SEO services proposal: Free template
Customize this free SEO services proposal with Cobrief
Open this free SEO services proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your services, the client’s goals, and their website’s current state. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.
Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.
This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching monthly SEO retainers, technical audits, content strategy, or local SEO packages. Whether you're a solo SEO consultant, an agency, or an in-house specialist, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.
What is an SEO services proposal?
An SEO services proposal outlines your strategy, deliverables, timeline, and pricing for helping a business improve its visibility in search engines. It’s typically sent after an initial discovery call or audit and helps define how you’ll drive organic traffic and measurable results.
A strong SEO proposal connects client goals — like more qualified leads or better local rankings — with your specific approach, whether that’s on-page optimization, link building, content creation, or technical fixes.
An SEO services proposal helps you:
- Clarify scope, methods, and expected outcomes.
- Set expectations around timelines, inputs, and KPIs.
- Show your process and build confidence with the client.
- Turn inbound interest into a confirmed project.
If you offer SEO support of any kind, this is the proposal format to use.
Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal
Instead of wrestling with a static doc, use Cobrief to edit, review, and send your proposal — with built-in AI tools to help improve your copy as you go.
- Edit the proposal directly in your browser: No setup or formatting required — just click and start customizing.
- Rewrite sections with AI: Highlight sentences and tweak tone, simplify technical terms, or rephrase for clarity.
- Run a one-click AI review: Get suggestions that help you tighten your messaging, fix unclear sections, or improve flow.
- Apply AI suggestions instantly: Review and accept individual AI suggestions, or apply all improvements across the proposal in one click.
- Share or export instantly: Send the finished proposal through Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX version in seconds.
You get faster editing, better structure, and a cleaner send-off — all in one workflow.
When to use this proposal
This SEO services proposal works well in scenarios like:
- Pitching a monthly SEO retainer: Define your recurring tasks like audits, keyword tracking, and content updates.
- Selling a one-time SEO audit: Outline deliverables such as crawl reports, page speed fixes, and recommendations.
- Responding to a client RFP: Present a clear, structured SEO approach that aligns with their stated goals.
- Offering SEO as part of a broader marketing plan: Clarify how your SEO work connects to content, paid media, or web redesigns.
Use this template to clearly communicate your value and set expectations from the beginning.
What to include in an SEO services proposal
Each section of the proposal helps the client understand what you’ll do and how it impacts their business. Here’s how to use them:
- Executive summary: Frame your proposal around the client’s goals — like increasing visibility, outranking competitors, or generating leads. Keep it short and focused on business outcomes.
- Scope of work: List what’s included, such as site audits, keyword research, technical fixes, content strategy, backlink outreach, reporting, etc. Be specific about deliverables per month or per phase.
- Timeline: Set clear expectations — when the initial audit will be completed, when fixes start, when rankings and traffic should start improving.
- Pricing: Break down the cost by month or project. Make clear what’s included in the fee and what may cost extra (e.g., content creation or tools).
- Terms and conditions: Define your revision process, reporting cadence, payment terms, and contract length. Use clear, client-friendly language.
- Next steps: Make it easy to move forward — include a simple CTA like “Reply to confirm” or “Click to schedule a kickoff call.”
How to write an effective SEO services proposal
A strong SEO proposal shows strategic thinking and builds trust. Here are key tips:
- Focus on business outcomes: Speak to leads, conversions, and ROI — not just rankings or technical metrics.
- Be transparent about scope: Define what you will (and won’t) do each month or project cycle.
- Use plain English: Explain your approach in a way that’s clear to non-technical decision-makers.
- Provide optional add-ons: Help clients scale up with add-on services like content or link building.
- Keep it actionable: Show what happens next — not just what’s wrong with their site.
- End with clarity: Always give the client a clear next step to approve and proceed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I reuse this SEO proposal for different industries?
Yes — just adjust the strategy, keywords, and messaging to suit the business type or vertical.
Does this work for both local and national SEO?
It does — you can tailor the scope to include local listings, map pack optimization, or broader competitive targeting.
Should I include tools or platforms I use?
Yes — many clients appreciate knowing if you use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Screaming Frog.
Is this a contract?
No — this is a proposal. You can attach or link to a formal contract or service agreement if needed.
Can I export this as a PDF?
Yes — once customized, you can download a formatted PDF or DOCX version instantly.
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