Freelance SEO Rates Calculator
Use this calculator to determine appropriate freelance SEO rates based on project scope, experience level, and other key factors. This tool helps both clients and SEO professionals set fair and competitive pricing.
Calculate Your SEO Rates
Understanding SEO Pricing Factors
Project Scope
The breadth and depth of SEO services directly impact pricing:
- Basic: Includes fundamental services like keyword research, meta tag optimization, and basic analytics. Suitable for small businesses or those new to SEO.
- Standard: Includes everything in Basic, plus content optimization, regular link building, and more detailed reporting.
- Comprehensive: Full-service SEO with technical audits, content strategy, competitive analysis, advanced link building, and detailed performance reporting.
Experience Level
An SEO professional's experience significantly affects their rates:
- Beginner (0-2 years): May offer lower rates while building their portfolio. Rates typically range from $15-$50/hour.
- Intermediate (3-5 years): Have established methodologies and proven results. Rates typically range from $50-$100/hour.
- Expert (6+ years): Deep expertise in multiple SEO disciplines, often with specializations. Rates typically range from $100-$300+/hour.
Industry Complexity
Some industries require more specialized knowledge and compete in more difficult SEO landscapes:
- Low complexity: Entertainment, lifestyle blogs, general retail. Lower keyword difficulty and less regulatory concerns.
- Medium complexity: E-commerce, education, local businesses. Moderate competition and more specific optimization needs.
- High complexity: YMYL (Your Money Your Life) sectors like finance, healthcare, legal, and technical industries. Higher stakes, stricter quality standards, and intense competition.
Project Duration
Longer commitments typically come with discounted rates:
- One-time projects: No discount, highest hourly rates
- 3-month contracts: Approximately 5% discount
- 6-month contracts: Approximately 10% discount
- 12+ month contracts: Approximately 15-20% discount
Longer contracts provide stability for the freelancer and allow for more strategic, long-term SEO campaigns, which generally produce better results.
Market Level
SEO rates vary significantly based on the market:
- Emerging Markets: Lower cost of living typically results in lower rates.
- Developing Markets: Moderate rates reflecting growing demand for SEO services.
- Established Markets: Higher rates due to higher living costs and more competitive SEO landscape.
SEO Pricing Models Comparison
| Pricing Model | Best For | Typical Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Small projects, audits, consulting | $15-$300+/hour | Transparent, flexible, pay only for time used | Can be expensive for ongoing work, harder to budget |
| Monthly Retainer | Ongoing SEO campaigns, continuous improvement | $500-$10,000+/month | Predictable costs, consistent service, better long-term results | Requires longer commitment, less flexibility |
| Project-Based | Website migrations, audits, specific campaigns | $1,000-$20,000+ | Fixed cost, clear deliverables, defined timeline | May not include ongoing optimization, scope creep risks |
| Performance-Based | Businesses comfortable with variable costs | Base fee + performance bonuses | Aligns incentives, potentially lower upfront costs | Unpredictable costs, difficult to attribute results |
What's Included at Different Price Points
| Service | Basic ($15-50/hr) | Standard ($50-100/hr) | Premium ($100-300+/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyword Research | ✓ (Basic) | ✓ (Comprehensive) | ✓ (Advanced + Competitor Analysis) |
| On-Page SEO | ✓ (Basic elements) | ✓ (Detailed optimization) | ✓ (Advanced + Schema) |
| Content Creation | ✗ | ✓ (Basic content) | ✓ (Premium content strategy) |
| Link Building | ✓ (Limited) | ✓ (Moderate) | ✓ (Strategic outreach) |
| Technical SEO | ✗ | ✓ (Basic audits) | ✓ (Advanced technical optimization) |
| Local SEO | ✓ (Basic setup) | ✓ (Full optimization) | ✓ (Advanced local strategy) |
| Reporting | ✓ (Monthly basics) | ✓ (Biweekly detailed) | ✓ (Weekly comprehensive) |
| Strategy | ✗ | ✓ (Basic planning) | ✓ (Comprehensive strategy) |
Disclaimer: The rates provided by this calculator are estimates based on industry averages and may vary depending on specific circumstances. Market conditions, individual expertise, and project requirements can all influence actual SEO pricing. This tool is intended as a starting point for rate discussions rather than a definitive pricing guide.
SEO Rates by Country
India
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Philippines
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Indonesia
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Vietnam
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Malaysia
Get accurate SEO cost estimates in Malaysia with a tool that factors in experience, competition, and service scope.