Below I list three different types of retainer packages depending on your business model. However, you don’t always need a retainer package.
Working with a SEO consultant can happen a variety of ways – from being billed hourly to compensation based payment models. Scroll down further to review those ideas.
Standard SEO Retainer Package: This package includes ongoing optimization efforts to improve the client’s website’s search engine rankings and visibility. It typically involves a combination of on-page and off-page optimization, keyword research, content strategy, technical SEO improvements, and regular reporting.
The SEO consultant might offer a fixed set of deliverables each month, such as optimizing a certain number of pages, generating backlinks, and providing detailed progress reports.
Local SEO Retainer Package: This package is tailored specifically for businesses targeting a local audience. It focuses on optimizing the website for local search results, including managing Google My Business (GMB) profiles, creating and optimizing location-specific landing pages, obtaining local citations, and encouraging customer reviews.
The SEO consultant would work to improve the business’s visibility in local search results, especially for keywords related to their geographical area.
E-commerce SEO Retainer Package: This package is designed for online stores and e-commerce websites. It includes optimizing product pages, category pages, and other elements of the e-commerce site. The consultant might focus on improving product descriptions, optimizing product images, enhancing internal linking, and implementing structured data for products.
Additionally, the package may involve ongoing monitoring of keyword rankings, competitor analysis, and adjustments based on seasonality and trends in the e-commerce industry.
These are just a few examples of retainer packages that a SEO consultant might offer. The specific details and services included in each package can vary based on the client’s needs, industry, and goals.
Alternatives to a SEO retainer package
Working with an SEO consultant doesn’t always have to involve a retainer package. Here are some alternatives if you feel that’s not the right type of engagement for you.
Project-Based Engagement: Instead of committing to an ongoing retainer, you can engage an SEO consultant for specific projects. This could include tasks like conducting a comprehensive website audit, optimizing specific pages, creating an SEO strategy, or launching a content marketing campaign. With a project-based approach, you can outline the scope of work and agree on a one-time fee for the project.
Hourly Consulting: In this model, you hire the SEO consultant on an hourly basis. They will provide guidance, answer questions, and assist with specific tasks as needed. This approach is flexible and can be suitable for businesses that have occasional SEO needs or prefer to pay only for the time spent working on specific issues.
SEO Workshops and Training: Instead of hands-on implementation, you can opt for training sessions or workshops conducted by the SEO consultant. These sessions can educate your team about SEO best practices, techniques, and strategies. It empowers your internal team to handle SEO tasks independently, reducing the need for ongoing consulting services.
Monthly Audits and Recommendations: Rather than an ongoing retainer, you can arrange for monthly or periodic SEO audits. The consultant will review your website’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations for optimization. This approach ensures that you’re consistently improving your SEO strategy without a continuous monthly commitment.
Ad Hoc Consulting: With ad hoc consulting, you engage the SEO consultant whenever you encounter specific challenges or need expert advice. It’s a pay-as-you-go model where you consult the expert only when necessary, making it suitable for businesses with sporadic SEO needs.
Performance-Based Compensation: In certain cases, you might negotiate compensation based on the results achieved. For instance, you could agree to pay a percentage of the revenue generated through improved organic search traffic. This model aligns the consultant’s efforts directly with your business’s success.
SEO Audits and Strategy Development: You can engage a consultant for a one-time SEO audit and strategy development. The consultant will analyze your current SEO status, provide insights, and create a comprehensive strategy for you to implement on your own or with your team.
Remember that the best approach depends on your specific business goals, budget, and the scope of your SEO needs. Consulting with the SEO professional about your options can help you find the most suitable arrangement for your situation.
To learn more about your options for improving your website’s SEO, contact me at cort@bayareaseosolutions.com.