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
With SEO agencies, it’s common to find a diverse team that includes SEO experts, developers, account leads and content specialists.
This enables them to approach projects from various angles and handle a range of digital marketing needs.
For businesses after a comprehensive solution, agencies can offer significant advantages.
But if the project is limited in scope, such as involving just SEO or PPC, such a wide team may not be required.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Winner: Consultant
Agencies can provide competitive rates, but it’s worth remembering they also carry the costs of office premises, management teams, and support staff.
Independent consultants generally avoid these overheads. You’re paying for their skills and experience, not the extra layers that come with an agency structure.
All things considered, SEO consultants often represent the more economical choice.
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 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
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
Consultants are often more personally invested in your success, simply because their livelihood depends on it.
They’re not answering to a board or working across dozens of accounts – their attention is fully on your needs.
This often leads to a more attentive and dedicated service.
Where agencies may juggle dozens of clients, a consultant treats your success as their own win.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
Both consultants and agencies can provide effective SEO support.
While agencies may bring multiple specialists to the table, it’s common for work to be passed to junior team members to build their experience.
Consultants generally carry out all elements of the strategy themselves, which helps maintain consistency and a high standard of execution.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Driving Instructor 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 Driving Instructor SEO consultant…read more