Why there is no flat rate
The work needed to move rankings varies enormously. A new site in a competitive market needs far more than an established site that simply needs tidying. So the honest answer is that cost depends on your starting point, your market and how ambitious the goals are. Fixed packages can look reassuring, but they often bundle work you do not need and skip work you do.
What you are actually paying for
Good SEO spends time on research, technical fixes, content, and earning authority. Cheaper offers usually cut the parts that take real effort, which is why they rarely hold up. The right question is not only how much, but what work is included and whether it targets results.
How to judge whether it is worth it
Compare the investment to the value of a customer. If a single new client is worth a meaningful sum to you, even modest ranking gains can pay for the work many times over. Look for providers who ask about your goals before your budget, and who report in clear terms so you can actually see what is happening. Google's own note on whether you need an SEO is a sensible starting point.
A sensible way to start
Begin with a clear assessment of where your site stands, then scope the work to what will actually help. If ads would bring visibility sooner, Google Ads can run in parallel. When you are ready for a straight answer about your own site, get in touch.