If you’re a small business owner trying to grow your online presence, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point:
“How much SEO do I actually need?”
The truth is, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right level of SEO service for your business depends on your goals, your current website performance, and what stage your business is in.
So before you sign a contract or keep paying that monthly SEO retainer without really knowing what you’re getting, let’s break down how to figure out what makes sense for your business.
Understanding Different Levels of SEO Services
1. Basic SEO (Perfect for New or Small Local Businesses)
If you’re just getting started online or you serve a small local area, you probably don’t need an expensive, aggressive SEO campaign right away.
At this level, you should focus on:
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile
- Making sure your website has clear title tags, meta descriptions, and keyword-friendly content
- Getting listed on local directories
- Starting to build a few backlinks
This is often called local SEO or foundational SEO—and for many small businesses, it’s a great (and affordable) place to start.
2. Mid-Level SEO (For Growing Businesses with Regional Reach)
If you’re already established and want to grow beyond word-of-mouth and referrals, you’ll likely need more than just the basics.
A mid-level SEO package often includes:
- Monthly content creation (blogs or landing pages)
- Keyword research and competitor analysis
- Technical SEO audits
- On-page and off-page optimization
- Regular reporting and performance tracking
This is where SEO starts becoming a long-term investment—but one that can bring in consistent organic traffic if done well.
3. Advanced SEO (For Businesses in Competitive Markets or E-commerce)
If you’re in a highly competitive market or running an e-commerce site with hundreds of products, advanced SEO strategies are where you’ll need to focus.
This level often includes:
- Aggressive link building
- Advanced keyword targeting (including long-tail and transactional keywords)
- Conversion rate optimization
- Technical site speed improvements
- Schema markup and structured data
- Large-scale content strategy
These services come at a higher price point—but for businesses that need to dominate search rankings or drive large volumes of organic traffic, it’s often worth it.
How to Avoid Overpaying (Or Under-Investing) in SEO
One of the biggest mistakes I see as a Fractional CMO for local small businesses is companies either:
- Paying way too much for services they don’t need yet, or
- Skimping on SEO and wondering why their website never ranks
If you’re not sure whether your current SEO spend makes sense—or if you’re thinking about investing but feeling overwhelmed by all the package options out there—this is where I can help.
In my 90-minute Marketing Recharge Sessions, we’ll:
✅ Review your website’s current SEO status
✅ Evaluate what level of SEO service makes sense for your goals
✅ Go over what you’re currently paying (or being pitched) to make sure it’s a smart investment
✅ Outline your next steps—whether that means sticking with your current agency, scaling back, or leveling up
Ready to Make Sure Your SEO Budget is Actually Working for You?
Stop guessing and get expert eyes on your marketing.
👉 Book a Fractional CMO Recharge Session with me today
Let’s make sure every dollar you spend on SEO makes sense for your business.
Comments +