Quick summary

We reviewed 15 affordable SEO agencies to find the ones that deliver results without wasting your tight budget. Our top picks include Embarque, SmartSites, and Big Leap — all offering solid value at sustainable price points. Read the full list to see who fits your goals, budget, and SEO priorities best.

Looking for an affordable SEO company?

Cheap SEO is everywhere, and yeah—most of it sucks. 

That’s why a lot of people assume “affordable” means you’re getting half-baked work or copy-paste strategies. But that’s not always true. SEO on a lean budget is very possible. You just need the right partner. 

In this Embarque guide, we’ll review 15 affordable agencies that deliver value at a sustainable price point. 

Why listen to us?

We’ve worked with dozens of startups, solo founders, and lean teams trying to make SEO work without blowing the budget. Take 4 Day Week: we helped scale their traffic from 1,000 to 60,000+ on a lean budget.

We know what works, who can deliver, and which agencies punch above their weight. This guide comes from that hands-on experience.

Why hire an affordable SEO agency? 

You don’t need to spend big to see results

Plenty of small teams have scaled traffic, leads, and revenue with tight budgets. The key isn’t how much you spend, but how wisely it’s used. A good affordable agency knows how to prioritize high-impact work without wasting time (or money).

For example, Cleanvoice grew MRR by 300% working with us, all without a massive marketing budget.

You’ll get focused, no-bloat execution

The best budget-friendly agencies work lean. That means no bloated retainers, no endless strategy decks, and no busywork. Just clear, practical work that moves the needle—whether that’s fixing technical issues, publishing strong content, or building solid links.

You stay flexible while you scale

Most affordable SEO agencies don’t lock you into 12-month contracts. You get breathing room to test, measure, and adjust your strategy as you grow. That flexibility matters, especially if your business is still finding product-market fit or testing channels.

15 affordable SEO agencies driving big results on a budget 

1. Embarque

We’re Embarque, a high-performance revenue-driven SEO agency helping startups and tech companies grow traffic, signups, and revenue through SEO that actually works. Our plans start at $599 and scale with your needs, each with clear deliverables and zero guesswork.

We’ve worked with companies like VEED, Riverside, and Levels.fyi to turn SEO into a serious growth channel. Whether you're launching from scratch or need help scaling, we focus on high-ROI strategies that compound over time. You get a dedicated strategist, a clear plan, and consistent results across every stage of execution.

Key Services

• Full-service SEO strategy and execution
• Keyword research and clustering
• Content strategy, writing, and publishing
• Link building through guest posts and niche edits
• Technical SEO audits and fixes
• On-page optimization and content republishing
• Programmatic SEO and scalable landing pages
• Monthly reports with organic traffic and lead tracking

Key Results

• Helped Instatus grow MRR by 833%
• Increased MentorCruise’s annual revenue by 1,600%
• Drove over 9.6 million organic visits annually for Flick
• Scaled a SaaS blog from 0 to 60,000 monthly visitors in 6 months

2. Mayple

Mayple isn’t your typical SEO agency. It’s a platform that connects businesses with vetted freelance SEO specialists based on your goals and budget.

The setup gives you agency-level support without agency-level overhead. Every client gets a dedicated success manager, monthly performance tracking, and access to top-tier SEO talent on flexible terms.

Pricing starts at $1,800 per month, giving you access to experienced SEO talent without the commitment of a traditional agency.

Key Services

• SEO content and on-page optimization
• Technical audits and issue fixing
• Link-building and outreach strategy
• Local and e-commerce SEO via tailored expert matchups

Key Results

• +41% YoY organic traffic for one B2B client
• Clients report 5-position keyword jumps within a year
• Improved lead quality and rankings for SaaS and e-commerce startups
• Positive ROI consistently noted in reviews and case studies

3. Digital Guider

Digital Guider is one of those agencies that quietly gets solid results for small businesses without charging a fortune. Their entry-level SEO plans start at $500 per month, making them a go-to for businesses that want consistent work on a budget.

