Marketing retainer proposal template for SEO and content
A retainer proposal sells a rhythm, not a one-off project. This template has a one-off setup month (audit, keyword map, content plan), a monthly scope split into content, on-page, technical, local and reporting work, goals with a lead target to agree, honest terms (3-month minimum, then 30 days' notice, no guaranteed rankings) and optional monthly extras. Pricing keeps the setup fee and the monthly fee apart, with VAT.
Pricing from a real Pitchsprig SEO and content retainer proposal (example data, GBP, VAT 20%, 2 Oct 2026)
| Item | Qty | Rate | Billing | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEO audit, keyword research and content plan (one-off setup) | 1 | £1,200.00 | One-time | £1,200.00 |
| Monthly SEO and content retainer | 1 | £2,400.00 | Monthly | £2,400.00 |
| Extra article, 1,200+ words (optional, not included) | 2 | £250.00 | Monthly | £500.00 |
| Google Ads management (optional, not included) | 1 | £600.00 | Monthly | £600.00 |
| Total one-time (incl. VAT £240.00) | £1,440.00 | |||
| Total monthly (incl. VAT £480.00) | Monthly | £2,880.00 |
Source: Pitchsprig marketing retainer template, generated 2 Oct 2026.
Pitchsprig vs the alternatives
Published prices, each checked on the date shown; prices change, so confirm on each site.
| Product | Price | Free | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitchsprig Pro | $9/month or $79 once, no per-user fees | 3 PDFs a month, 2 templates, unlimited printing | live |
| Proposify | Basic $19, Team $41, Business $65 per user per month (billed annually) | not checked today | 2026-10-02 |
| Better Proposals | Starter $13 per user per month billed annually, or $19 monthly | not checked today | 2026-10-02 |
| Bonsai | Essentials $25 per user per month (monthly) | not checked today | 2026-10-02 |
Why teams pick Pitchsprig
- Setup fee and monthly retainer in one table, with separate totals and VAT.
- Monthly scope broken into the work clients actually see each month.
- Terms that protect both sides: minimum term, notice period, no ranking guarantees.
- Free template: the marketing retainer proposal is included in the free plan.
How it works
- Load the marketing retainer template and set your currency and VAT or sales tax.
- Agree the goals and the monthly scope; add optional extras the client can switch on.
- Send the PDF, then record the acceptance and invoice the setup fee.
FAQ
Should a retainer have a minimum term?
Most SEO and content retainers use one because results build over months; the template uses 3 months, then month to month with 30 days' notice. Change it to suit you.
Can I guarantee rankings?
The template says plainly that no one can honestly guarantee rankings and commits to the work and open reporting instead.
How are optional extras priced?
Mark a line Optional. It shows in the proposal but is only added to the monthly total when you tick Included.
Is my data private?
Yes. Pitchsprig runs in your browser: your proposals, prices and clients are saved only on your device and the PDF is made there. Nothing is uploaded.
Is this legal advice?
No. Pitchsprig templates are starting points, not legal advice; have important contract terms reviewed.