How Much Does My SEO Really Going to Cost? (2025)

“How much does SEO cost in Malaysia?”

“How much should I pay for SEO services to get positive ROI for my business?”

I bet you ask this question at least once!

And based on my experience, Malaysian business owners are often surprised by the range of SEO prices and confused about what they are actually paying for.

Whether you’re a startup or a growing business, understanding SEO pricing can definitely help you invest smarter and get real results.

In this article, we’re going to cover the following:

• How much does SEO cost in Malaysia
• What factors will influence the cost
• How to maximise your SEO ROI with S.M.A.R.T vetting strategy
• A list of FAQs related to SEO pricing in Malaysia

And if you’re running out of time, here’s the TL;DR summary for you:

• SEO prices in Malaysia range from MYR 900 to MYR 10,000+ per month, based on our survey of 21 SEO agencies in Malaysia
• Key factors of excellent SEO services for SMEs in Malaysia:
  • Content blends with your business in their SEO approach
  • A solid local SEO strategy with proven results
  • A Google-safe approach to link building
  • Make your business thrive when AI disrupts the market
• To get the most out of your SEO investment, take these steps:
  • First, dig into real case studies to see proven results
  • Next, get clear on what deliverables you’ll receive
  • Then, evaluate their SEO strategy—does it make sense for your business?
  • After that, set specific goals and KPIs to track success
  • Finally, nail down the timeline and contract details to avoid surprises

Okay, let’s dive in now!

How much does SEO cost in Malaysia?

SEO pricing in Malaysia varies depending on the business type and specific service needs.

Based on our industry survey and evaluation (with the help of ChatGPT and Google Gemini Deep Research!), monthly retainers typically range from RM900 to RM10,000 or more per month.

However, our survey focuses only on Malaysia-based SEO agencies. We do not consider international agencies offering services to Malaysian businesses.

If you wish to consider freelancers, Ahrefs’ study found that the most common hourly rate charged by SEO freelancers is $75 – $100 per hour (similar to SEO agencies). SEO consultants charge slightly higher, which is $100 – 150 (~RM455 – RM700) per hour.

SEO pricing breakdown by service tier

I’ve broken down the pricing into five common tiers based on industries.

This will help you understand what you’re actually getting at each price point and avoid overpaying for services you don’t need—or worse, underpaying and getting disappointing results:

How Much Does VeecoTech SEO Cost?

(Yeah, we’re offering SEO services in Malaysia too! 😀)

Our RankRise Growth Plan starts from RM 2,899 per month ✨

It’s an all-in-one SEO solution designed to help you outrank competitors, boost visibility in AI-driven search, and build lasting organic traffic.

We’ve combined new battle-tested optimisation techniques with fresh, innovative strategies to get your brand noticed, especially by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity.

In a landscape where users turn to AI for instant answers, being visible in these platforms gives you a serious edge.

But it’s not just talk. We have multiple case studies showing how our clients increased their organic traffic, built strong leads, and scaled their businesses.

If you genuinely want to:

• Grow your audience 📈 without just burning your marketing budget on short-term ads
• Save time ⌚ by letting proven professionals handle your SEO
• Get money-making assets 💲 that continue generating leads for years
• Build a memorable 🧠 brand presence across organic platforms—including our powerful 6-in-1 content remixing system

…then the RankRise Growth Plan could be your best next step.

If you’re ready to see how it works for you, book a free 1-to-1 consultation call below to get a tailored SEO competitive analysis to grow your brand’s online presence.

What Factors Will Affect Your SEO Cost

I know the range of SEO pricing in Malaysia is big, and it’s not enough to just know the price range.

So I’ve broken down the key factors that determine what you’ll actually pay for SEO in Malaysia.

Key SEO Factors for SMEs in Malaysia

Well, I bet you might still feel confused even though you’ve known the factors that influence the price 😂

So, let me tailor for you.

If you’re a SMEs in Malaysia that look for organic growth via SEO, I highly recommend that you check if your pursued SEO agencies are portraying the following traits:

Content blends with your business in their SEO approach

When it comes to content, specifically SEO articles or landing pages, Malaysian-based SEO agencies typically follow one of two approaches:

Approach A: Content is merely a ranking tool

While these agencies do provide blog writing, blogs are just complementary.

These agencies provide content as an afterthought. It’s just a check-box exercise.

