SEO Proposal

SEO Services Proposal Template

Win more SEO clients with a data-driven proposal that demonstrates your expertise and shows clear ROI potential.

Proposal Template Sections

Executive Summary

Start with a compelling overview that highlights the SEO opportunity and your approach.

Section 1
Thank you for the opportunity to propose our SEO services for [Client Name]. Our analysis of your current website reveals significant opportunities to improve organic search visibility, drive qualified traffic, and generate more leads through search engine optimization. Currently, your site ranks for [number] keywords in the top 100, with [number] in the top 10. Our proposed SEO strategy will target [number] high-value keywords, address [number] technical issues, and optimize [number] pages, with a projected increase in organic traffic of [percentage]% over 12 months. This proposal outlines our comprehensive SEO approach, specific tactics, expected results, and investment required to achieve these outcomes. We're confident that our data-driven methodology and proven track record make us the right partner to help [Client Name] dominate search results in your industry.

Current SEO Analysis

Present findings from your SEO audit, showing you understand their current situation.

Section 2
We conducted a comprehensive SEO audit of [Client Name]'s website and identified both strengths and opportunities. Current strengths include: [strength 1], [strength 2], and [strength 3]. However, we found several areas for improvement: Technical SEO issues including [issue 1] affecting [X] pages, [issue 2] impacting crawlability, and [issue 3] hurting page speed. On-page optimization gaps: [X]% of pages lack optimized title tags, [X]% missing meta descriptions, and [X]% have thin or duplicate content. Off-page SEO: Currently have [X] referring domains with [domain authority average], but opportunities exist to build [X] more high-quality links. Content gaps: Missing content targeting [keyword category 1], [keyword category 2], and [keyword category 3] that competitors are ranking for. These findings inform our strategic recommendations and priority actions.

SEO Strategy & Approach

Explain your overall SEO strategy and methodology.

Section 3
Our SEO strategy is built on four core pillars: technical foundation, on-page optimization, content excellence, and authoritative link building. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of SEO simultaneously rather than focusing on one area in isolation. Our methodology follows a crawl-walk-run approach: First, we establish a strong technical foundation by fixing critical issues that prevent search engines from properly crawling and indexing your site. Second, we optimize existing pages for target keywords while improving user experience signals. Third, we create high-quality, keyword-targeted content that answers user queries and earns natural links. Fourth, we build authoritative backlinks through strategic outreach and relationship building. Throughout, we continuously monitor performance, test optimizations, and adapt our strategy based on data. This approach ensures sustainable, long-term growth rather than short-term tactics that could harm your site.

Keyword Research & Targeting Strategy

Detail your keyword research findings and which keywords you'll target.

Section 4
We've conducted extensive keyword research to identify the highest-opportunity terms for [Client Name]. Our analysis considered search volume, keyword difficulty, commercial intent, and competitive landscape. Primary target keywords (high volume, high intent): [Keyword 1] (2,400 monthly searches, difficulty 45, high commercial intent), [Keyword 2] (1,800 monthly searches, difficulty 38), and [Keyword 3] (1,200 monthly searches, difficulty 42). Secondary target keywords (moderate volume, good opportunity): [Keyword 4] (800 monthly searches, difficulty 32), [Keyword 5] (600 monthly searches, difficulty 28), and [Keyword 6] (500 monthly searches, difficulty 25). Long-tail keyword opportunities: We'll target [X] long-tail keywords with lower competition but high conversion potential, such as [example 1] and [example 2]. We'll also target local SEO keywords if applicable: [local keyword 1], [local keyword 2]. Our keyword strategy focuses on terms that align with your business goals and have realistic ranking potential within 6-12 months.

Technical SEO Implementation

Detail the technical SEO work you'll perform.

