear outline of its strategies and tactics, as well as realistic timelines for achieving results. 

Discuss Communication and Reporting:

Communication is key when working with an SEO agency. Be sure to discuss how often you will receive updates and reports on the progress of your campaign. Look for agencies that offer regular communication and transparent reporting to keep you informed every step of the way. 

Clarify Expectations and Goals:

Clearly define your expectations and goals for the SEO campaign upfront to ensure alignment with the agency’s capabilities. Be realistic about what can be achieved within your budget and timeframe. Discuss any specific targets or milestones you want to reach. 

Get Everything in Writing:

Once you’ve chosen an agency, make sure to get all agreements, contracts, and pricing for SEO details in writing. This helps to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes down the line and provides clarity on the scope of work, timeline, and cost of the project.

 By following these steps and taking the time to research and vet potential SEO agencies, you can ensure that the services you receive are legitimate, achievable, and aligned with your goals. Remember to focus on quality and long-term success over short-term cost savings, and invest in an agency that has the experience and expertise to deliver results.

How much should SEO cost for a small business?

The cost of SEO for a small business depends on goals, competition, and service quality. Most small businesses in Australia spend between $800 and $2,000 per month for reliable SEO support. When evaluating prices, look beyond the lowest quote.

Cheap SEO often relies on shortcuts that can damage your site’s credibility and search rankings. Instead, focus on value and long-term growth. A genuine SEO agency will be upfront about the average SEO cost for your project and will clearly outline what’s included in each package. Choosing the right team ensures steady, measurable results rather than risky short-term gains.

Is it achievable to complete SEO services myself?

You can handle some SEO tasks on your own, but running a full strategy is more complex than it appears. Effective SEO requires specialists in web development, analytics, content writing, and technical optimisation. Building and managing this team can quickly exceed what you’d pay a professional agency. 

A skilled SEO team already has the tools, training, and experience needed to create data-driven campaigns and measurable outcomes. While doing it yourself may save money at first, a trusted SEO agency can deliver faster, more sustainable results, helping your business grow without unnecessary trial and error.

• A quality marketing agency will complete background research about you and your projects

Not only will reputable and viable marketing companies interview but will further try to understand your company, your demographics, your items or services, the industry your business exists in, your competitors, and more.

• Will perform SEO audits for you

Despite whatever SEO package you select, a reliable marketing agency will know that you’re entitled to an SEO audit. This explores where your website is in terms of traffic and ranking, to which this agency will make you feel like you’re being listened to in regards to your direction and goals, and where you can improve.

• Strategy

Depending on findings from research and analysis of other competitors, the SEO professionals will introduce creative strategies behind your SEO campaign that will reiterate your presence online, therefore increasing visibility.

• Researching of keywords

The success behind any SEO strategy is the selection of appropriate keywords, considering their pivotal role in representing your website in search engine machines. They communicate to customers what content is on your pages and website. The aim is to target suitable keywords with high search volumes and low competitive rates. 

• Development and creation of content

Content is easily the most important part of a successful campaign. Campaigns that have been productive and successful include content that is consistent and creates a distinctive style that is easily recognised by customers. 

• On-page optimisation

Your agency will help you create a site structure and optimise your pages for search engines. This will include using the keywords you provide to create titles and meta descriptions, as well as addressing other factors that influence page speed and bounce rate. They can also provide strategies to increase engagement on your site.

• Off-page optimisation

Off-page optimisation refers to all of the techniques that happen behind the scenes. This includes the publication of content on social media and reputable domains, as well as the creation of backlinks and receiving of reviews that help websites rank higher in search engine results. 

• Use of Reporting and Analytics

Quality agencies will measure their progress by using reporting systems. Their transparency in sharing results with you can help you both collaboratively ensure that your investment is productive. 

• They will happily provide you with examples of their work

Reputable companies will willingly provide you with case studies of projects they’ve worked on in the past. If anything, they’ll showcase it to you to offer complete transparency with their services and expectations. 

How can I further understand how Google will rank my business?

Despite SEO package and SEO costs in Australia being relatively consistent across the industry, whatever your business requires from an SEO strategy can impact the average SEO cost or SEO pricing guide you refer to for your services. In simpler words, understanding how the Google ranking algorithm works will further help you understand what actually you require from your SEO package or from an agency.

• Consistent Publication of Engaging Content – 26%

  • The number one factor that affects a website’s ranking in Google is the consistency of its publication of engaging content.
  • Google rewards websites that publish high-quality information by ranking them higher in search results. Even though it can take a while (potentially more than 6 months), publishing consistent content is the most important factor for ranking well on Google.
  • This is incredibly important for searching for marketing agencies that are reputable in their written content creation, and where they are consistent and grammatically correct with their content.

• Keywords in Meta Titles – 17%

  • The role of keywords in meta titles is to help users find the content they are looking for.
  • By including relevant keywords in a meta title, you can help ensure that your content appears in search engine results pages when users search for those terms.
  • Including keywords also helps ensure that your content is seen as relevant by powerful search engines such as Google, which can help improve your site’s ranking in search results.

