Start a seo for small businesses: the real numbers
Local search positioning. Below is what it actually costs, how long before money arrives,
and the part most guides leave out.
Startup capital
€200–€1,200
Hours / week
8–30
First income
~6 wks
Net margin
90%
Saturation
high
Realistic ceiling
€1,000–€4,000
What nobody usually tells you
Monthly retainer and clients who stay years if results come. But the field is full of snake oil, so you spend the first months proving you aren't one of them.
The route, in five steps
Specialise in local: maps, listings, reviews
Do a free audit for five businesses in your area
Sell a monthly retainer, not a one-off fix
Report two numbers only: calls and enquiries
Turn down anyone wanting results in a month
What you'll need to buy
These are the categories every seo for small businesses pays for in the first month.
We break down what each one actually costs at this size on the
tools page.
SEO toolsreporting toolsdomain
Does it hold up for you?
These numbers are the average case. Whether this business clears your target depends on
your capital, your hours and how long you can wait — put them in and see.