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:

  1. Variety of Skills
  2. Cost-Effectiveness
  3. Resources
  4. Adaptability
  5. Communication
  6. Personalised Service
  7. 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

While agency quotes can be cost-effective, they often build in expenses for physical premises, leadership staff, and admin personnel.

With consultants, you bypass all of that. You’re investing in their knowledge, not a corporate hierarchy.

Consequently, SEO consultants typically prove the more economical option.

3. Resources

Winner: Agency

With multiple team members on hand, agencies are naturally geared towards supporting larger projects.

They’re able to work on several campaign elements in parallel by leveraging their broader resource base.

If your requirements are extensive, involving several moving parts, an agency could be the right choice.

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 most significant benefits of working with a consultant is having a single, consistent point of contact.

This eliminates the frustration of being passed between account managers or dealing with staff turnover, which can be common in agencies.

With a consultant, communication is often more straightforward, efficient, and personal as you will be talking to the person actually doing the work, not an account manager or new member of the team.

Clear communication not only saves time but also helps to build a stronger working relationship.

6. Personal Service

Winner: Consultant

SEO consultants are personally invested in your success because their livelihood depends directly on their results and client satisfaction.

Unlike agencies, which often report to directors or larger management teams, consultants focus solely on your needs.

This personal attention often translates into better service and more dedication.

For example, while an SEO agency may treat you as one of many clients, a consultant sees your success as a reflection of their own.

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 Museum 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 Museum SEO consultant…read more