A ten-page local service website and a multilingual e-commerce site with thousands of URLs do not require the same work. Comparing them with one flat price is misleading.
What drives the budget?
- Technical condition and indexation problems.
- Competition around commercial search terms.
- Number and quality of service, category or product pages.
- Content production and subject-matter expertise required.
- Local, national or international scope.
- Development, analytics and conversion work.
Common engagement models
A focused audit can be useful when the main problem is unclear. A project package fits a defined migration, redesign or technical implementation. Ongoing support makes sense when content, measurement and iteration are continuous.
I prefer a scope that explains what will actually be delivered instead of selling a fixed number of keywords or backlinks.
Think in expected business value
Estimate the average value of a qualified lead or customer, conversion rate and realistic search demand. SEO is not free traffic: it is an investment in technical quality, content and authority that can keep producing value over time.
Questions to ask before accepting a proposal
- What exact problem are we solving first?
- Which deliverables are included?
- Who implements technical changes?
- How will content be validated?
- What metrics will show progress?
- What is excluded from the scope?
Start with a prioritised diagnosis before committing to a large retainer.
Discuss your situation