Sometimes it’s hard to make the budget work, and sometimes cash flow is tight. But cutting corners on search engine optimization isn’t the solution—in those cases, it might actually be better to wait with SEO altogether.
The main issue with cheap SEO is just that—it’s cheap. When done properly, search engine optimization is labor-intensive. It requires a significant investment of time into the project and no shortcuts.
Low prices usually suggest one of two things: either very little work is being done, or the process is heavily automated. And automation means increased risk—a significantly increased risk. Cheap SEO can, in fact, produce quick results. You might gain strong rankings that drive profitable traffic, but in nearly all such cases, it’s very short-term when based on automated systems.
If it’s not automated, then you can safely assume that the lower the price, the less time is being spent—or it’s being handled by less experienced SEO professionals. It’s like hiring a plumber or an electrician: if you think a professional is expensive, just wait until you’ve hired an amateur.
Magnus Bråth
Consultant & Adviser
Magnus is one of the world's most prominent search marketing specialists and primarily works with management and strategy at his agency Brath AB.