Their KPI? Simply targeting X number of localised keywords with vague promises of “Y% keywords guaranteed on page 1.”

The content itself? Often generic, uninspiring and disconnected from your actual business goals.

Approach B: Content as the strategic foundation of your entire SEO effort

These agencies don’t just aim to rank for keywords. They use content strategically to:

• Answer your prospects’ burning questions 🔥
• Showcase your products or services naturally within valuable information 😀
• Guide readers through a conversion journey 🤑
• Establish your brand as the authoritative voice in your industry 📣
• Create assets that continue generating leads for years 💰

I’m not saying Approach A is completely wrong. But the results speak for themselves. With Approach B, you’re building something sustainable.

Take one of our SME clients who successfully expanded from the Chinese market into the Malay market, tripling their leads from 20 to 60 monthly using our RankRise Growth SEO strategy.

This remarkable growth stemmed directly from treating content as the cornerstone of their strategy!

When evaluating SEO agencies, prioritise those that view content strategically – not just churning out blog posts, but creating a cohesive content ecosystem that drives real business results.

A solid local SEO strategy with proven results

If you have a physical shop or office, ranking on Google Maps isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for survival.

The statistics are eye-opening: Businesses that appear in Google’s local pack receive five times more visibility and 2.1 times more clicks than those missing from it. That’s a massive competitive advantage!

But effective local SEO goes beyond just claiming your Google Business Profile:

• Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) must be consistent across all online directories
• You need a strategy for generating authentic local reviews (the lifeblood of local rankings)
• Your website needs location-specific content that signals relevance to Google
• Your backlink profile should include citations from trusted local sources
• Mobile optimisation is critical as 76% of local searches result in a visit within 24 hours

Remember: Local search has different ranking factors than traditional SEO.

Many businesses waste money on general SEO (such as just ranking on organic results) when their customers are primarily searching locally.

When evaluating SEO partners, ask specifically about their local SEO track record.

Request case studies showing Map Pack ranking improvements and the resulting business impact.

Oh ya! We’re going to launch dedicated local SEO services specifically designed to boost your visibility and clicks-to-directions via Google Map Pack soon! If you’re interested, just sign up here! You’ll be the first to know when we launch it.

A Google-safe approach to link building

There are tons of SEO vendors out there selling thousands of backlinks at super cheap prices.

In my (and tons of SEO specialists) experiences, they’re not just ineffective—they’re dangerous.

Google’s algorithms have evolved to detect unnatural or link spamming patterns, and the penalty can be brutal: complete removal from search results.

“But how do I know if an SEO vendor uses safe methods?”

Ask for examples of specific results or backlink examples.

If they become evasive about showing you examples or mention using their “own websites” to create links for you, that’s a massive red flag.

At VeecoTech, we show a few examples of our link-building case studies and results for our clients on our SEO service page.

Notice that the average position of a high purchasing intent, money-making target keyword in the photo printing industry increases from 28 to 6 after securing a solid backlink, and the ranking stays there throughout the month without dropping!

That’s the difference between manipulative link schemes and strategic relationship-building that Google rewards.

Remember: in link building, quality first, quantity second. Don’t opt for a cheap service, as it can do more harm than good in the long run.

Prepare you to thrive during AI disruptions

While most SEO agencies remain fixated solely on Google rankings, the search landscape is evolving rapidly.

Yes, Google still dominates search market share, but recent studies reveal a significant shift: websites are increasingly receiving traffic from AI chatbots.

More importantly, visitors from AI referrals spend an average of 10.3 minutes on site compared to just 8.1 minutes from Google traffic.

Missing from AI search results means missing your most engaged potential customers.

That’s why we’ve built our “Search Everywhere Optimisation” approach within our RankRise Growth Plan. We help businesses become visible across 6 different channels—including emerging AI chatbots.

And we’re already seeing success. Take one of our clients, Skye Dental Penang, for example.

When potential patients search for dental services, Skye Dental consistently appears across major AI platforms:

ChatGPT:

Google Gemini:

Perplexity AI:

This multichannel visibility ensures they’re capturing attention regardless of how people search, providing a significant competitive advantage as AI continues to reshape the search experience.

So, in short, don’t wait until AI completely disrupts traditional search patterns! 

