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
Although agencies can offer competitive pricing, their fees often reflect the costs of running offices, employing managers, and supporting admin teams.
Consultants, on the other hand, operate with leaner setups. Your investment goes directly into their hands-on expertise, not into funding a larger operation.
For budget-conscious businesses, SEO consultants tend to offer better value.
3. Resources
Winner: Agency
With multiple professionals on hand, agencies are usually better equipped for large-scale SEO efforts.
They can divide tasks among team members, allowing different elements of your campaign to progress in parallel.
For businesses needing a broader team effort, working with an agency might be more practical.
4. Adaptability
Winner: Consultant
Because agencies juggle multiple people and projects, they often depend on pre-set processes to keep everything on track.
This structure can sometimes delay updates or changes to your campaign setup.
Consultants, on the other hand, are nimble. They tailor their approach and can pivot as your priorities shift.
In a dynamic digital space, that kind of adaptability is a real strength.
For example, if you need to shift gears halfway through a campaign, a consultant can typically act straight away, while agencies may need more time to get everyone aligned.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
One key benefit of working with a consultant is the simplicity of having a single, steady point of contact.
This removes the typical agency experience of juggling different team members or onboarding new account managers.
Consultants offer direct access and communication with the person doing the work, not someone relaying messages.
That directness leads to better collaboration and a more efficient working relationship.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
SEO consultants typically go the extra mile because your success impacts their livelihood directly.
They aren’t distracted by internal politics or reporting structures – their sole focus is meeting your needs.
This often results in a stronger commitment and higher quality service.
Unlike agencies, where you might be one of dozens, a consultant is personally invested in seeing you succeed.
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 Window Cleaner 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 Window Cleaner SEO consultant…read more