How the math works
Return on investment compares what you earn to what you spend. For SEO, the earnings are the customers who find you through Google or AI search and wouldn't have otherwise. The calculator works out:
- Customer lifetime value: average sale × how many times a customer buys from you.
- Break-even customers: monthly SEO cost ÷ lifetime value.
- Break-even leads: break-even customers ÷ your close rate.
For businesses with big tickets, like roofers, lawyers or dentists, the break-even point is often a fraction of one customer a month. For lower-ticket businesses, repeat visits do the heavy lifting.
Make the inputs honest
Use your real average sale, not your best job. If you aren't sure of your close rate, count last month's calls and how many booked. A calculator is only as good as the numbers you give it.
Track it once you start
Write down your baseline today: Google Maps position for your main searches, monthly calls from your Google profile, and website clicks from Google. Compare every month. If the numbers don't move after a few months, ask your provider why.
Not sure what a fair budget looks like? Try the SEO cost calculator.