They work with startups, local shops, and e-commerce brands, offering low-cost SEO plans that don’t skimp on the essentials.

Key Services

• On-page SEO and keyword research
• Local SEO and Google Business optimization
• Technical fixes and speed improvements
• Backlink outreach and content writing

Key Results

• Boosted search rankings and traffic within months for multiple clients
• Helped launch an e-commerce store that immediately started generating sales
• Dozens of first-page rankings across different niches
• Clients highlight steady traffic and sales growth on small budgets

4. WebFX

WebFX is a bigger player, charging around $1,375 monthly for starters. But it’s earned a spot on this list for one reason: value.

Their team uses proprietary tech and decades of experience to deliver ROI-focused SEO that works for both SMBs and enterprise clients. It’s not the cheapest option here, but it’s one of the most effective per dollar spent.

Key Services

• Full-funnel SEO (on-page, off-page, technical)
• Content creation and optimization
• Local and e-commerce SEO
• CRO and web design integration

Key Results

• 313,000 additional organic clicks in one year for a retail chain
• 3,400% keyword ranking increase for a B2B client
• Helped drive $10B+ in client revenue across industries
• Maintains a 95% client retention rate thanks to long-term results

5. DashClicks

DashClicks is a white-label platform that powers thousands of SEO campaigns behind the scenes — mostly for small businesses and agencies.

You don’t get custom strategies or 1:1 strategist calls here. But you get clear deliverables, fast turnaround, and consistent progress at a very affordable price. Plans start at $299/month, with an additional $350 setup fee. That includes everything most small sites need: keyword targeting, content, backlinks, and local SEO— all tracked in their dashboard.

Key Services

• On-page SEO (metadata, headers, content tweaks)
• SEO content writing (blogs, service pages)
• Link building and citation listings
• White-label monthly reporting through the DashClicks dashboard

Key Results

• Local businesses see faster map pack improvements and more inbound calls
• Organic visibility and rankings typically improve in the first 2–3 months
• Agencies using DashClicks report improved client retention and ROI due to predictable SEO results

6. Manta

Manta has been around forever — it started as a business directory, but over time evolved into a marketing partner for small businesses. They focus heavily on local SEO and make it simple: bundled packages, easy onboarding, and steady progress that builds over time.

Pricing starts at $599/month, which gets you local SEO, content updates, and visibility via their directory. If you’re a service business trying to rank in your city without spending thousands per month, Manta’s one of the most established budget options around.

Key Services

• Local SEO (Google Business optimization, citations, review strategies)
• Website and on-page optimization
• Content updates and basic link building
• Directory listings on Manta.com and related visibility services

Key Results

• Small businesses consistently move from page 3 to page 1 for core keywords
• Increased local search visibility results in more calls and foot traffic
• Local service providers report stronger Maps rankings within months
• Strong entry-level option for solo operators or new businesses

7. IndeedSEO

IndeedSEO offers global SEO services at ultra-low prices, starting at $999 monthly. But don’t mistake that for low quality.

Their India-based team is hands-on, responsive, and data-driven. They’ve helped all kinds of businesses — from hospitals to travel sites — rank for tough keywords without needing a huge budget. 

Key Services

• Technical on-site optimization and audits
• Content creation (blogs, articles, landing pages)
• Aggressive link building and outreach
• Reputation management and local SEO

Key Results

• Clients often move dozens of keywords to page 1 in competitive industries
• Strong traffic growth within 3–6 months for startups and SMBs
• Healthcare and e-commerce businesses report higher conversion rates post-SEO
• Positive ROI even with modest budgets (often <$500/month)

8. Big Leap

Big Leap is one of those rare agencies that balances ethics, performance, and affordability.

Based in Utah, they’ve been helping businesses grow through SEO since 2008. Big Leap doesn’t list their price publicly, so the services are custom-quoted based on project needs. Still, they’re one of the most affordable around. 

