By Thabo Mhlanga, founder of Northern Search Co. · 8 November 2026
The short answer
For most local businesses, SEO is paid monthly. The price depends on how much work your business needs, how competitive your trade is and how many areas you want to be found in. A plumber covering one part of Leeds needs far less than a solicitor competing across the whole city.
Be wary of very cheap packages and of anyone who guarantees results. Good SEO takes steady work over several months, and no one can promise you a particular position on Google.
Our own packages start from £399 a month, and that includes your website. You can see exactly what's in each one on our pricing page.
What affects the price
- How competitive your trade is. If lots of strong businesses are chasing the same customers, it takes more work to stand out.
- How many areas you want to win. Being found in one town is a smaller job than covering several, because each area usually needs its own page and attention.
- Your website. A fast, well-built site can be improved. A slow or outdated one may need rebuilding first, which adds to the cost.
- Where you're starting from. A business with an established Google Business Profile and plenty of reviews needs less groundwork than one starting from scratch.
- How much content you need. Service pages, area pages and helpful articles all take time to research and write well.
How SEO agencies usually charge
- Monthly packages. The most common option for local businesses. You pay a set amount each month for ongoing work and reporting.
- One-off projects. For example, a website build, a technical audit or setting up your Google Business Profile properly. Useful if you only need one job doing.
- Hourly or day rates. More common for consultancy and training, where you do some of the work yourself.
Whichever way you pay, ask what's included, how long the minimum term is and how you'll see progress.
What you should get for your money
- A clear plan that explains what will be done and why.
- Regular reports in plain English, not a pile of jargon.
- Ownership of your website, Google Business Profile and other accounts. They should be in your name.
- Honest timelines and realistic expectations.
- Someone you can actually speak to when you have a question.
Red flags to look out for
- Guaranteed rankings. Google's own guidance says no one can guarantee a number one spot.
- Long contracts with no reporting. You should always know what you're paying for.
- The agency owning your accounts. If you leave, you should keep your website and profile.
- Thousands of cheap links. Buying links in bulk can do more harm than good.
How long before you see results?
SEO isn't instant. Google's own guidance says it often takes between four months and a year to make improvements and start seeing the benefit. Some changes, like fixing your Google Business Profile, can help sooner, but it's best to think in months, not weeks.
SEO or Google Ads?
Google Ads put you at the top of the page straight away, but you pay for every click and the visits stop when you stop paying. SEO builds your visibility in the normal results and the map over time. Many businesses use a bit of both. Our packages focus on SEO, and we can talk you through Ads if you're interested.
What our packages cost
- Starter: £399 a month
- Growth: £599 a month
- Dominate: from £999 a month
Every package includes your website, local SEO and Google Business Profile. There's a one-off setup fee from £750, which you can pay up front or split over your first 3 months, a 3-month minimum term, then it's rolling monthly with 30 days' notice. See the full details on our pricing page, or get a free audit and we'll tell you honestly what your business needs.
Common questions
Is cheap SEO worth it?
Sometimes, but be careful. Very cheap packages often mean very little work, or shortcuts that can harm your website. Ask exactly what's included before you sign up.
Do I have to pay for SEO forever?
No. Many businesses keep going because their competitors keep working on their SEO too, but you should always be able to stop. Our packages are rolling monthly after the first 3 months.
Can I do my own SEO?
Yes, especially the basics, like keeping your Google Business Profile up to date and asking customers for reviews. An agency mainly saves you time and brings experience of what works.
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