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
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
Owing to their access to a larger pool of professionals, agencies are often the go-to for sizeable SEO campaigns.
They can delegate responsibilities across their team, tackling several aspects at once.
If your business is after that kind of scale, an agency might suit your needs better.
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
One of the clear benefits of choosing a consultant is consistency – you’ll deal with the same person throughout your project.
Unlike agencies, where staff changes and account handovers are more common, consultants provide stability.
You’re in touch with the individual doing the actual work, not a middleman.
That makes communication simpler and helps to build a more genuine working 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
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 Golf Club 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 Golf Club SEO consultant…read more