SEO consultant invoice template

How do SEO consultants usually invoice?

SEO consultants invoice a monthly retainer in advance with the deliverables for the month listed (audits, content, outreach), plus fixed fees for one-off audits and migrations, on 14 day terms by direct debit. Tool subscriptions are either absorbed in the retainer or recharged. Because results lag by months, retainers normally carry a minimum term of three to six months stated on the invoice.

SEO consultants in this example give the customer 14 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £50 to £120. A full day is typically £400 to £800.

What should a SEO consultant put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, SEO consultants should:

• List the month's deliverables on the retainer line so the client sees activity, not just a fee.
• State the minimum term and the notice period on each invoice.
• Invoice audits as fixed fees on delivery of the report.
• Keep ad spend and tool subscriptions off your invoice where possible, or recharge at cost.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do SEO consultants charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, digital and IT services are standard rated at 20% for UK clients; services to business clients outside the UK are generally outside the scope of UK VAT, so note that on the invoice and charge none.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for SEO consultants is usually “Advertising” at 11% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.