Section 5
Technical SEO forms the foundation of all SEO success. We'll address the following technical issues and optimizations: Site speed optimization: Currently loading in [X] seconds, we'll optimize to under [target] seconds through image optimization, code minification, caching, and CDN implementation. Mobile optimization: Ensure mobile-first indexing compliance, fix mobile usability issues, and optimize for Core Web Vitals. Site architecture: Improve internal linking structure, create XML sitemap, optimize robots.txt, and ensure proper URL structure. Indexability: Fix crawl errors, resolve duplicate content issues, implement proper canonical tags, and ensure important pages are indexed. Schema markup: Implement structured data (Schema.org) for [types] to enable rich snippets in search results. Security: Ensure HTTPS implementation, fix security issues, and maintain SSL certificate. Server and hosting: Review hosting setup, ensure proper server response times, and recommend improvements if needed. All technical work will be documented and completed within the first 90 days.

On-Page Optimization Plan

Explain how you'll optimize existing pages and what you'll optimize.

Section 6
We'll optimize [X] existing pages to improve their search rankings and user experience. Priority pages for optimization include: Homepage (targeting [primary keyword]), [Page 1] (targeting [keyword]), [Page 2] (targeting [keyword]), and [Page 3] (targeting [keyword]). For each page, we'll optimize: Title tags (50-60 characters, keyword-optimized, compelling), Meta descriptions (150-160 characters, include keywords and call-to-action), Header tags (proper H1-H6 hierarchy with keyword placement), URL structure (clean, keyword-rich URLs), Image optimization (alt tags, file names, compression), Internal linking (strategic links to related content), Content optimization (improve relevance, add keywords naturally, enhance readability), and User experience signals (improve engagement metrics, reduce bounce rate). We'll also conduct a content audit to identify pages that need updates, consolidation, or removal. All optimizations will be implemented and tested for impact.

Content Strategy & Creation

Outline your content strategy for SEO, including what content you'll create.

Section 7
Content is crucial for SEO success, and we'll create a strategic content plan that targets high-value keywords while providing value to your audience. Content creation plan: We'll create [X] pieces of content per month, including [X] blog posts, [X] comprehensive guides, and [X] landing pages. Content topics will target our keyword strategy while addressing user intent and answering common questions. Content types: How-to guides targeting [keyword category], comparison content for [topics], industry reports and studies, case studies showcasing your expertise, and FAQ pages for common queries. Content optimization: All content will be optimized for target keywords, include proper internal linking, feature engaging visuals, and be designed to earn backlinks. We'll also update and refresh existing content to improve rankings. Content promotion: We'll promote new content through [channels] to maximize visibility and link acquisition. Our content strategy aligns with your business goals and targets keywords with commercial intent.

Link Building Strategy

Detail your approach to building high-quality backlinks.

Section 8
Building authoritative backlinks is essential for SEO success, and we'll employ a strategic, ethical approach to link acquisition. Our link building strategy includes: Resource page outreach: Identify and reach out to [X] resource pages that link to similar content, positioning your content as a valuable addition. Guest posting: Write and place [X] high-quality guest posts per month on authoritative sites in your industry, with links back to your site. Broken link building: Find broken links on relevant sites and offer your content as replacements. HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Respond to [X] relevant queries per month to earn media mentions and links. Industry partnerships: Build relationships with [X] complementary businesses for mutual linking opportunities. Content promotion: Promote your best content to earn natural links through outreach and social sharing. We focus on quality over quantity, targeting sites with domain authority of [X]+ and relevance to your industry. All links will be natural, editorial, and add value to the linking site.

Reporting & Performance Tracking

Explain how you'll measure and report on SEO success.

Section 9
Transparency and accountability are core to our approach. You'll have full visibility into SEO performance through: Monthly SEO reports delivered on [date] each month, including: Organic traffic trends and comparisons, Keyword ranking improvements, Backlink acquisition summary, Technical SEO status updates, Content performance metrics, and Recommendations for the upcoming month. Real-time dashboard access: You'll have 24/7 access to our SEO dashboard showing current rankings, traffic, and key metrics. Quarterly business reviews: Every quarter, we'll schedule a strategic review meeting to discuss performance, adjust strategy, and plan ahead. Key metrics tracked: Organic traffic (sessions, users, page views), Keyword rankings (positions for target keywords), Conversion rate from organic traffic, Backlink profile (quantity, quality, growth), Technical SEO health score, and ROI (revenue/leads attributed to SEO). We'll also track competitor performance to ensure we're gaining ground. All reporting includes actionable insights and recommendations.

