SEO Monthly Retainers: Smarter Alternatives for Your Business
Zach+ Custer
September 3, 2025
As a business owner, you’ve probably been told that you need an SEO monthly retainer to succeed online. Sounds important, right? Agencies pitch it like it’s the only way to stay competitive.
But let’s get real. Do you actually need someone changing your website every single month? Most of the time, no.
In fact, monthly SEO can end up helping the agency more than it helps you.
The Problem With SEO Monthly Retainers
Many agencies charge between $1,500 and $3,000 per month for SEO retainers. They promise nonstop updates, technical fixes, and new content.
But here’s what they often leave out. Google prefers stability. Too many changes too often can actually make your rankings worse. Constant edits may confuse search engines about what your site is really about.
So if your content is already solid and your site is technically sound, you probably don’t need monthly hands-on SEO.
What Google and AI Tools Actually Look For
Search engines like Google and AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity want to understand who you are and what you do. They look for:
- Clear, fast-loading websites
- Accurate business listings
- Reviews and online mentions that align with your services
When agencies are adjusting your content each month, they are giving mixed signals to search engines. When those search engines cannot understand what your business is all about, your business rankings will drop.
A Better Strategy: Quarterly SEO and AIO Optimization
Instead of paying for monthly SEO that may not do anything, a quarterly plan gives your business room to grow without wasting money. Every three months, we:
- Review your real performance data
- Find opportunities to improve
- Update your website and listings with clear, intentional edits
We also optimize your business for AI tools, not just search engines. This means we help tools like ChatGPT and Gemini pull the right information about your business when people ask questions.
Who This Is For
If your business relies on online traffic but your services or offerings do not change that often, quarterly SEO and AIO is a smart move. You avoid waste and focus only on updates that truly matter.
If your business is more seasonal or B2B focused, this approach keeps you visible while cutting out the noise.
What To Do Instead of Monthly SEO Retainers
Here’s a smarter plan built for business owners:
- Get a Free Website Audit
- Set up your business with our Initial SEO Setup for $199
- Build your foundation with a One-Time SEO Package for $799
- Keep your visibility strong with Quarterly SEO and AIO Optimization
SEO monthly retainers are not always wrong, but they are often unnecessary. The real question is: Are you getting real results for what you are paying?
At
Custer Marketing, based in Mansfield Ohio, we believe in honest pricing and meaningful updates that help your business grow.
