How much does SEO add to website cost?

SEO adds $500–$5,000+ to your initial website build and $500–$2,000/month for ongoing optimization.

Basic on-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, header structure, image optimization) should be included in any professional website build at no extra charge. More advanced SEO - keyword research, content strategy, local SEO setup, link building, and technical optimization - is typically a separate investment. For most small businesses, a $500–$1,000/month local SEO plan delivers strong results within 6–12 months. The ROI is excellent because organic search traffic compounds over time, unlike paid ads that stop when you stop paying.