Guide · 8 min · Updated 20/05/2026
How much does SEO actually cost in 2026?
Straight numbers: setup fees, monthly retainers, agency vs in-house, and what each tier actually delivers.
What each tier covers
Sub-£500/month: technical audit + monthly review. No content production, no link earning. Suitable only for very local single-location businesses.
£500–£2,000/month: above + 2–4 content pieces, basic link earning, monthly reporting. Most SMBs sit here.
£2,000–£8,000/month: above + programmatic SEO, dedicated strategist, weekly stand-ups. Real growth tier.
£8,000+/month: above + cross-channel attribution, custom dashboards, executive QBRs. Enterprise scale.
Common questions
Is SEO cheaper than paid?
Cheaper per qualified click after month 6, more expensive in months 1–3. SEO is a balance-sheet asset; paid is an expense.