If you need any help, just book a free 1-to-1 strategy call with our friendly consultant now 😀

We’ll analyse your current digital presence and identify specific opportunities to enhance your visibility across both traditional and emerging search channels.

No obligation—just actionable insights you can use immediately!

How to Maximise Your SEO ROI with S.M.A.R.T SEO Strategy

When it comes to SEO cost, I found that most articles stop at discussing SEO pricing and costs.

But you already know it’s not just about budget—it’s about value and how well the strategy fits your business.

That’s why I’ve put together a simple 5-step S.M.A.R.T SEO agency vetting strategy to help you pick the right SEO partner and dodge common pitfalls.

Here’s a summary table for you:

S: Scrutinise proofs

When evaluating SEO companies, don’t just rely on their promises—look for tangible evidence of their success. 

Many SEO agencies focus heavily on selling the idea of SEO and what they will do for you without showing any real results.

A reliable SEO agency should always showcase successful stories from their past clients, and will proudly showcase success stories from their clients with real, measurable outcomes (not just a vague “ranked on Google!”)

So, the best way is to look for case studies and testimonials from their clients that include specifics like traffic growth, improved conversion rates, or actual revenue impacts.

Remember, the more transparent a case study is, the more it reflects the agency’s expertise and trustworthiness.

If they’re hesitant to share data or gloss over the details, consider it a red flag.

When you examine those case studies, pay attention to the following:

• What results do they showcase? That’s the best indication of what you can achieve too.
• What’s the SEO approach they used? Or do they hide it?
• How do their SEO services boost their clients’ business growth?

For instance, our SEO team always shares our SEO case studies on our SEO case studies pages or through our SEO specialists’ LinkedIn profiles (connect with me if you need help! 😀).

Actionable checklist for you:

• Can they show at least 2–3 real case studies with measurable before-and-after results?
• Are there genuine client testimonials (with real business names and industries)?
• Have they shared screenshots or reports that verify growth in traffic, conversions, or revenue?
• Do they have experience in your industry or a similar-sized business?
• Do they clearly show transparent success metrics, not just vanity rankings?

M: Map deliverables clearly

After checking an agency’s case studies, your next step is to see what they actually do. Go through their service pages or any detailed breakdown of their SEO process to confirm exactly what you’ll get.

Remember: not every agency is transparent. If they’re vague about timelines, tasks, or results, you might end up disappointed.

The best way to ensure this is to schedule a call and request a detailed, written quote. Then, compare their services to those of others you’re considering.

Watch out for any red flags, such as incomplete deliverables, hidden costs, or confusing jargon that may disguise poor-quality work. A thorough SEO plan usually includes:

• Technical optimisation – site indexing, sitemaps, fixing crawl errors, and resolving technical SEO issues.
• Keyword & content research – how many keywords and pages are they optimising per month? Do they create new content or simply update existing pages?
• On-page/On-site optimisation – meta tags, internal links, images, schema markup, and open graph data.
• Off-page/Off-site optimisation – link-building strategies, audits, and consistent brand mentions across the web.
• Monthly reporting – keep track of your site’s performance metrics, including keyword rankings, organic traffic, and conversions.

Agencies that skip these essentials often waste both time and money.

Also, check if the deliverables of the agency or vendor align with the price range we mentioned here.

Actionable checklist for you:

• How many keywords or pages will they optimise? If they don’t specify, why not?
• How many content pieces are included per month (like blog posts or landing pages)? Or no?
• What’s their link-building approach—do they outline the types and quality of backlinks?
• Does technical SEO come as standard, or is it a separate add-on?
• Do they provide monthly reports showing traffic, conversion rates, and other KPIs?
• If you’re location-based, do they incorporate local SEO elements?

A: Assess SEO strategy

By now, you already know what your shortlisted SEO agencies or vendors claim they’ll do for you.

But knowledge alone isn’t enough.

What if they rely on black-hat or unethical tactics to get fast rankings? 😱

It might work at first, but Google penalties could eventually tank your site—and your brand credibility.

So, how can you spot an agency with a future-proof, Google-safe approach?

Make sure they meet these four essential criteria I’ve mentioned earlier:

• Content blends with your business at core: Quality content that matches user intent is the lifeblood of effective SEO—now and in the evolving world of AI.
• Local SEO expertise: If you rely on local customers, a proven track record in local SEO can be a game-changer.
• Google-Safe link building: Beware of spammy link tactics that promise quick wins. They often lead to penalties, loss of trust, and wasted resources.
• AI readiness: As AI disrupts search, agencies that adapt—through content refreshes, structured data, and voice-optimised search—are more likely to keep your site competitive.

