How to compare SEO packages

Why packages are hard to compare

One provider's "full technical audit" is another's automated checklist. "Content" can mean a 300-word blog post or a researched service page. "Link building" can mean genuine outreach or a bundle of paid links that breaks Google's rules. Before you compare prices, turn every offer into the same list of concrete deliverables.

Step 1: list the deliverables in plain terms

For each package, write down exactly what happens each month under these headings. If a provider can't tell you, that's your answer.

• Technical work. What is checked (crawling, indexing, broken links, speed, mobile), how often, and who fixes what is found?
• On-page work. Which elements are changed (titles, meta descriptions, headings, internal links, copy) and on how many pages?
• Content. How many pieces, what type and length, who writes them, and who approves them?
• Local SEO. Is Google Business Profile included, and is it managed or just reviewed?
• Authority building. Is there outreach or PR? How are links earned, and are any paid for?
• Reporting. What is measured, how often, and is it explained in plain English?

As an example, AffordSEO's package is set out on what's included: a technical health pass, an on-page batch, monthly content assist, an opportunity report, local basics where relevant and a plain-English report, for £99 a month.

Step 2: check the methods

The same deliverable can be done safely or riskily. Read Google's spam policies and ask each provider directly:

• Do you buy links, use private blog networks or arrange link exchanges?
• Do you create large numbers of near-identical location or keyword pages?
• Will anything be published on my site without my approval?

Any "yes" to the first two should end the conversation. The third should be "no" unless you have agreed otherwise.

Step 3: compare the terms

• Minimum term. Monthly rolling, or a fixed period?
• Notice period. How much notice is needed to cancel?
• Ownership. Do you keep the content, the reports and full control of your Search Console, Analytics and Business Profile accounts?
• Set-up fees. Is there a one-off charge on top of the monthly fee?

AffordSEO is monthly rolling with no long contract. Cancel any time. Whatever you choose, get the terms in writing.

Step 4: compare the reporting

Good reporting connects work to outcomes. Look for:

• A record of what was done that month.
• Changes in visibility from a reliable source such as Google Search Console.
• Enquiries, calls or sales from organic search, where they can be tracked.
• Clear next steps.

Be wary of reports that show only rankings for a hand-picked set of keywords, or that change format every month.

Step 5: match the package to your situation

A new or very small site

You need solid foundations more than volume. A low-cost cadence or careful DIY work is usually enough.

An established local business

You need technical health, strong service pages and local visibility. Check how each package handles Google Business Profile and location pages; our guide to local landing pages explains what good looks like.

A growing ecommerce or multi-service site

Scale makes monitoring more valuable. Ask how each package handles hundreds of pages, faceted navigation and product updates.

A business in a competitive national market

You may need content and authority-building beyond any low-cost package. Consider an agency or specialists alongside a monthly cadence.

A simple scorecard

Score each package from 0 to 2 on these questions, then compare totals alongside price:

• Are the deliverables specific and written down?
• Are the methods within Google's guidelines?
• Is there human review before publication?
• Are the terms flexible, and do you keep ownership?
• Does reporting link to enquiries or sales?
• Does the scope fit your situation?

A cheaper package with a higher score is better value than an expensive one with gaps, and the reverse is also true.

Questions buyers ask

The bottom line

Turn every offer into concrete deliverables, check the methods, read the terms and insist on meaningful reporting. Our guide to SEO packages explained covers the jargon you'll meet along the way.