When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, choosing the right SEO support resource is crucial. Each option offers unique advantages and drawbacks. Let's consider the pros and cons of hiring an SEO agency, building an in-house team, or working with a freelance SEO expert.
SEO Agency: The Ultimate Powerhouse
Pros:
- Scalability and Skills: SEO agencies feature teams of experienced professionals who can handle projects of any size and complexity. They can scale their resources to meet your evolving needs, ensuring consistent efforts. For example when you need to fix a singular technical issue or add an extra piece of content or two an agency can accommodate without the need to hire additional full-time staff or onboard a new freelancer.
- Proven Results: Agencies have a track record of delivering measurable results. They employ data-driven strategies and advanced tools to optimize your website and drive organic traffic.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Agencies often have access to the latest SEO tools and software, allowing them to stay ahead of industry trends and implement innovative techniques. In our case, we have our own proprietary tech will millions of dollars invested to date.
- Comprehensive Services: Many agencies offer a wide range of services beyond SEO. Here at SEP we offer PPC Management, CRO, Content, Ad Creative, Social Media Marketing and the list goes on. We can be a turnkey provider for all of your digital needs.
- Accountability and Transparency: Reputable agencies prioritize transparency and accountability. They provide regular reports, track key performance indicators, and offer clear communication channels. We also have vacation coverage, ongoing training, systems and processes that ensure your account is well managed.
Cons:
- Higher Costs (sometimes): Hiring an agency is often more affordable than an in house option but more expensive than a freelancer. When you work with an agency like us your solutions are all inclusive. They include all deliverables and associated costs. When you hire in house that team member often needs to outsource or use budget to get the job done.
- Less Ownership: Some view this as a pro but our team, while providing services to you are employed by us. This means you typically do not own 100% of your teams working hours. When you have your annual holiday partner or team retreat, we likely won’t be there. We will however be working hard to generate results for you while you enjoy such perks of your employee.
In-House SEO Team: Total Control
Pros:
- Deep Understanding of Your Business: While we strive to have a deep understanding of your business we are also at a disadvantage. An in house team will have access to all internal communication and business shifts.
- Direct Control: You have full control over the team, their workload, and the direction of your SEO efforts. Want them to stop what they are doing and help count inventory? That’s your prerogative.
- Familiarity: An in-house team is exactly that. In house. They are seen by many people and become familiar with stakeholders.
Cons:
- Higher Overhead Costs: Hiring and retaining in-house SEO talent can be costly, including salaries, benefits, and training expenses.
- Limited Expertise: Building a well-rounded in-house team requires hiring specialists with diverse skill sets, which can be challenging and time-consuming. To replicate what an agency can do you often need to hire several people or hire one person with limited knowledge of many things.
- Potential for Stagnation: Without fresh perspectives and industry insights, an in-house team may become complacent and fall behind the latest SEO trends. This is the most common issue we see. Smart but outdated decision making resulting in positive but not optimal performance.
Freelance SEO: Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness
Pros:
- Cost-Effective for Small Projects: Freelancers can be a budget-friendly option for one-time projects or smaller businesses. Let’s be transparent here, as a agency we are not well suited to take on your one-time two hour project. Our systems are built for ongoing and meaningful work. If you need that one quick fix a freelancer is likely the best option.
- Flexibility: Freelancers often offer flexible working arrangements and can adapt to your specific needs. While they don’t scale like an agency they can be brought in and removed as needed.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: Freelancers may lack the resources and expertise of agencies or in-house teams, especially for complex SEO challenges.
- Lack of Accountability: Freelancers may not be as accountable as agencies or in-house teams, potentially leading to inconsistent work quality and missed deadlines.
- Limited Implementation Capabilities: Freelancers may not have the capacity to implement all aspects of an SEO strategy, requiring additional resources or outsourcing.
BONUS OPTION – A Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
For larger companies and/or more complex projects, a hybrid approach that combines in-house expertise with agency support can yield exceptional results.
By hiring in-house resources like a digital marketing manager and content creators, you gain deep insights into your business, brand voice, and target audience. This in-house team can develop a strong foundation for your SEO strategy and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
Supplementing this in-house team with an SEO agency provides several advantages:
- Specialized Expertise: Agencies bring a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge in SEO best practices, technical SEO, and link building. They can identify opportunities and address challenges that might be overlooked by an in-house team.
- Scalability: As your business grows, an agency can easily scale its resources to accommodate increased workload and evolving SEO needs.
- Access to Advanced Tools: Our software is unmatched and provided the data required to inform and guide in house teams. When your in house teams hires us we help take them to the next level.
- Fresh Perspectives: An external agency can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your SEO strategy, helping you stay ahead of the competition.
- Accountability: Agencies are accountable for delivering results. They typically provide regular reports, track key performance indicators, and offer transparent communication.
While this hybrid approach may be more expensive upfront, it often leads to significantly higher ROI. By leveraging the strengths of both in-house and agency teams, you can achieve a more comprehensive and effective SEO strategy.
Conclusion
While each option has its merits, SEO agencies offer a compelling combination of expertise, scalability, and proven results. By investing in a reputable agency, you can significantly elevate your online presence and drive sustainable business growth. When you require optimal results and SEO agency or Hybrid option is best for you. When you want complete control in house is most suited. When you need cheap and no commitment then freelance is the way to go.
As with any big decision make sure to do you due diligence and hire the best option.