Key Services

• Technical SEO and site audits
• Content strategy and on-page optimization
• Link outreach and authority building
• Local and enterprise SEO

Key Results

• Helped Round Sky achieve a 3,400% increase in keyword rankings
• Delivered 59% growth in organic sessions for Visionworks
• Regularly drive hundreds of thousands of new clicks for B2B and retail clients
• Named to the Inc. 5000 list four years in a row

9. Incrementors Web Solutions

Incrementors is an affordable SEO partner that actually listens. Based in India and led by founder Shiv Gupta, they’ve worked with 10,000+ businesses, including brands like Canva and Benzinga.

Their approach is hands-on, custom, and focused on results. They’re especially strong in e-commerce and local SEO, and they’re known for doing a lot with lean budgets, as low as $500 per month. 

Key Services

• Technical SEO and site cleanup
• Blog content and content strategy
• Link building and outreach
• E-commerce and local SEO

Key Results

• Helped clients double or triple organic traffic in under 12 months
• Regained top rankings for SaaS and media clients
• Improved conversion rates alongside ranking gains
• Recognized as a Top 10 Most Reviewed SEO Agency by The Manifest

10. Delante

Delante is a Poland-based agency known for making international and multilingual SEO affordable—and effective.

They’ve helped companies in over 20 countries grow their search visibility, especially in e-commerce and tech. What makes them stand out is their hands-on, specialist-driven model. Pricing starts at $1,000/month, which is competitive given their international capabilities and the hands-on service clients receive.

Key Services

• International and multilingual SEO
• Technical site audits and fixes
• SEO copywriting and content localization
• Link building and outreach

Key Results

• Increased organic traffic by 300% for a tech company
• Grew revenue by 250% for an e-commerce client
• Delivered 60%+ YoY traffic growth for retail clients
• Consistently hit client KPIs with data-backed SEO

11. SmartSites

SmartSites is one of the fastest-growing digital agencies in the U.S., and they’ve built a reputation for delivering serious SEO results without blowing up client budgets.

Founded by brothers Alex and Michael Melen, this family-run team combines deep SEO expertise with sleek web design and solid execution. SmartSites is especially popular with small and mid-sized businesses that want reliable rankings, better UX, and real revenue growth — all at a competitive price point.

Key Services

• Technical SEO fixes (speed, mobile, schema)
• On-page SEO and content strategy
• Local SEO with Google Maps and citations
• Conversion rate optimization tied to SEO

Key Results

• +100 Page 1 rankings and doubled organic leads for a moving company
• 42% revenue growth after an SEO-focused website redesign
• 50% organic traffic boost for a healthcare brand
• Featured in 210+ client success stories

12. Boostability

Boostability was built to make SEO affordable for everyone — and they’ve lived up to that mission.

You can get services as low as $200/month with this agency. And With over 26,000 small business clients worldwide, they’ve mastered the art of affordable, scalable SEO execution. Their process is streamlined, results-focused, and supported by a platform that lets clients track everything in one place. 

Key Services

• Local SEO (map listings, citations, geo keywords)
• On-site SEO and technical fixes
• Ongoing blog content and link building
• Campaign tracking via Launchpad software

Key Results

• Dozens of new Page 1 keyword rankings in under 6 months
• Local businesses climbing into the top 3 Google Maps spots
• Faster site load speeds and improved engagement
• 20% year-over-year growth in appointments for one salon chain

13. SEO.com

With a name like SEO.com, expectations are high — and the agency delivers.

They’ve been around since the late 2000s and have built a pretty nice reputation for themselves. For businesses that want smart strategy and strong results at a fair price, SEO.com is a trusted bet.

Key Services

• Technical audits and content optimization
• On-page SEO and strategic keyword planning
• Local and enterprise-level SEO
• Reporting dashboard with full transparency

Key Results

• Doubled or tripled traffic within a year for many SMB clients
• Clients recovering and outperforming after Google penalties
• Page 1 keyword rankings leading to real revenue gains
• Helped online retailers hit record quarterly organic sales

14. The HOTH

The HOTH takes a productized approach to SEO, offering affordable, pre-packaged services that work especially well for small businesses and solo site owners.

