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
Although agencies can offer competitive pricing, but that usually includes the burden of office rent, team managers, and administrative support.
Consultants work differently. There’s no organisational padding – just direct access to their professional insight.
Consultants are often the wiser financial choice in SEO.
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
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
A consultant’s business depends on their ability to deliver strong results and keep clients happy – making them personally invested in your outcomes.
Agencies, with their broader teams and internal hierarchies, might not offer the same level of personal focus.
Consultants often provide more attentive service as a result.
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
You can receive excellent SEO services from both consultants and agencies.
Agencies might offer access to various experts, though this often means parts of the work are given to less experienced team members for development.
Consultants tend to handle everything themselves, offering a more consistent and detail-focused approach.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Property 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 Property SEO consultant…read more