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In today’s digital-first landscape, search engine optimisation (SEO) is no longer optional for UK businesses. From eCommerce stores to local trades, every business is competing for online visibility. With 2025 seeing increased competition and Google’s algorithm updates focusing more on search intent and user experience, the demand for skilled SEO professionals has never been higher.
Many businesses are turning to freelance SEO specialists for flexible and cost-effective solutions. But how much do freelance SEO experts in the UK actually charge, and how do you decide if hiring a freelancer is the right move for your business?
This guide covers current UK freelance SEO rates, what influences the cost, and how to choose between hiring a freelancer or an agency.
📌 TL;DR
In 2025, freelance SEO rates in the UK vary widely depending on experience, project scope, and service type.
Hourly rates typically range from £30 to £150, while monthly retainers for ongoing campaigns can run between £500 and £2,500 for small to medium businesses.
Project-based work, such as a full SEO audit services, may cost from £400 to over £3,000 depending on complexity.
Rates depend on the freelancer’s expertise, whether you need technical SEO services, content strategy, or local optimisation. Choosing between a freelancer and an SEO agency depends on your long-term growth goals, resources, and the reliability you need.
Current Freelance SEO Rates in the UK (2025)
Freelance SEO pricing can vary significantly based on the scope of work and the professional’s experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common pricing models in the UK this year:
Hourly Rates:
- Beginner to Intermediate: £30 – £60/hour
- Experienced Specialist: £60 – £100/hour
- Senior Consultant or Niche Expert: £100 – £150/hour
Day Rates:
- £200 – £600/day, often used for audits, workshops, or short-term consulting.
Monthly Retainers:
- Small business SEO support: £500 – £1,500/month
- Mid-sized business campaigns: £1,500 – £2,500/month
Project-Based Pricing:
- SEO audits: £400 – £3,000+
- Full campaign setups: £1,500 – £10,000 depending on complexity
For context, a plumber in Manchester might pay £600 per month for basic local SEO for plumbers, while a growing eCommerce brand may pay a seasoned freelancer £2,000 per month for a comprehensive strategy.
Example: We were approached by an independent estate agency, initially worked with a freelancer at £75/hour for a custom SEO for estate agents. While this helped with local rankings, their growth plateaued. They started considering an SEO agency’s support like ours to scale their business.
Factors That Influence Freelance SEO Rates
Several factors impact how much a UK SEO freelancer will charge:
Experience and Expertise
- Junior freelancers or recent entrants charge on the lower end.
- Specialists in technical audits, link building, or eCommerce SEO charge higher rates.
Type of Services Required
- Standard on-page optimisation is cheaper than comprehensive technical SEO services or link-building campaigns.
- Local-focused campaigns (e.g., SEO for gas engineers) can cost less than national campaigns.
Project Scope and Complexity
- Small brochure sites may only need keyword research and minor optimisations.
- Complex websites, multi-location businesses, or sites needing recovery from penalties require advanced expertise.
Freelancer’s Tool Stack and Deliverables
- Many UK freelancers include reporting and use premium tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, which can affect rates.
Location and Market Demand
- Freelancers in London and major cities charge more than those in rural areas.
Freelance SEO vs SEO Agency: Which Should You Choose?
Both freelancers and agencies can deliver results, but the best choice depends on your goals and resources.
Benefits of Hiring a Freelancer:
- Flexible contracts and often lower costs.
- Direct communication with the person doing the work.
Drawbacks of Hiring a Freelancer:
- Limited capacity if you need multiple services at once.
- Availability can be inconsistent.
Benefits of Hiring an SEO Agency:
- Access to a team of experts, each specialising in areas like content, SEO audit services, and technical optimisation.
- Established workflows and more consistent reporting.
- Scalable services as your business grows.
Example: A plumbing company looking for local SEO in London may start with a freelancer, but once they expand across multiple boroughs, an agency provides the scalability and reliability needed.
As an SEO agency in London, we often work with businesses that outgrow freelance support and want a reliable partner for long-term SEO growth.
Do you want a free SEO audit for your website?
Tips for Hiring a Freelance SEO in 2025
If you’re considering working with a freelance SEO, here are a few practical tips:
- Review Their Case Studies and Track Record – Ask for examples of past results in your niche (e.g., SEO for solicitors).
- Check Their SEO Process – Do they focus on long-term growth and SEO best practices?
- Understand Their Pricing and Deliverables – Ensure reports, audits, and meeting schedules are clear.
- Avoid Very Low Rates – Cheap SEO can result in poor practices or penalties. Avoid freelancers that undercut prices. They typically charge £5 – £15 per hour and will waste your budget without showing results.
Setting Your SEO Budget in 2025
Your budget should reflect your business goals and the competitiveness of your market. For example:
- A small café or plumber can start with £500/month.
- Regional eCommerce or service businesses may invest £1,500 – £2,500/month.
- National or multi-location campaigns will require more advanced planning and investment.
Using an SEO ROI Calculator can help you estimate returns and justify the investment.
Conclusion
Freelance SEO rates in the UK vary widely, from £30/hour for beginners to £150/hour for top consultants, with monthly retainers often ranging £500 to £2,500. Rates depend on experience, project complexity, and the type of services required. Freelancers are ideal for small projects or short-term campaigns, while agencies provide the scalability and team expertise needed for consistent growth.
If you’re exploring whether a freelancer or agency is the right fit, consider your long-term growth goals and the level of support you need. For tailored SEO strategies that scale with your business, our team is here to help.
FAQs About Freelance SEO Rates in the UK 2025
Most freelancers charge £30 – £150/hour or £500 – £2,500/month depending on experience and scope.
Freelancers are flexible and affordable, while agencies provide more resources and scalability for larger campaigns.
Experience, service type (e.g., on-page vs technical SEO services), project size, and location.
Yes, but complex projects like multi-location campaigns often require agency-level support.
Yes, many provide project-based SEO audit services starting from around £400. You can approach us at thenurtur for a free SEO audit.
