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
SEO agencies, by nature, typically have a broad team of experts including SEO specialists, developers, account strategists, copywriters and more.
This diversity allows agencies to handle projects requiring multiple skill sets across teams.
For businesses needing a wide range of services, an agency can provide a one-stop solution.
However, this breadth of skills may not always be necessary for projects requiring only 1-2 skill sets (e.g. SEO/PPC).
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
Agencies typically have the manpower to take on bigger projects.
They’re able to assign different team members to specific campaign tasks at the same time.
For companies that need a broader resource base, an agency may be the preferred option.
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 key advantage of working with a consultant is having one consistent point of contact throughout the project.
This means you avoid the common agency experience of being handed from one account manager to another or dealing with staff changes mid-way through.
With a consultant, communication tends to be clearer and more direct, as you’re speaking to the person actually doing the work.
This kind of connection not only saves time but also helps foster a stronger, more collaborative relationship.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
For consultants, client success isn’t just a goal – it’s essential to their continued business.
They’re not buffered by layers of management or corporate structures like agencies often are.
That personal motivation tends to drive greater attention and dedication.
Where agencies may be balancing dozens of accounts, a consultant is more likely to treat your success as their own.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
Agencies and consultants alike can deliver impressive SEO outcomes.
Agencies may provide access to specialist teams, although that structure can involve delegating work to junior staff members for development.
With consultants, the same person typically oversees all aspects of your SEO, offering a hands-on and consistent approach.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both White Label 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 White Label SEO consultant…read more