Providers bundle SEO into packages because it makes the work easy to price and easy to buy. Understanding how those bundles are constructed tells you a great deal about what you will actually receive.
For the underlying activities themselves, see what SEO services include. This page is about how they are packaged.
How packages are usually built
Almost all packages are built one of two ways, and the difference matters more than the price.
- By hours. A block of time each month, spent wherever it is most needed. Flexible; harder to hold to a specific outcome.
- By deliverables. A fixed list — so many pages, so many fixes, a report. Predictable; can become box-ticking regardless of whether those items are what the site needs.
Hours suit sites where priorities shift. Deliverables suit buyers who want certainty about what arrives. Ask which yours is, because providers rarely volunteer it.
What tiers typically contain
Entry level
Basic technical fixes, a small number of pages optimised, monthly reporting. Usually enough for a small local business in a soft market, and rarely enough for anything contested.
Mid tier
Ongoing technical work, a steady content programme, internal linking, local work where relevant, and some strategic input. Where most functioning engagements sit.
Upper tier
Everything above plus content production at volume, authority building, digital PR, and senior strategic time. Priced accordingly.
Tier names mean nothing across providers. Compare contents, never labels. See comparing SEO packages.
Almost always included
- A monthly report.
- Some technical monitoring.
- Keyword tracking.
- A point of contact.
Frequently excluded
- Implementation on your site — recommendations delivered, applied by you.
- Content writing, where only planning is included.
- Development hours for technical work.
- Design for new pages.
- Tool and hosting costs billed separately.
- Setup or onboarding as a one-off fee.
The exclusions determine your real cost far more than the headline figure does.
Frequently asked questions
Is a package better than custom work?
Packages suit common situations at predictable cost. Sites with unusual problems are poorly served by a standard bundle. See packages vs custom strategy.
Why do packages differ so much in price?
Seniority of the person doing the work, hours included, and market competitiveness. See why SEO prices vary.
Can I change tier later?
Usually. Ask before signing, since moving down is often harder than moving up.
What should I actually insist on?
Covered separately — see what an SEO package should include.
Consulting CTA
For an independent view on a package you have been offered, book an SEO consultation. See also SEO packages.