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
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
With multiple teams to coordinate, agencies often lean on standard operating procedures to keep things running smoothly.
While the individuals you deal with may be flexible, the broader team might take time to adjust to changes in direction.
Consultants offer a more fluid experience. They can shape their work around your needs and change tack as required.
That sort of adaptability is invaluable when digital trends shift rapidly.
If, mid-project, you decide to revise your SEO approach, a consultant is generally quicker to implement changes than an agency working through layers of process.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
One standout benefit of hiring a consultant is the continuity they offer – you’ll be working with the same person from start to finish.
This removes the hassle of being passed around different team members or adjusting to new faces, which is often the case with agencies.
Consultants provide a more personal touch, offering direct and efficient communication as they’re the ones carrying out the work.
That level of clarity and consistency helps build trust and makes collaboration far smoother.
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
High-quality SEO can come from either an agency or a consultant.
Agencies might offer a wider skillset across teams, but this can sometimes result in work being passed to junior members for training.
Consultants typically do the work themselves, ensuring everything is handled with care and consistency.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Personal Trainer 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 Personal Trainer SEO consultant…read more