Here’s how our own SEO strategy checks these boxes:

• Content Compass Blueprint for creating full-funnel content aligned with search intent.
• LinkXcelerate for building links that comply with Google’s algorithm updates.
• Local Digital PR to get featured on sites your audience actually visits.
• 6-in-1 Content Remix to extend your brand visibility, including the use of AI chatbots.

While not every SEO agency can offer all of the above, a credible provider will be transparent about what they do include. 

It will definitely help to assess whether their strategy is future-proof, which sets your site up for sustained success and not just a fleeting bump in rankings.

Actionable checklist for you:

• Do they offer local SEO services for businesses with a location-based focus?
• Which link-building techniques do they propose (manual outreach vs. spammy directories)?
• Do they write fresh, original content or spin/reuse existing articles?
• Do they follow Google’s Webmaster Guidelines (white-hat SEO)?

R: Review alignment with goals and KPIs

It’s one thing to know an agency’s process and promises—it’s another to see if their entire approach truly aligns with your own objectives.

I’ve three key points to share regarding alignment of SEO goals and KPIs:

1. SEO is a long-term investment, so it takes at least 3-6 months to see fruitful results

A large-scale Ahrefs study of over 2 million sites found that 95% of newly published pages don’t reach the top 10 within a year. 

This doesn’t mean results are impossible—it just depends on factors like your industry’s competitiveness or whether your content is news- or trend-focused, which often ranks faster.

For instance, one of our clients in the beauty and healthcare industry witnessed a 367.96% organic traffic growth in 3 months due to 80+ keywords ranking in Google’s top 10.

If you want sustainable results, I suggest securing a minimum 6-month retainer to maintain momentum while Google’s algorithms assess your site.

2.  X% keyword ranking guarantees aren’t everything

Too many SEO agencies in Malaysia offer guarantees that a certain percentage of keywords will rank after 1 year of SEO.

But what’s so great about this to you if those rankings aren’t driving traffic or conversions?

I met two of my current clients who told me that their previous SEO agencies helped them rank for 50% of their agreed-upon keywords, but never saw a tangible lift in traffic, sales or brand visibility.

And what’s even worse is when I saw this bad and ugly news:

I don’t want you to become the next victim – and that’s why our SEO services don’t focus on keyword ranking guaranteed.

And yet, one of the new clients achieves a 1,240% organic traffic improvement and a 1,620% increase in conversions after just 3 months of optimisation!

3. SEO isn’t just about revenue—it’s also branding

Sure, we all want a direct ROI from SEO, but don’t overlook the branding side. 

Building brand awareness may not always show up as immediate sales, yet it’s essential for long-term growth and credibility.

You can track your branding impact by watching:

• Branded search volume over time
• Your brand’s share of voice compared to competitors

Yes, it’s trickier to measure than hard revenue. But investing in brand-building can create an ongoing demand engine that bolsters your SEO efforts in Google’s eyes.

As a summary:

• You should expect to see SEO results after 3-6 months
• Don’t simply trust agencies that offer “guaranteed keyword ranking”. Find agencies that can bring real growth to your business.
• Focus on two sides of SEO – sales and branding, not just monetary value

Actionable checklist for you:

• Have you defined specific goals—like more sales, leads, or brand awareness?
• What KPIs will they track?
• Does the agency focus on metrics beyond keyword ranking?
• Are they ready to customise their strategy for your industry, audience, and growth stage

T: Talk about timeline & contract

Your final step is to ensure the agreement truly meets your business needs, from projected timelines to core KPIs and beyond.

How long is long enough?

I typically recommend a 6–12 month commitment to allow for sustainable growth, algorithmic indexing, and ongoing optimisation.

Shorter contracts can be tempting, but they often yield only superficial benefits.

If your niche is competitive or if you’re aiming for nationwide (or global) visibility, the time needed to earn page-one rankings can stretch beyond a few months.

Defining realistic KPIs

Look beyond general keyword rankings. Ask how they measure organic traffic growth, lead quality, and conversions.

