Tracked resource allocation across 12 successful SEO campaigns.
Found consistent pattern in what actually drives results. And what’s mostly wasted spend.
The optimal budget split is data-driven, not arbitrary.
Here’s how top-performing campaigns consistently allocate $15K–25K/month: 🧵👇
1/ The allocation framework:
Where to spend:
Based on 12 campaigns averaging $15K-25K/month budgets:
Content production: 40-45%
Technical SEO: 20-25%
Link building: 20-25%
Tools and software: 8-10%
Analytics and reporting: 5-8%
This split consistently delivered best ROI across different industries.
2/ Content production breakdown (40-45%):
Largest investment:
What it covers:
- Article writing and editing
- Content strategy and planning
- Graphics and visual assets
- Video production (if applicable)
Why so high:
- Content is primary ranking factor
- Requires ongoing production
- Quality content = natural links
- Drives conversions
Typical output at this level: 15-20 articles per month.
3/ Technical SEO allocation (20-25%):
Foundation maintenance:
What it funds:
- Site speed optimization
- Core Web Vitals fixes
- Schema markup implementation
- Mobile optimization
- Technical audits and fixes
Why this much:
- Technical issues kill rankings
- Ongoing maintenance needed
- Algorithm updates require adaptation
- Foundation for content success
Not one-time work. Continuous optimization required.
4/ Link building investment (20-25%):
Authority building:
What it includes:
- Outreach campaigns (time and tools)
- Digital PR efforts
- Content promotion
- Relationship building
- Link prospect research
Why equal to technical:
- Links still major ranking factor
- Quality over quantity focus
- Relationship-based approach takes time
- Compounds over months
Target: 8-15 quality links per month at this budget level.
5/ Tools and software (8-10%):
Essential stack:
What this covers:
- Ahrefs or Semrush ($200-400/month)
- Rank tracking ($100-200/month)
- Technical SEO tools ($50-100/month)
- Content optimization ($100-200/month)
- Misc tools and subscriptions
Why not more:
- Tools enable work, don't do work
- Diminishing returns past basics
- Most value from execution, not tools
Core stack adequate. Don't over-invest here.
6/ Analytics and reporting (5-8%):
Measurement and insights:
What it funds:
- Performance tracking and dashboards
- Monthly reporting creation
- Data analysis and insights
- Strategy adjustments
- Client communication
Why not more:
- Important but not primary driver
- Automate where possible
- Focus on action, not just reporting
Enough to stay informed, not excessive.
7/ Resource allocation works when:
✓ Content prioritized (40-45%, drives rankings)
✓ Technical maintained (20-25%, foundation solid)
✓ Links systematic (20-25%, authority builds)
✓ Tools sufficient (8-10%, enable work)
✓ Reporting efficient (5-8%, inform strategy)
Based on 12 campaigns with $15K-25K/month budgets
Average results: 180-250% traffic increase within 12 months
Allocation matters as much as total budget.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.