Price follows scope, not a magic tier
US local SEO pricing changes with competition, number of locations, profile condition, website quality and how much implementation is included. A single-location foundation is different from a multi-state programme.
Ask for the first ninety days of work in plain language before comparing retainers.
Separate the workstreams
Typical scope may include technical fixes, service and location pages, Google Business Profile operations, citations, reviews, content and reporting. Call tracking, development and photography may be separate.
The proposal should say which party owns each task and account.
Location count changes more than reporting
Every real location may need accurate business data, profile management, local proof and a useful destination page. Service-area businesses need a different architecture and must not invent offices.
More locations increase QA and operational coordination as well as content volume.
Judge value through qualified outcomes
Use calls, booked work, pipeline and service-area fit alongside visibility. Cheap traffic from the wrong city or service does not create value.
A responsible provider will not guarantee a map-pack position or fixed enquiry count.
How this becomes a project
A useful next step is a short audit of your current pages, search footprint, proof and measurement. The output should identify the few constraints worth fixing before more content or media is added.