If you’re a Canadian business and are not doing any SEO marketing; What the F**K are you doing?! And if you are doing SEO or looking to hire someone to do it, this SEO marketing cost study will shed some light into whether you are over paying or not. I spent close to 100 hours putting this research together so I really hope you enjoy or at least learn something from it. 😊
P.S. This also applies if you’re a US-based business. this could offer a more cost-effective SEO solution than some of the more costly options in the US.
SEO is the best medium of marketing any company can invest in. Whether you’re a local business, lawyer, no-for-profit, startup, tech company, you name it. In fact, SEO has the 2nd highest ROI (email is 1st. Crazy right?) as compared to other methods of marketing. And millions of businesses are starting to pay big bucks for SEO.
So, I decided to dig deep. I tried to find as many SEO services companies in Canada and see what exactly each of them has to offer. My focus was mainly on price. As an SEO myself, I’m seeing a trend in over-priced SEO services. Many (but not all) SEO experts are charging an arm and a leg for basically no significant work. And that’s because most business owners and managers just don’t know.
Here is a bit of a breakdown of the SEO marketing cost study with some key findings:
About This Canada SEO Cost Study
I basically went out and tried to find as many companies as I could and compile the pricing data to give you a better idea. I retrieved pricing from top firms in Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. I had to leave out a few provinces and territories as there was no significant presence of SEO companies and/or experts.
I wanted to find out what other SEO agencies where charging. What it costs for the least expensive tiers to the most expensive. I provide a breakdown by province and by tier in the research below. If you want the full list of my sources, please reach out. If you want a list of the most reliable SEO agencies in Canada, click here.
Now, on to the good stuff!
Average SEO Cost for Each of the 3 Tiers, by Province
SEO services are usually split into three tiers: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Here’s a snapshot of the average costs in each tier across a few provinces:
| Province | Average Tier 1 Pricing | Average Tier 2 Pricing | Average Tier 3 Pricing |
| Alberta | $939.70 | $1954.63 | $3695.75 |
| British Columbia | $1675.00 | $5032.00 | $2277.67 |
| Manitoba | $658.00 | $1066.33 | $1325.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $350.00 | $600.00 | $1000.00 |
| Ontario | $1094.29 | $2389.64 | $4283.00 |
| Quebec | $1343.13 | $1512.14 | $3439.25 |
SEO Services Price in Toronto, Ontario
Alright, let’s kick things off with Ontario. If you’re running a business here and thinking about SEO, brace yourself. The costs can be quite steep (below are averages for the entire province):
Tier 1: $1094.29
Tier 2: $2389.64
Tier 3: $4283.00
I know what you’re thinking—holy smokes, that’s a lot of cash! But hey, Ontario is a bustling hub of activity. The high prices reflect the competitive market and the sheer demand for quality SEO services. Businesses here are ready to shell out big bucks to climb the search engine ladder. But the real question is, are you getting your money’s worth? That’s something only a deep dive into the specifics can reveal.
Average Cost of SEO Services in Vancouver BC
Next up, let’s talk about beautiful British Columbia, where the scenery is stunning and the SEO prices are sky-high. Here’s the deal:
Tier 1: $1675.00
Tier 2: $5032.00
Tier 3: $2277.67
Wowza! BC tops the charts with the priciest SEO services in the country. Why, you ask? It’s all about the tech boom here. With a thriving tech industry, the demand for top-tier SEO is through the roof. But let’s keep it real—just because it’s expensive doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best. The location drives the price up, but the quality can vary just as much as anywhere else.
Average SEO Cost in Alberta
Now, let’s mosey over to Alberta. Known for its oil industry and cowboy culture, it also offers some interesting SEO pricing:
Tier 1: $939.70
Tier 2: $1954.63
Tier 3: $3695.75
Compared to Ontario and BC, Alberta’s SEO costs are pretty reasonable. It’s a competitive market, but not as inflated as the tech-heavy regions. This could mean better value for your money, or it could just mean fewer players driving up the prices. Either way, it’s a landscape worth exploring if you’re looking to get decent SEO without draining your budget.
