When you start looking for an SEO, you’ll notice there are both SEO agencies and consultants advertising their services online. There are some distinct differences between SEO agencies and SEO consultants. Here’s a look at some of the greatest differences you’ll find between the two.
An SEO agency consists of a team of professionals who collaborate to come up with the right strategies to improve website performance. The typical agency employs experts who specialise in each area of SEO like semantics, keyword research, website design, content marketing, digital PR, etc.
SEO agencies typically charge a set monthly fee, which can vary considerably from one company to the next. You can expect to pay anywhere from £500 a month to £5000 or more, depending on what services are needed to cover the needs of your business.
An SEO consultant is typically an independent contractor who works for him or herself. Most SEO consultants are freelancers who generally work by the hour at a rate ranging from £20 an hour and up.
Since SEO contractors work alone, they don’t have any firms backing them up or vouching for their credibility. To ensure you’re hiring a good one, ask for references and read real client reviews you should be able to find online.
If you have a medium to large business with a big budget, an SEO agency may be the right choice for you. The team of experts at the agency will work in collaboration to develop a well-structured SEO strategy that gets your business seen and keeps it one step ahead of the competition.
If you’re a sole trader or have a small business with a limited budget, an SEO contractor will be a better option. You’ll be working directly with the contractor in setting your budget and developing a plan that covers your basic SEO needs.
When you hire an SEO consultant for a couple hundred pounds a month, you can’t expect amazing results. A consultant can be ideal for getting the basics in place for a new SEO campaign. However, they may lack the budget and time needed to develop an in-depth long-term strategy that brings real, measurable results.
If you go with a consultant, be sure they keep you well informed of the SEO methods they’re using. You don’t want them taking any cheap shortcuts to generate quick results that don’t follow Google’s guidelines.
If you’d like to put your SEO in the best hands possible and you’ve got the money to spend, look for an SEO agency near you. There are many excellent SEO firms in the UK that can deliver amazing results to give your business the winning edge.
Look for a reputable company to work with that has lots of experience. An elite SEO agency will have case studies on its website for you to review and some background information that showcases the company’s areas of expertise. If you do your homework, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a great SEO firm!