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
SEO agencies usually consist of a diverse team that include SEO specialists, content creators, digital strategists and web developers.
This mix of expertise positions agencies well for projects that span several digital marketing disciplines.
For businesses requiring an integrated approach, an agency offers the convenience of a consolidated service.
However, for simpler projects focused on a narrow scope, such as just SEO or PPC, this level of resource may be surplus to requirements.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Winner: Consultant
Agencies can offer competitive pricing, but those figures usually account for office rentals, managerial salaries, and administrative costs.
Most consultants work without such overheads. Your money is directed at their know-how rather than the infrastructure behind the scenes.
SEO consultants are frequently the more cost-efficient route.
3. Resources
Winner: Agency
Agencies typically have the manpower to take on bigger projects.
They’re able to assign different team members to specific campaign tasks at the same time.
For companies that need a broader resource base, an agency may be the preferred option.
4. Adaptability
Winner: Consultant
Agencies naturally use set systems and workflows to manage the many people and projects under their care.
This often makes change slower, even when individuals within the team are keen to move quickly.
Consultants don’t have the same restrictions. They can flex their approach easily and respond to your business as it evolves.
That speed of response is often key in today’s fast-paced digital environment.
For example, if your goals shift unexpectedly, a consultant can make adjustments rapidly, while an agency might be tied up in internal coordination.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
Working with a consultant offers the comfort of a single point of contact – someone who’s with you every step of the way.
This helps avoid the confusion that can come from rotating account managers or high staff turnover in agency settings.
Consultants bring a more direct and personal communication style, as they’re the ones actually delivering the work.
That kind of consistency enhances collaboration and builds stronger rapport over time.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
Because their income and reputation are closely tied to performance, SEO consultants are usually highly invested in getting results for their clients.
Agencies tend to work within larger teams, which can sometimes dilute individual focus.
Consultants, on the other hand, are laser-focused on you and your success.
They often see your achievements as a direct extension of their own work.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
Whether you choose an agency or a consultant, high-quality SEO is achievable with either.
Agencies may have larger teams and broader resources, but this sometimes leads to tasks being assigned to junior staff.
Consultants usually take on the full scope of work themselves, which can lead to greater consistency and attention to detail.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Charity 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 a Charity SEO consultant…read more