How Much Does Local SEO Cost?

Let’s start with this: local SEO isn’t some magical unicorn galloping through a field. It’s simply the next level after basic SEO – and without that foundation, local SEO won’t deliver results. We’re not diving into how local SEO works here, but just know this: you can’t take an unoptimized website and jump straight into local promotion.

Basic SEO is all about helping your site appear in search engine results – the classic blue links on Google. The higher your ranking for a specific search, the more likely users will visit your site and become customers. And now, with recent changes, you need to think beyond just traditional Google results. You also need to optimize for the AI Overview and tools like ChatGPT, since a large portion of searches are now processed through these systems. There are specific strategies to get your content referenced by AI – and that matters because traffic from standard search is dropping. Why? Because AI gives full answers along with sources, so people have less reason to keep searching.

So why does this matter? Let’s say you want to rank in AI Overview or show up at the top of Google Maps. You want traffic. You want conversions. But your site isn’t optimized at all. Think you’ll make it? No way. AI Overview pulls data from high-authority sites with great content, strong domain ratings (DR), and solid backlinks. To even be considered, you usually need to already be ranking in the top 10. Reaching those top spots in Google Maps or AI Overview isn’t a starting point – it’s an extension of strong foundational SEO. That’s something every Calgary search engine optimization company will confirm: you can’t skip the basics and expect to win locally.

What’s the Budget for Basic SEO?

Before diving into local SEO, you need to invest in standard or foundational SEO. This includes:

• Technical Optimization: Hosting improvements, possibly switching your CMS, fixing code issues, boosting site speed.
• On-Page Optimization: Building a solid keyword strategy, improving site structure, optimizing URLs, creating commercial and blog content, crafting meta tags, adding SCHEMA markup, and more.
• Off-Page Optimization: Earning high-quality backlinks from relevant sources.

SEO is a package deal. Doing just one part – say, content without link building – might not move the needle for years, especially in a competitive niche. Same goes for doing just link building without on-site work. In fact, using links alone without a strong site can get you penalized.

Now for the numbers: in Canada, a well-rounded SEO package from a reputable agency typically starts at $3,500 per month. That’s assuming you’re working with professionals who deliver results—not those who throw 1,000 spammy links at your site for $200 and leave you with a site only good for firewood.

What’s the Budget for Local SEO?

SEO isn’t a one-and-done thing – it’s an ongoing effort. You need to constantly produce fresh content, target new keywords, and build a steady stream of backlinks. Your competitors aren’t sleeping, and if you pause, your rankings will start to slip. That’s the reality.

When it comes to local SEO, expect a higher budget. It’s a more advanced, focused form of SEO that takes time, skill, and strategic execution. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• On-Page Local SEO – This includes creating location-specific landing pages, integrating local keywords, crafting content tailored for local searches, writing blog posts, and setting up internal links. Expect around $2,500/month.
• Off-Page Optimization – This includes earning local backlinks, citations, and outreach. Budget around $1,000/month.
• Google Business Profile (GMB) & Reviews Management – This includes optimizing your GMB listing, responding to reviews, and boosting local credibility. Around $500/month.

So, a full-service local SEO campaign with ongoing monthly support typically runs around $4,500/month, assuming you’re in a moderately competitive market. A skilled marketing company in Calgary will typically offer flexible packages in this range, tailored to your business size and goals. But if your site is brand new, unoptimized, has no backlinks, and you’re in a highly competitive niche with strong players, that budget could rise significantly.

💰 Local SEO Pricing Summary

Roman Dakhno Web Developer & SEO Technician

I am an SEO expert with 12+ years of experience in the field. For so much time I can say that SEO is magic. This science has become so deep that it seems that Google itself does not know what works and what does not. To comprehend this depth you need to understand the starting point and vector of search engines. Over the years, I think I’ve managed to gain that wisdom.

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