Average SEO Cost in Quebec
And finally, let’s head to Quebec, where the SEO pricing is as diverse as its rich culture:
Tier 1: $1343.13
Tier 2: $1512.14
Tier 3: $3439.25
Quebec sits somewhere in the middle. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not the most expensive either. The SEO market here is balanced, offering a mix of affordable and premium services. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, Quebec has options that can fit various budgets and needs. But, as always, it’s crucial to do your homework and ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
Province with the Most Affordable SEO Services on Average
Let’s start with the good news—Nova Scotia takes the crown for the most affordable SEO services in Canada. If you’re a startup or a small business looking to dip your toes into the SEO waters without drowning in debt, Nova Scotia is your go-to. With pricing that won’t break the bank, you can start building your online presence and climbing those search engine ranks without losing sleep over your budget.
Province with the Most SEO Companies
Drumroll, please… Ontario! Yep, Ontario boasts the highest number of SEO companies. This means you’ve got a smorgasbord of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a boutique firm or a big agency, Ontario’s bustling SEO scene has it all. The sheer number of companies also means there’s a lot of competition, which could work in your favor when it comes to negotiating prices and services. More options, more opportunities!
Province with the Highest Average Tier 1 Pricing
British Columbia, step on up! BC leads the pack with the highest average Tier 1 pricing at $1675 per month. That’s a hefty price tag for entry-level SEO services. The tech boom in this province is likely driving these costs up. So, if you’re in BC, be prepared to pay a premium even for the basics. But remember, high prices don’t always mean top-notch quality, so do your homework before signing on the dotted line.
Most Expensive Tier 3 Service
When it comes to splurging on SEO, Ontario takes the cake with the most expensive Tier 3 service priced at a whopping $9597 per month. This price point is reflective of the high-demand market in Ontario where businesses are willing to pay big bucks for comprehensive, top-tier SEO services. It’s a jungle out there, and if you’ve got the budget, Ontario has the services to match. But for that price, make sure you’re getting the absolute best in return.
Average Cost of SEO Services in Ontario
Speaking of Ontario, the average cost of SEO services here across all tiers is about $1972.98. This figure gives you a ballpark idea of what to expect when budgeting for SEO in this province. Ontario is a hub of business activity, and the prices reflect that. It’s a significant investment, but one that could pay off if you play your cards right and choose the right SEO partner.
Number of Companies Offering All Three Tiers of Services
Across the great expanse of Canada, there are 32 companies offering a full suite of SEO services—covering basic, intermediate, and advanced tiers. This means that wherever you are, you’ve got options to scale your SEO efforts as your business grows. These companies provide the flexibility to start small and expand your SEO strategy as your needs and budget evolve.
Average Tier 1 Pricing in Quebec
In Quebec, the average cost for Tier 1 SEO services is $1343.13. This price point strikes a balance, offering competitive rates for foundational SEO services. Quebec’s market is diverse, and this pricing reflects a mix of affordability and quality. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your SEO, Quebec has some solid options that won’t empty your wallet.
Province with the Widest Range in Tier 3 Pricing
Ontario again makes an appearance, this time for having the widest range in Tier 3 pricing, spanning from $500 to $9597. This wide range indicates a highly diverse market with varying levels of service quality and specialization. So, if you’re in Ontario, there’s a Tier 3 service to fit every budget. Just be sure to vet your options carefully to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Highest Average Cost Across All Tiers
British Columbia takes the lead with the highest average cost across all SEO service tiers. Some companies in BC charge up to $30,000 per month, which includes digital and design services. This eye-popping figure highlights the high standards and competitive nature of the market here. If you’ve got deep pockets and high expectations, BC’s SEO providers are ready to deliver.
Number of Companies with Tier 1 Pricing Below $500
For those on a tight budget, there are six companies across Canada offering Tier 1 SEO services for under $500. These budget-friendly options are perfect for small businesses or startups looking to kickstart their SEO journey without a huge upfront investment. But, fair warning—while the price is right, the results might not always hit the mark. Sometimes, you get what you pay for, so tread carefully and manage your expectations.
