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SEO consultant or SEO agency? How to choose

Simon Tern

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Simon Tern

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An SEO consultant and an SEO agency do basically the same work: technical SEO, content and links. The difference is who you talk to, how the work is organised and how you pay. Neither is better in itself. It depends on what you need.

Who does the work?

With a consultant, you talk to the person who actually does the analysis and makes the decisions. At an agency it is often a team with several roles, such as an account manager, a project manager and specialists. That can be an advantage when a lot has to be produced. It can be a drawback when information has to pass between several people.

How do you pay?

Agencies often work with a fixed monthly fee or a package price. Consultants vary. I work with a fixed price for a review, monthly for ongoing work and a quote for defined projects. Always ask what is included and how you follow up.

Minimum term and transparency

Ask for answers to three questions, whoever you choose:

  1. How long is the minimum term, and what happens if we want to end it?
  2. Do we get full insight into what is done, and are accounts and tools in our name?
  3. How do you measure results? The answer should be about enquiries and revenue, not just rankings.

When does a consultant fit?

  • You want specialist SEO knowledge without hiring.
  • You want to talk to the person who actually does the work.
  • You already have an agency or an in-house team and want strategy and quality assurance.

When does an agency fit?

  • You need many channels and large output at the same time, such as lots of pages, campaigns and graphics.
  • You want a supplier that can cover for staff during holidays and illness.

Can you use both?

Yes, and it is common. An arrangement I often see is that I set the strategy and quality check, while your existing agency produces. That way you do not have to switch supplier to get better foundations.

If you are unsure what fits, talk to me. I will tell you honestly whether I am the right person for you.

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