Expected Results & Timeline

Set realistic expectations for when results will be seen and what to expect.

Section 10
SEO is a long-term strategy, and results build over time. Here's what you can expect: Months 1-3 (Foundation): Technical SEO fixes completed, initial optimizations implemented, content creation begins, and baseline metrics established. Expected: Minor ranking improvements, improved crawlability. Months 4-6 (Growth): Content gains traction, backlinks start accumulating, on-page optimizations take effect. Expected: 15-25% increase in organic traffic, [X] keywords ranking in top 50, improved user engagement metrics. Months 7-9 (Momentum): Content authority builds, backlink profile strengthens, rankings improve. Expected: 40-60% increase in organic traffic, [X] keywords ranking in top 20, measurable lead generation. Months 10-12 (Scale): Sustained growth, competitive rankings achieved. Expected: 80-120% increase in organic traffic, [X] keywords ranking in top 10, significant ROI from SEO efforts. These projections are based on industry benchmarks and assume consistent implementation. Actual results may vary based on competition, industry, and other factors.

Investment & Pricing

Present SEO service pricing clearly with options.

Section 11
We offer flexible SEO engagement options to fit different needs and budgets. Option 1: Comprehensive SEO Package at $[amount]/month includes: Full technical SEO audit and implementation, [X] hours of on-page optimization per month, [X] pieces of content creation per month, [X] backlinks acquired per month, monthly reporting and strategy calls, and dashboard access. This is our recommended option for maximum results. Option 2: Core SEO Services at $[amount]/month includes: Technical SEO fixes, [X] hours of optimization per month, [X] pieces of content per month, [X] backlinks per month, and monthly reporting. Option 3: SEO Audit & Strategy at $[amount] (one-time) includes: Comprehensive audit, keyword research, strategy document, and implementation roadmap—ideal for companies wanting to understand their SEO needs before committing to ongoing services. All packages require a 6-month minimum commitment to see meaningful results. Payment terms are net 15, invoiced monthly.

Why Choose Our SEO Services

Differentiate yourself and build trust.

Section 12
What sets our SEO services apart is our combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and proven results. We've helped [X] companies improve their organic search visibility, including [notable clients] who saw [results]. Our team includes certified SEO professionals with [X] years of combined experience. We stay current with search engine algorithm updates and best practices, ensuring your SEO strategy is always aligned with current standards. We're transparent about our methods—no black-hat tactics or risky shortcuts. Our approach is sustainable and designed for long-term success. We also understand that SEO is part of a larger marketing strategy, so we ensure our work aligns with your overall business goals. Finally, we're committed to your success—we don't just implement tactics, we analyze results, optimize continuously, and adapt our strategy to maximize ROI.

Next Steps

Provide clear next steps.

Section 13
We're excited about the opportunity to help [Client Name] achieve its SEO goals and drive more organic traffic and leads. To move forward, we recommend scheduling a 30-minute call to discuss this proposal, answer any questions, and ensure we're aligned on strategy and expectations. If you're ready to proceed, we'll send over a service agreement for review. Upon signing and receiving the first month's payment, we'll begin with a comprehensive SEO audit within one week. Our goal is to have initial optimizations implemented within 30 days and show measurable improvements within 90 days. We're here to answer any questions and can customize this proposal based on your specific needs, budget, or priorities. Let's start improving your search visibility today.

How to use: Copy each section above and customize it for your client. Replace placeholders (like [Client Name], [Agency Name], etc.) with your actual information. Adapt the content to match your specific services, pricing, and client's needs.

