Local SEO is essential for service businesses aiming to attract local customers. But when it comes to investing in local SEO, a common question arises: How much does it cost in Australia?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Local SEO, its cost structure, and whether you should tackle it DIY or hire a consultant or agency.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimising your online assets to increase visibility in local search results. When people search for services “near me” or within a specific city or region, local SEO ensures your business appears in those search results. It includes managing your Google Business Profile, acquiring local backlinks, and optimising your website to attract a regional audience.

For businesses like trades, home services, professional services and health services, local SEO can be the difference between steady customer traffic and being overlooked.

How Much Does Local SEO Cost?

The cost of local SEO in Australia can vary significantly depending on the scale of your business and the level of competition in your area. Here’s a general guide:

1. DIY (Do It Yourself) Local SEO – $0 to $300/month

If you’re just starting out and have the time to dedicate to SEO, doing it yourself is an option. You’ll be managing your own Google Business Profile, learning about keywords, and using basic tools for auditing and optimising your website.

• Costs: Generally, there’s no direct cost unless you decide to invest in tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. These tools can cost around $100 to $300/month, which helps you track your rankings, analyse competitors, and optimise your on-page SEO.

Grab our DIY SEO action plan to implement your own Local SEO strategy over 7 days. It’s free.

2. Hiring a Freelancer or Consultant – $500 to $2,000/month

Freelancers or SEO consultants can be a great option for businesses that want a hands-on approach but lack the time or expertise to do it in-house. Consultants often provide personalised strategies tailored to your business needs.

• Costs: Expect to pay between $500 to $2,000/month, depending on the consultant’s experience and the complexity of your SEO needs. A seasoned consultant will manage your Google Business Profile, local citations, on-page SEO, and possibly even create local content or work on link-building strategies.

3. Hiring an SEO Agency – $1,000 to $5,000+/month

SEO agencies typically offer a more comprehensive service that includes ongoing optimisation, content creation, technical audits, and link-building strategies. This is ideal for businesses looking to scale or those in highly competitive industries like trades, legal services and healthcare.

• Costs: Agencies in Australia can charge between $1,000 to $5,000+/month, with prices increasing for more competitive markets and industries. Agencies offer the benefit of a full team, including content creators, technical SEO experts, and account managers who handle every aspect of your local SEO efforts.

DIY vs. Consultant vs. Agency: Which Should You Choose?

DIY:

DIY is best for small businesses on a tight budget. However, it requires a significant time investment and a steep learning curve. You’ll be responsible for keeping up with SEO trends, managing citations, and handling content creation.

Consultant:

A consultant is a good middle ground, providing expert advice without the high overhead costs of an agency. If you need more strategy but don’t have the time to do it yourself, a consultant can offer targeted, hands-on support.

Agency:

An agency is ideal if you want to focus on running your business while experts handle your SEO. It’s best for medium to large businesses or those in competitive industries. Agencies bring a wide range of skills, but they come with a higher price tag.

Final Thoughts: What’s Right for Your Business?

Local SEO is an investment in your business’s future. Whether you choose DIY, hire a consultant, or work with an agency, the most important factor is consistency and strategy. While costs vary, the long-term rewards of visibility, leads, and customer acquisition make it a crucial investment for any service-based business in Australia.

If you’re looking for expert help in navigating the local SEO landscape, Rise Local is here to guide you. We specialise in helping Australian businesses improve their local presence and grow their customer base.

Book a chat today to find out if we can help you.