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, by nature, typically have a broad team of experts including SEO specialists, developers, account strategists, copywriters and more.
This allows them to collaborate effectively on cross-functional projects.
For brands looking for a single provider to cover a wide array of needs, agencies can be a natural fit.
Nonetheless, when the task at hand is relatively narrow, like SEO or PPC, this broader capacity may not be essential.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Winner: Consultant
Agency rates can be competitive, but they usually reflect the costs of offices, managers, and support staff.
Consultants usually avoid these layers. What you’re paying for is their time, their skill, and nothing more.
That’s why SEO consultants are often more affordable overall.
3. Resources
Winner: Agency
When it comes to large-scale SEO work, agencies often shine due to having a wider team available.
They can deploy several people to manage different parts of your campaign simultaneously.
If your business needs that kind of capacity, choosing an agency may be the best move.
4. Adaptability
Winner: Consultant
Due to their scale, agencies often stick to fixed processes that help them manage teams and client work consistently.
This can sometimes create delays if updates to your account or direction are needed.
Consultants are able to adapt in real-time, offering a service that’s closely aligned with your unique requirements.
In the digital world, where priorities can change quickly, this can be a significant advantage.
So, should your strategy need a quick turnaround, a consultant can often act immediately, unlike agencies that may need to consult management first.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
A strong reason to work with a consultant is the continuity of dealing with one person throughout your SEO journey.
You sidestep the common agency pitfall of multiple handovers or changes in personnel.
Communication is typically quicker and more meaningful, as you’re speaking directly to the person doing the job.
This clarity can save time and strengthen your professional relationship.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
With SEO consultants, you often get a deeper level of commitment – their business thrives on results and happy clients.
Agencies, by contrast, typically work within larger structures where client focus can be diluted by internal priorities.
Consultants, working independently, are driven to deliver great outcomes.
For them, your success directly reflects on their own – which often leads to a more dedicated partnership.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
Consultants and agencies both have the ability to deliver strong SEO campaigns.
Agencies may draw on a mix of experts, but that often involves delegating tasks to more junior staff as part of their development.
Consultants, however, usually manage the full project themselves, which means your strategy benefits from a more personal, detail-oriented approach.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Commercial Fit Out 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 Commercial Fit Out SEO consultant…read more