Answers / Buying an Agency
How Much Does Local SEO Cost?
Two quotes for "local SEO" can cover completely different work. Compare what is included, not just the monthly number.
Updated Oct 9, 2026 · by CitedLocal
What drives the price
- Scope. Profile management only, or profile plus website, listings and reporting.
- Locations. Each location needs its own profile work.
- Competition. Crowded categories in big cities take more work.
- Setup and website. Some agencies charge separately to build or fix a site.
- Reporting. Whether you see real ranking data or just an activity list.
Questions to ask any agency
- What exactly do you do each month?
- How will I see where I rank across my area, not just from your office?
- Is there a setup fee or a contract?
- Who owns the website and listings if I leave?
- Do you guarantee rankings? (A yes is a red flag. No one controls Google.)
What CitedLocal charges
The AUDIT is free. The Monthly Audit is $29 a month if you want to make the fixes yourself. CitedLocal Visibility is $997 a month for one location, with the website build included and no setup fee. CitedLocal Dominance is $1,897 a month for 1 to 3 locations, plus a one-time $2,500 onboarding for the bundle (not per location), with the first month included. Four or more locations get a custom quote after a conversation. All plans are month to month.
Rather not keep up with this yourself? That is what our Google Business Profile management covers.
What Do You Actually Get for $300 a Month in Local SEO?
At about $300 a month, expect light, mostly repeatable work: profile posts, some review replies, basic listings upkeep and a simple report. That can be worth it, if you know exactly what you're getting and you own everything.
What $300 usually covers
- Regular Google Business Profile posts.
- Replies to some reviews.
- Basic listings upkeep on a handful of directories.
- A monthly report, often automated.
What it usually doesn't
- Website changes or new service pages.
- Fixing category, service and attribute setup in depth.
- Ranking maps across your whole service area.
- Checking whether AI assistants name you.
Questions that tell you if it's worth it
- What, specifically, happens each month? Ask for the list.
- Is any of it automated? Fine if it is, as long as it's accurate.
- Who owns the accounts? You should.
- Can I see a real sample report? Look for ranking and call data, not just impressions.
Where CitedLocal fits
We price for the work, so you can compare. The AUDIT is free. The Monthly Audit is $29 a month if you want to make the fixes yourself. Visibility is $997 a month for one location. Dominance is $1,897 a month for 1 to 3 locations, plus a one-time $2,500 onboarding. Four or more locations get a custom quote.
FAQ
Is cheap local SEO worth it?
Sometimes, if the scope is clear. Low prices often mean automated posting with no reporting. Ask to see a sample monthly report.
Can I do local SEO myself?
Yes. Most of the work is profile, listings, reviews and website consistency. The hard parts are time and knowing what to fix first.
How long before I see results?
Some profile fixes show within weeks; competitive markets take longer. Ask for monthly ranking data so you can see movement yourself.
Is $300 a month for SEO a scam?
Not by itself. It's a scam if you're promised rankings, can't see the work, or don't own your accounts.
Can I do the $300 work myself?
Often yes. Posting, replying to reviews and keeping listings consistent take time more than skill.
Why do some agencies charge much more?
Scope: website work, deeper profile fixes, more locations, competitive markets and better reporting all take more hours.
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