Key Features of This Proposal Template

Technical SEO Audit

Includes a detailed technical SEO audit section that identifies current issues, opportunities, and recommendations. Shows clients you've analyzed their site and understand their technical challenges before proposing solutions.

Keyword Research & Strategy

Presents a comprehensive keyword strategy with target keywords, search volume, difficulty scores, and opportunity analysis. Demonstrates your research capabilities and shows clients the specific keywords you'll target for growth.

Content Optimization Plan

Outlines how you'll optimize existing content and create new content to target strategic keywords. Includes content audit findings, optimization priorities, and content creation recommendations with expected impact.

Link Building Strategy

Details your approach to building high-quality backlinks through various tactics. Explains the strategy, expected outcomes, and how links will be acquired ethically and sustainably.

Reporting & Measurement Framework

Clearly defines what metrics will be tracked, how often reports will be delivered, and what success looks like. Includes dashboard access, monthly reports, and quarterly reviews with actionable insights.

ROI Projections & Expected Results

Provides realistic projections for organic traffic growth, keyword rankings, and lead generation based on industry benchmarks and your experience. Sets proper expectations while demonstrating potential value.

Pro Tips for Writing Proposals

  • Always include specific data from your SEO audit. Reference actual issues found, current rankings, traffic numbers, and competitor analysis. Data builds credibility.
  • Set realistic expectations about SEO timelines. SEO takes 6-12 months to show significant results. Be honest about this while showing the long-term value.
  • Explain your methodology clearly. Clients want to understand how SEO works and what you'll actually do. Avoid jargon or be sure to explain technical terms.
  • Show ROI potential. Calculate projected traffic increases, lead generation potential, and revenue impact. Help clients understand the business value of SEO.
  • Include competitor analysis. Show how you'll help them compete and what opportunities exist. This demonstrates strategic thinking and market understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see SEO results?

SEO is a long-term strategy, and results typically begin appearing after 3-6 months, with significant improvements often taking 6-12 months. Technical SEO fixes may show results faster (1-3 months), while content and link building take longer to gain traction. The timeline depends on factors like competition, current site authority, and the quality of implementation. It's important to set realistic expectations upfront while emphasizing the long-term, sustainable value of SEO compared to paid advertising.

What metrics should be included in SEO reporting?

Key SEO metrics to track include: organic traffic (sessions, users, page views), keyword rankings (positions for target keywords), conversion rate from organic traffic, backlink profile (quantity, quality, domain authority), technical SEO health (Core Web Vitals, crawl errors), and ROI (revenue or leads attributed to SEO). Monthly reports should show trends over time, not just current numbers. Include both leading indicators (rankings, backlinks) and lagging indicators (traffic, conversions) to give a complete picture of SEO performance.

How many keywords should an SEO proposal target?

The number of target keywords depends on the scope and budget, but typically 20-50 primary keywords is a good starting point for a comprehensive SEO campaign. Include a mix of high-volume head terms and long-tail keywords with lower competition. Also identify secondary keyword opportunities (50-100) that can be targeted through content. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity—focus on keywords that align with business goals and have realistic ranking potential. The proposal should show keyword research depth, not just a long list.

Should I include competitor analysis in an SEO proposal?

Yes, competitor analysis is valuable and shows strategic thinking. Include: who the main competitors are in search results, what keywords they're ranking for that you're not, their backlink profile and authority, their content strategy, and opportunities to outperform them. This helps clients understand the competitive landscape and shows you've done thorough research. However, keep it focused—don't spend too much time analyzing competitors at the expense of showing your own strategy.

How do I price SEO services in a proposal?

SEO pricing varies based on scope, competition, and deliverables. Common approaches: Monthly retainer ($1,500-$5,000+ depending on scope), project-based pricing for audits or one-time work, or performance-based pricing (though less common). Base pricing on: hours of work required, content creation volume, link building targets, reporting frequency, and account management level. Present options at different price points if possible. Always explain what's included and why the investment is justified. Include minimum commitment terms (typically 6-12 months) since SEO requires time to show results.

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