Why are SEO services so expensive?

I think there is a big opportunity in providing SEO consulting for small local companies who want more visibility.  Any tips on starting SEO Services?

• I have basic knowledge of SEO including title tags, site structure, article writing, keyword research, and link building.  I plan to offshore the actual SEO work and be the middleman.  My skill will need to be selling the customers on the SEO work.  Is this a doable project?

• Answer:

  This is definitely doable but difficult to get started. I would start off offering some free services for one or two clients, or if you have proof that you can actually rank sites higher then that would suffice as well. The thing about it is, companies don't really know what SEO is and they don't really care about the technical details. They want more money, period. Always remember that you are generating more revenue for them, not making them rank higher. Show the ROI of purchasing your services by printing out how many times a month the business's industry is searched for, learn their Lifetime Customer Value, and show them the money you could be making them if they were #1.