• Niche Expertise (or Narrow, Strategic Targeting) – 13%

  • A niche expertise in digital marketing would be understanding how to use digital marketing tools and platforms to reach a specific target audience.
  • This could include understanding how to use Facebook Ads, Google AdWords, and other online advertising platforms to reach potential customers.
  • Most digital marketing agencies offer testimonials and case studies for potential clients to refer to.
  • This can prove to be very beneficial for clients, as highly creative and targeted strategies and campaigns created by SEO professionals help communicate to customers how they can add a unique perspective to a client’s business.
  • This is an important factor in determining a qualified agency from others, where there is a clear execution of a unique strategy.

• Backlinks – 15%

  • The number and quality of backlinks that a website possesses is a major indicator of how relevant and authoritative that website is.
  • Considering that Google searches for websites that demonstrate authority, expertise, and trustworthiness, this will help Google decipher a website as reliable and relevant.

• User Engagement – 11%

  User engagement is one of the key things Google considers when ranking websites. It’s all about how visitors interact with your pages: how long they stay, how many pages they explore, and whether they return. When people genuinely engage with your content, it signals to search engines that your site is useful and worth recommending.

  To improve engagement, focus on creating content that truly answers your audience’s questions and feels relevant to them. Make sure your website loads quickly and performs smoothly on mobile devices. When your pages are well-written, easy to read, and visually appealing, visitors are more likely to stay longer and explore further. Over time, this kind of genuine interaction helps build your site’s authority and naturally improves your rankings.

How to decipher a marketing agency as a reliable and highly qualified SEO provider?

A reliable SEO provider values transparency, communication, and realistic results. The best agencies are honest about their SEO service prices and never make exaggerated claims about instant success. Look for a company that takes time to understand your goals, performs a detailed audit, and explains how they plan to achieve results.

Genuine agencies will also share examples of their work and be clear about what each stage of your campaign involves. Being open and honest with your audience helps build trust, which becomes the foundation for lasting success. The right agency will focus on measurable growth, not vague promises.

How does Clickmatix offer transparency in its intentions and services?

Clickmatix believes that strong partnerships start with honesty. Before starting any campaign, we assign a dedicated account manager to understand your business goals and explain the SEO optimisation cost clearly. Each proposal outlines the strategy, scope, and deliverables so you always know what you’re paying for.

Regular meetings and progress reports ensure open communication and accountability. Rather than focusing on quick wins, Clickmatix invests the necessary time and expertise to deliver steady, lasting results. With a proven track record and transparent processes, we provide clarity at every step, making sure you feel confident in your investment.

The ROI of SEO 

Investing in SEO yields significant returns over time. A well-executed SEO strategy improves online visibility, drives organic traffic, and enhances brand credibility. Businesses can expect long-term benefits such as increased leads, conversions, and revenue. By focusing on sustainable SEO practices and adapting strategies to evolving search engine algorithms, businesses can achieve a competitive edge and maximise their ROI from digital marketing investments.

FAQs

How much does SEO cost in Australia?

The average cost of SEO in Australia depends on your goals and the scale of your business. Small businesses generally spend between $1,000 and $3,000 per month, while mid-sized companies may invest up to $6,000 monthly for more competitive campaigns. Hourly pricing typically starts around $100 for experienced professionals. The overall cost reflects the level of strategy, content quality, and ongoing optimisation required to achieve strong results. Rather than treating SEO as an expense, view it as a growth investment that continually brings new customers through organic search.

Is SEO worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. SEO remains one of the most affordable and effective ways to market your business online. Unlike paid ads that stop generating traffic once you stop paying, SEO continues to deliver results as your website’s authority grows. In 2025, search algorithms are smarter, focusing more on user intent and content quality. Businesses that invest in expert SEO today will benefit from consistent leads and brand recognition tomorrow. Even as trends evolve, the fundamentals of good SEO, such as relevance, quality, and trust, are as valuable as ever.

Will SEO get replaced by AI?

AI has become a powerful part of SEO, helping with research, content optimisation, and data analysis. Still, no matter how advanced SEO becomes, human expertise remains essential. True success comes from understanding your audience, what they do, what they intend, and what genuinely resonates with them. While AI can assist with tasks, strategic decision-making, creativity, and ethical marketing still rely on human judgment. The future of SEO will involve collaboration between technology and skilled professionals, not replacement.

How long does it take to see results from SEO?

SEO takes time and steady effort to show real results. Most websites start seeing visible improvements in traffic and rankings within three to six months. Competitive industries or newer websites might take longer. The results depend on factors such as your site’s existing authority, content quality, and the competition for your target keywords. The key is patience and consistency. Once your site builds momentum, the growth becomes steady and long-lasting.

Can Clickmatix help my business rank on Google for competitive keywords?

Yes. Clickmatix offers tailored strategies to help Australian businesses achieve greater visibility for competitive keywords. Our approach includes in-depth keyword analysis, technical optimisation, content strategy, and link-building. We prioritise ethical SEO practices that build authority naturally and provide regular performance reports to track your progress. With a team of experienced specialists, Clickmatix ensures your SEO investment drives genuine, measurable growth over time.

What SEO services does Clickmatix offer for Australian businesses?

Clickmatix provides a complete range of SEO solutions designed for local and national growth. Our services include:

• Website and technical SEO audits
• Keyword research and strategy
• On-page and off-page optimisation
• Content development and optimisation
• Local SEO for region-specific visibility
• Link-building and reputation management
• Detailed reporting and analytics

We focus on delivering quality rather than quantity, ensuring every campaign reflects your brand goals. By being transparent about their SEO service cost and timelines, Clickmatix helps you make informed, confident decisions about your digital marketing strategy.