When considering SEO services for your business, one decision you will have to make on the way is choosing between an SEO agency and consultant (in fact, you most likely clicked on this article to help with that exact decision!).
While both agencies and consultants aim to improve your website’s search engine rankings, their approach, structure, and relationship with clients differ significantly.
- SEO agencies typically consist of multiple people skilled in SEO, account managers, developers, admin staff and directors.
- SEO consultants on the other hand are just the person skilled in SEO, covering admin duties themselves.
To help you decide between the two, I’ll compare both against seven key factors that are important to businesses deciding between choosing an agency or a consultant:
- Variety of Skills
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Resources
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Personalised Service
- Quality of Work
1. Variety of Skills
Winner: Agency
Most SEO agencies operate with a wide-ranging team, incorporating SEO analysts, developers, strategists and creatives.
This structure supports their ability to handle integrated marketing campaigns across various disciplines.
For companies in search of a robust, all-encompassing solution, agencies offer real value.
However, when only one or two core services are needed, such as SEO or PPC, a consultant might be better suited.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Winner: Consultant
Although agencies can offer competitive pricing, but that usually includes the burden of office rent, team managers, and administrative support.
Consultants work differently. There’s no organisational padding – just direct access to their professional insight.
Consultants are often the wiser financial choice in SEO.
3. Resources
Winner: Agency
Agencies tend to be a strong option for large projects, simply because they have more people to draw upon.
They’re able to spread tasks across a team, which can speed up delivery and manage multiple campaign strands.
If your business requires this level of resource, an agency might be the better route.
4. Adaptability
Winner: Consultant
Agencies often operate using standardised processes, simply because they manage multiple teams and clients.
While the individuals working on your account may be adaptable, making wider changes can take time due to the setup and number of people involved.
Consultants, however, can tailor their approach from the start and adjust quickly if your business shifts direction.
This kind of agility is especially valuable in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Say you need to alter your SEO strategy mid-way through a project – a consultant can typically action that quickly, whereas agencies may need more time due to internal approvals and coordination.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
A major perk of working with a consultant is having a single, reliable contact handling your SEO from day one.
It spares you the common agency challenge of shifting account managers or disruptions caused by team turnover.
With a consultant, you’re talking directly to the expert – not going through layers of staff.
This kind of open, direct communication leads to quicker decisions and a stronger working dynamic.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
Consultants rely on strong results and client satisfaction to sustain their business, so they’re often more personally invested in your success.
They don’t have directors or departments pulling them in different directions – their energy is focused squarely on helping you achieve your goals.
That level of personal accountability can make a big difference.
Whereas agencies may divide their focus, consultants treat each client as a top priority.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
Both agencies and consultants are capable of delivering strong SEO results.
Agencies often bring in a broader team of specialists, but this can sometimes mean tasks are passed to junior staff for training purposes.
In contrast, consultants usually manage every part of your SEO strategy personally, which helps ensure consistency and quality throughout.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Art SEO agencies and consultants have their strengths.
While agencies bring extensive resources and a variety of skills, consultants may offer a more cost-effective, adaptable, and personalised approach.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of working with an Art SEO consultant…read more