Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for any business that wants to be visible online — but figuring out how much it should cost can be frustrating. Prices range from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands, and every agency claims to be the best.
At Fly High Media, we believe in cutting through the noise. This guide explains what affects SEO pricing in the UK, what to expect at different budget levels, and how to make sure you’re getting real value from your investment.
What Affects the Cost of SEO in the UK?
SEO is not a one-size-fits-all service. Costs vary depending on the scale of your business, your goals, and the complexity of the work involved. Here are the key factors that influence pricing:
1. Scope of Work
- Local SEO is usually cheaper than national or international campaigns.
- Technical SEO, on-page, content, and link building all require different levels of time and expertise.
2. Industry Competitiveness
- Highly competitive sectors (finance, law, health, e-commerce) usually require more resources to make an impact.
3. Your Website’s Starting Point
- A brand-new website may need foundational work (like technical fixes or keyword research), while an established site might need ongoing content and link building.
4. Agency Experience and Resources
- A solo freelancer may offer lower prices but limited capacity.
- A performance-driven agency like Fly High Media brings a team, processes, and proven strategies to the table.
5. Tools and Tech
- Premium SEO tools and software subscriptions (e.g. SEMrush, Screaming Frog, Surfer) often factor into pricing.
Types of SEO Services
There’s no standardised model for SEO pricing. However, the most common service types include:
Retained Monthly SEO
The most common format. You pay a monthly fee in return for a set number of deliverables, like blog posts, backlink outreach, and regular audits.
One-Off Projects
Ideal for website migrations, audits, or strategy development. These typically range from £1,000 to £10,000 depending on scope.
SEO Consultancy (What We Offer at Fly High Media)
You get access to senior SEO expertise to guide your in-house team or strategy. This is great for businesses that need clarity, accountability, and insights — but still want to handle execution themselves.
SEO Pricing Breakdown (UK)
Here’s a typical breakdown of what businesses might expect to pay for SEO in the UK:
| Monthly Budget | Who It’s For | What You Might Get | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under £1,000 | Freelancers, startups | Basic audits, templated strategies, minimal content
| Not recommended for serious growth |
| £1,500 – £4,000 | SMEs, growing e-commerce brands | Full-service SEO: strategy, content, technical SEO, consultancy, CRO, A/B testing, in-depth analytics, competitor monitoring
| Fly High Media’s core range |
| £6,000 | Ambitious national brands | Everything from above + deeper analytics, CRO, outreach campaigns
| Custom strategy, higher touch service |
| £10,000+ | Enterprise, multi-domain operators | Enterprise SEO, teams involved, global targeting, full integration
| Long-term, highly scalable support |
Note: Pricing is indicative. Most SEO agencies (ourselves included) tailor pricing depending on your goals, competitiveness, and in-house resources.
What You Get at Different Price Points
Under £1,000/month
- Generic, templated reports
- Automated content
- Minimal strategy or communication
- Poor quality links
This price bracket can be useful for quick technical audits or very small websites — but it’s unlikely to drive meaningful business growth.
£1,500–£4,000/month
- Dedicated account management
- Custom SEO strategy
- Regular blog content
- On-page optimisation
- Link acquisition
- Monthly reporting & consultancy
- Conversion rate optimisation (CRO)
- A/B testing
- In-depth analytics
- Competitor monitoring
This package also includes the Fly High Media Growth Formula — our proprietary framework built around scalable SEO strategy, rapid experimentation, and commercially driven performance tracking. It’s what sets us apart and consistently delivers growth for our clients.
£6,000/month
- Custom content campaigns
- Advanced analytics tracking
- Digital PR and backlink outreach
- Technical support and audits
- Strategic reviews and forecasting
£10,000+/month
- Full-funnel content marketing
- Digital PR & large-scale outreach
- Technical roadmaps & support for multiple domains
- International SEO strategy
Why Fly High Media?
At Fly High Media, we position ourselves in the mid-to-high tier of the SEO market. We don’t aim to be the cheapest. We aim to deliver:
- Exceptional client service (fast replies, strategic thinking, no fluff)
- Data-led SEO that focuses on leads, not just rankings
- Custom strategy (no cookie-cutter templates)
- Consultancy & execution — or both, depending on what you need
- The Fly High Media Growth Formula — built to scale results through smart testing, deep insight, and commercial outcomes
We typically work on a minimum six-month commitment, but this is flexible depending on your goals and how quickly we can build momentum.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Price for You?
Choosing the right SEO provider isn’t about finding the cheapest. It’s about finding the team that aligns with your goals, has a track record, and treats your business like their own.
Get in touch today to find out what SEO might look like for your business.
