SEO Cost in Canada in 2024: 4 Pricing Models & Examples
SEO pricing in Canada varies significantly depending on the region, agency, and specific services required. Here’s an overview of the current SEO cost in Canada for 2024.
There are four main methods for purchasing SEO services: hourly rates, project-based fees, monthly retainers, and revenue-sharing models. On average, SEO services in Canada cost around $120 per hour, $2,500 per project, and $2,500 per month for a retainer.
Average SEO Cost in Canada: 4 Pricing Models
There are 4 common ways to purchase SEO services in Canada.
1. Hourly Rate SEO
What It Is:
You pay the SEO agency by the hour for the services they perform, making it ideal for smaller projects.
In Canada, hourly SEO rates typically range from $70 to $150. Our rate is $115 per hour.
Examples of Hourly Rate SEO:
Tasks like broken link repair, optimizing SEO tools (such as RankMath or WPRocket), or troubleshooting sitemap issues.
Benefits:
- Flexibility: You can adjust the work based on your current needs and budget.
- Control: You have direct oversight of the hours worked and can easily monitor your expenses.
Drawbacks:
- Cost Uncertainty: The final cost can be unpredictable if the scope of work changes.
- Short-term Focus: Agencies may focus on quick wins rather than long-term strategies due to the hourly payment structure.
Tip:
Even with hourly SEO, request an estimate before proceeding. Approve up to a certain number of hours to maintain cost control.
Hourly Rate SEO: Example
Scenario: You manage a small e-commerce website and need assistance optimizing product pages to improve search rankings. You hire an SEO consultant at a rate of $120 per hour.
Example Breakdown:
- Initial Consultation: 2 hours ($240)
- Technical SEO Work: 4 hours ($480)
- On-Page Optimization: 5 hours ($600)
- Keyword Research: 3 hours ($360)
Total monthly cost: $1,680
2. Project-Based SEO
What It Is:
You pay a flat fee for a specific SEO project, such as a site audit, content overhaul, or link-building campaign.
In Canada, project-based SEO typically costs between $175 and over $5,000. According to one study, $5,000 to $30,000 is the most common price range per project.
Examples of Project-Based SEO:
SEO audits, keyword research, image and speed optimizations, website migration, and plugin setup and optimization.
Benefits:
- Clear Scope and Defind Budget: You know exactly what you’re paying for and what the deliverables will be.
- Goal-Oriented: The agency is focused on achieving specific results within a defined timeframe.
Drawbacks:
- Limited Flexibility: Any changes or additional tasks beyond the project’s scope may lead to extra charges.
- Potential for Rushed Work: Agencies may hurry to complete the project on time, which could affect quality.
Project-Based SEO Example
Scenario:
Your company’s website is being redesigned, and you hire an SEO agency to ensure the new site is fully optimized from the beginning. You agree on a project fee of $5,000.
Example Breakdown:
- Project Scope: Includes keyword research, content recommendations, technical SEO setup, and a post-launch audit.
- Timeline: 3 months
Total cost for the project: $5,000
3. Retainer SEO
What It Is:
You pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing SEO services.
In Canada, retainer SEO services typically range from $500 to over $5,000 per month. A study by Ahrefs found that the most common retainer in Canada falls between $2,500 and $5,000 per month.
Examples of Retainer SEO:
Link building, content creation, managing algorithm updates, ongoing site optimizations, and lead conversion programs (like for student recruiters or law firms).
Benefits:
- Consistency: Continuous, sustained effort towards your SEO goals, which is essential for long-term success.
- Partnership: You develop a strong working relationship with the agency, leading to better understanding and collaboration.
Drawbacks:
- Long-term Commitment: You’re committed to a monthly fee, which might be challenging if your budget fluctuates.
- Risk of Complacency: There’s a potential risk that the agency may not maintain the same level of effort after securing a long-term agreement.
According to Credo, the average hourly rate for SEO providers worldwide is $112.22, and 50% of SEO providers have a minimum monthly retainer of under $3,000.
Retainer SEO Example
Scenario:
You run a growing content site and need ongoing SEO support to enhance your search rankings and increase traffic. You sign a retainer agreement with an SEO agency for $2,000 per month.
Example Breakdown:
- Monthly Services: Continuous keyword research, content optimization, backlink building, and regular SEO reporting.
- Duration: 12 months
Total cost for the year: $24,000
4. Performance-Based (Rev Share) SEO
What It Is:
You pay based on the results achieved, typically as a percentage of the revenue generated from organic search traffic.
In Canada, performance-based SEO can involve either a percentage or a fixed fee, with the exact amount varying widely. Revenue share agreements typically range from 5% to 20% of the additional revenue or conversions generated.
Examples of Revenue Share SEO:
Commonly used in lead generation and e-commerce, where the agency’s payment is directly tied to the success of their efforts.
Benefits:
- Aligned Incentives: The agency is highly motivated to deliver strong results since their payment depends on your success.
- Lower Initial Cost: You may pay less upfront, with costs increasing only as you see positive outcomes.
Drawbacks:
- Complex Contracts: It can be challenging to agree on the right metrics to measure and accurately attribute revenue.
- Potential for Aggressive Tactics: Agencies might employ riskier SEO strategies to achieve quick results, which could be detrimental in the long term.
Drawbacks:
- Complex Contracts: It can be tricky to agree on what metrics to measure and how to attribute (track) revenue.
- Potential for Aggressive Tactics: Agencies might use riskier SEO tactics to achieve quick results, which can be harmful in the long run.
Performance-Based SEO Example
Scenario:
You own an online store and partner with an SEO agency that charges based on the increase in revenue from organic search. The agreement is set at 10% of the additional revenue generated.
Example Breakdown:
- Baseline Revenue: $10,000 per month from organic search.
- Post-SEO Revenue: $17,500 per month from organic search (after 6 months of SEO work).
- Additional Revenue: $7,500 per month.
Monthly Payment to the SEO Agency: $750 (10% of the additional $7,500 in sales)
SEO Cost in Canada, By Province
In researching SEO costs by province and territory, I wasn’t able to find specific studies by regions. But as a baseline, we can look at overall cost of living for each Canadian province and territory.
The percentage number refers to the difference above/below the national average. For the most competitive SEO costs in Canada, consider an agency from Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, PEI, NB, or NL), Quebec, or Manitoba.
- Nunavut: +40%
- North West Territories: +37%
- Yukon Territory: +18%
- British Columbia: +6%
- Ontario: +4%
- Alberta: +3%
- Saskatechewan: +1%
- Newfoundland & Labrador: -2%
- Manitoba: -4%
- Prince Edward Island: -5%
- Nova Scotia: -5%
- Quebec: -7%
- New Brunswick: -9%
Cost of living data by Economic Research Institute.
Which Option is Right for You?
Selecting the best Canadian SEO service model depends on your unique needs, budget, and long-term objectives.
- If you value flexibility and control, hourly or project-based options might be the best fit.
- For those seeking consistency and a long-term partnership, a retainer could be the ideal choice.
- If you’re focused on results and open to sharing the risks and benefits, performance-based pricing might be the perfect match.
Successful SEO isn’t just about the payment structure—it’s about partnering with a reliable, skilled agency that understands your business and can deliver results.
Next Steps
At SEO Nova Scotia and Storyteller Media, we offer SEO consulting (both hourly and project-based) and comprehensive SEO site audits. Here’s how you can start working with us.