Small businesses invest in digital marketing strategy to generate leads and revenue.

Digital marketing consists of many online tactics and strategies, but one key strategy is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO enhances search engine visibility and draws more organic traffic to your website. 

However, driving quality SEO organic traffic to your website comes with a cost. This prompts many small and medium businesses to look for affordable SEO solutions.

The challenge lies in identifying the best SEO agency you can trust and partner with. The market is saturated with countless digital agencies, many offering cheap SEO packages that need more clarity on essential elements like human expertise, knowledge resources, and advanced SEO tools.

Cheap SEO – You Get What You Pay For

Everyone is familiar with the phrase – “You Get What You Pay For” – you opt for a cheaper alternative, and you end up with a lower quality product or service.

In the SEO world, the same concept applies. Cheap SEO firms will use outdated strategies (or no strategy) which does not increase organic traffic or generate new business leads. In the worst-case scenario, poor SEO services have been known to resort to black-hat SEO tactics – practices that violate search engine guidelines and can lead to your site being de-indexed or banned.

The allure of saving money with cheap or affordable SEO services can be vital, especially for a small business. SEO is a long-term digital strategy, and it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications if you choose to work with a very cheap SEO provider.

Cheap SEO Services Are The Same As Affordable SEO Services

While “cheap” and “affordable” are often used interchangeably, they can carry different connotations despite referring to the same concept: low cost. Both terms indicate that something does not require a significant financial investment. However, their implications in terms of value and quality can differ.

The term “cheap” is straightforward, suggesting a low monetary value. It’s used to describe items or services that are available at a low price point. However, ‘cheap’ can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying that the item or service may be of lower quality, less durable, or poorly made.

On the other hand, “affordable” is a more subjective term. What’s considered affordable can vary significantly from person to person, depending on their financial situation and the perceived value of the item or service. ‘Affordable’ generally suggests a balance between cost and quality.

While by definition, “cheap” and “affordable” have slightly different meanings, in the world of SEO, cheap and affordable both mean low-cost and low-quality SEO services. Refrain from letting the use of the terms trick you.

Why Should You Never Consider Using Cheap or Affordable SEO Services?

It is a common belief in the digital marketing industry that a meager price equates to poor quality. In reality, cheap and affordable SEO packages always need more long-term comprehensiveness to grow your business online.

On various freelance platforms, individuals claiming to be “SEO experts” provide their services for as little as $10. A simple Google search for “SEO services” can bring up hundreds of SEO agencies. These agencies are sole proprietorships with SEO packages priced under $500.

Here are the potential hazards your business may encounter if you opt for a cheap SEO agency.

#1 – Horrible Quality of SEO Services

Cheap SEO services often need to improve on quality, providing generic offerings. The technical complexity of SEO can make these essential services seem sophisticated to the untrained eye, masking their limitations.

#2 – Insufficient Resources for Full SEO Strategy Implementation 

A robust SEO content strategy involves creating and publishing web pages and blog posts. However, due to lack of resources and specialists, inexpensive SEO services can only do so much.

Subpar content that provides little insight is often included in cheap SEO packages. While search engines may index such content, it rarely ranks high or attracts significant organic traffic.

An effective SEO strategy includes the following:

• On-site and on-page optimization.
• Quality content writing.
• An engaging social media program.

A low-cost marketing strategy may fall short of expectations.

#3 – Inadequate SEO Tools

Professional SEO tools are crucial in shaping an SEO content strategy and digital marketing for businesses. For instance, consider SEMrush, one of the world’s leading SEO tools, used by top SEO agencies with plans starting at $999 monthly. Affordable SEO agencies that rely on free SEO tools simply cannot compete as they provide limited keyword research and performance metrics essential for a comprehensive SEO strategy.

#4 – Risk of Search Engine Penalties

Reputable SEO companies will never risk their reputation or clients’ interests, ensuring all SEO strategies are ethical or ‘white hat’. However, with cheap SEO providers, ethical practices are not guaranteed. Some may resort to questionable ‘black hat’ SEO tactics, like buying links from dubious third-party providers, which can lead to penalties or bans from Google and other platforms.

#5 – Reputation Risks

Any SEO activity that crosses ethical boundaries or annoys users can tarnish a company’s image. Cheap and affordable SEO providers often need more resources to form critical client partnerships, leading to disjointed activities and increased reputational risks.

#6 – One Size Fits All SEO Strategy

Overall, SEO should enhance page loading speeds and page/post indexability. But attracting organic traffic becomes a challenge without more advanced and tailored SEO strategies.

Each business has unique needs requiring a customized SEO strategy. For instance, local SEO involves creating profiles and submitting business listings to numerous directories and review sites. Other methods like lead generation and conversion rate optimization also boost visibility. Unfortunately, such services often exceed the capabilities of budget SEO agencies.

#7 – Lack of Accountability

One common complaint against cheap SEO agencies is their lack of responsibility for outcomes. Their primary concern is securing payment rather than ensuring the success of their strategies.

Do Not Hire A Cheap SEO Agency

Let’s be clear, SEO is a challenging fix, and pricing for SEO services can vary significantly due to numerous factors related to your business and industry competition. One-person marketing operations offering affordable SEO services will not move the SEO needle for your business. You will be wasting your money. 

Every business has distinct needs compared to its competitors. This often means amplifying their digital marketing efforts and considering local SEO in multiple locations.

We understand it is challenging for businesses new to digital marketing, and deciding on an appropriate budget can be a nightmare.

Keep in mind → $500/month for Cheap SEO Services will not work.

Contact EverEffect for a Free Digital Strategy Session

For personalized SEO solutions tailored to your business, contact us at 888-506-2183. Our team of experts is ready to discuss specific SEO services and digital marketing strategies that will elevate your brand’s reputation and customer engagement.