Their fully managed option, HOTH X, combines keyword research, content writing, link building, and monthly reporting into a straightforward campaign. Everything’s clearly priced and easy to order online, and clients love that they can see exactly what they’re getting. HOTH X starts at $1,000/month, with smaller à la carte services available from under $100.

Key Services

• HOTH X managed SEO campaigns
• À la carte link building and blog content
• Local SEO citation packages
• Reputation management and press release outreach

Key Results

• 50% organic traffic growth in 6 months via HOTH X
• Page 3 to Page 1 jump for key terms with guest post links
• Higher domain authority from one-off link orders
• Thousands of SMBs gaining first-time Google visibility

15. SEOValley

SEOValley has been doing affordable SEO longer than most — over 20 years, to be exact.

Based in India, they’ve helped thousands of businesses around the world climb the search rankings without overspending. Their team of SEO pros handles everything from technical audits to multilingual campaigns, and they have decent results to back things up. Pricing starts at just $250/month, making them one of the lowest-cost full-service providers on this list.

Key Services

• Technical SEO and content optimization
• Link building and blogger outreach
• Multilingual SEO and app store optimization
• SEO + PPC combos for SMBs

Key Results

• 300% traffic growth for one e-commerce site
• 10X ROI for a small business using SEO-driven sales
• Dozens of top-ranking keywords in competitive industries
• Long-term ranking stability across multiple algorithm updates

How to Choose an Affordable SEO Agency

1. Proven Track Record in Your Industry

You don’t just want an agency that does SEO — you want one that knows how to do it for businesses like yours. Industry context matters. A team that’s scaled organic traffic for SaaS, marketplaces, or local service businesses will already know what works (and what’s a waste of budget).

At Embarque, for example, we helped SignHouse grow from 0 to 60,000 monthly organic visitors in just 6 months, and supported MentorCruise in boosting their year-over-year revenue by 1600% — all through organic channels. When an agency brings industry-specific proof like that, you’re not guessing what might work.

2. Transparent Deliverables and Reporting

Look for agencies that spell out what you’re actually getting each month. Whether it's content, backlinks, local optimizations, or technical work — there should be no mystery. Bonus points if they offer dashboards or clear  reporting that shows progress over time.

If a provider can’t explain where your budget is going or how success is being measured, it’s a red flag.

3. Flexible Pricing That Fits Your Stage

Affordability doesn’t mean the same thing for every business. Startups need leaner packages, while growing teams might need more hands-on support. A good agency offers tiered plans or flexible scopes.

For example, we offer different pricing tiers for different services and deliverables. So, there’s always an option for everyone. This is perfect if you want a setup where you can start small and scale up as results come in.

How much do affordable SEO services cost?

Affordable SEO services typically range from $300 to $3,500 per month, depending on your goals and how much support you need. Some agencies also offer fixed-price packages for specific deliverables, while others work on monthly retainers with flexible scope.

Scope of Work

A basic package covering keyword research and a few blog posts will cost less than a full-service setup that includes technical SEO, link building, and ongoing strategy. The more comprehensive the support, the higher the cost.

Experience and Location of the Team

Agencies based in regions with lower operating costs can often charge less, but pricing also reflects expertise. A seasoned strategist with a proven track record will typically come at a higher rate than a junior or generalist team.

Speed and Volume

Faster turnaround times and larger volumes of content or links usually raise the price. If you need multiple deliverables per week or want to ramp up results quickly, that’ll affect the monthly rate.

Choosing the Right Affordable SEO Partner

The problem with “affordable SEO” is that it’s often code for bad work. But it doesn’t have to be.

We’ve highlighted 15 agencies that deliver real results — even on a tight budget.

And if you want to cut straight to a team that has a record of delivering results on a lean or bootstrapped budget, let’s talk. 

Book a free consultation with Embarque, and we’ll walk you through what’s possible.