At our agency, we calculate a realistic organic traffic improvement range based on:

• Your past three months of organic data in Google Analytics
• Your competition’s level of domain authoritativeness and keyword dominance
• Current market trends and seasonal fluctuations

This approach ensures we’re setting benchmarks that matter to your bottom line—not just vanity metrics.

After all, a 10% increase in high-converting traffic might be more valuable than a 50% bump in unqualified clicks.

Also, keep an eye out for any hidden fees or unrealistic guarantees:

• Minimum contract periods – Know if you’re locked into a 3-, 6-, or 12-month term, and what the cancellation policy is.
• Performance clauses – If progress is slower than expected, do they adjust strategy or offer additional support?
• Reporting frequency – Will you receive monthly, weekly, or even real-time analytics updates?
• Team Support – Who is your main point of contact, and how experienced is their team?
• Transparency – Are they open about sharing data, or do you only get vague summaries?

Actionable checklist for you:

• Do you understand their recommended timeline, and does it align with your business goals?
• Is there a minimum contract length, and are you comfortable with it?
• How long do they estimate for visible improvements? Is there any minimum contract period? (i.e., 3, 6, 12 months)
• How often will they report on progress? (i.e., monthly? weekly?)
• Who will be your main point of contact? (i.e., account manager? strategist?)
• What happens if progress is slower than expected? Will they refine tactics or extend support without extra hidden costs?

If you’re still unsure what red flags to watch for or what questions to ask, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why we offer 1-to-1 consultations—to help you cut through the jargon and choose a partner that actually grows your business. Simply fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Most Asked SEO Questions Before Getting SEO Services

To help you better decide which SEO service to go with, I’ve conducted surveys and chatted with our Sales team to pinpoint the top FAQs.

How long does SEO take to see results from an SEO service?

The timeline varies depending on competition, site history, and keyword difficulty. Generally, noticeable improvements begin to show within 3–6 months, although more competitive niches may require 6–12 months. Don’t be discouraged if progress is slower than expected—consistency is key in building strong online visibility.

How do I know if my SEO is working?

We usually track the key metrics such as:

• Organic traffic: Are more people finding you through search?
• Conversion rates: Is your site turning visitors into leads or customers?
• Keyword visibility: Are you ranking for terms that matter?
• Brand awareness: Are you getting more direct searches and social mentions?

Regular analytics reports and transparent conversations with your SEO provider will help you see if your investment is paying off. If an agency can’t show measurable improvements aligned with your goals, it might be time to re-evaluate.

Will an SEO service guarantee top rankings on search engines?

Well, many SEO agencies in Malaysia offer “guarantees” (full disclosure: We’ve tried that before!). Sure, it’s possible to hit page 1 for super niche, long-tail keywords with zero search volume localised keywords (Why do they promise guarantees if this isn’t possible?)

But top rankings for those keywords aren’t going to bring traffic and leads to your website. Instead of chasing agencies with the flashiest “guarantee”, look for a solid SEO partner focused on sustainable growth, like boosting your online presence, driving real traffic, and increasing conversions.

How often should I expect progress reports from my SEO provider?

Many agencies issue monthly or quarterly updates that detail key actions, changes made, and progress toward your KPIs. We provide monthly reports, but some clients prefer weekly check-ins. So, opt for a provider that offers consistent, transparent reporting so you’re never left in the dark.

Can I customise an SEO package according to my specific requirements?

Absolutely. Most reputable agencies understand that every business is different. If your target market or brand positioning requires a tailored approach, discuss this upfront. Personalised strategies often yield better results than one-size-fits-all packages.

What happens if I decide to cancel my SEO package before the contract period ends?

Always review the cancellation terms in your contract. Some agencies enforce notice periods or charge fees if you end the agreement early. Our approach strikes a balance between flexibility and fairness—if you find that our service isn’t meeting your needs, we’ll work with you to develop a reasonable exit strategy.

What’s Next for Your SEO Journey?

SEO costs in Malaysia can range from MYR 900 to MYR 10,000+ a month, depending on your goals and business size.

For SMEs, it’s about finding a plan that drives real growth without breaking the bank.

That’s where our SEO RankRise Growth plan comes in—starting at RM2,899 a month, it’s built to help Malaysian SMEs like yours grow organically with more leads and sales.

Want to see how it can work for you? Book a free 1-to-1 consultation with us, and we’ll explore how to boost your business the organic way.