The decision to hire an SEO company is a pivotal moment for many businesses aiming to strengthen their online presence. Let’s discuss the critical considerations involved in deciding whether to engage with an SEO agency
An SEO company, or a digital marketing company that also specialises in SEO will have much greater experience than internal employees. When I worked at an SEO agency I had 35 clients that I was personally in charge with, and I was a manager and so also oversaw an additional 41 campaigns. Over my four years of working at an agency I had personally looked after 95 clients, giving me a total of 136 clients sites! Each website is built differently, each industry is different, each campaign had its own unique strategy, its own unique technical problems and different keywords that were needed for success. The experience I had at an agency would never be able to be replicated by an internal employee who was just looking after one site.
Not only that but I have completed several SEO courses from Backlinko (Brian Dean), Jesse Cunningham, Glen Allsopp (SEO Blueprint), Clickslice and Google Fundamentals. The time and effort to learn SEO as well as the cost to buy these courses is significant, and going with an individual or company who already has this expertise will surely save you lots of money than if you were to do it internally.
The positives of in-house SEO are that it may offer more control and brand familiarity. However, would that offset the significant investment in talent, tools, and ongoing training? It depends heavily on the individuals talent. If you hire someone who used to be in an agency then you’ve most likely found yourself a good hire.
Hiring an SEO agency brings a wealth of experience and access to advanced tools and strategies. While it involves cost, agencies can execute comprehensive SEO campaigns, often yielding faster and more impactful results due to their expertise and resources. So in my opinion, if you are serious about results, you’d ideally want to find an experienced SEO company. An experienced SEO company who thoroughly understands your business, brand guidelines, industry, competitors and what it takes to get results.
For small businesses, budget constraints are often a primary concern when considering SEO services. It’s essential to weigh the potential return on investment (ROI) that SEO can provide against the initial and ongoing costs of hiring an SEO agency.
Before running my campaigns, I can undertake keyword research to see if there are opportunities out there worth going for. I can then calculate an ROI based off:
*AMSV – Average Monthly Search Volume (from keyword research)
*CTR – Clickthrough Rate
*AOV – Average Order Value
SEO should be seen as a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. Small businesses must evaluate how SEO aligns with their broader marketing and business growth strategies, considering that the benefits of SEO, such as increased organic traffic and improved online visibility, accrue over time.
Before engaging with an SEO company, it’s vital to clarify your business’s SEO goals. Are you looking to improve overall website visibility, enhance local search presence, or drive specific product sales? Clear goals will guide your discussions with potential SEO partners.
Consider whether the SEO company has experience and understands your market’s unique challenges. Inquire about their approach to SEO, including whether they offer comprehensive services or specialise in particular aspects like on-page SEO, technical SEO, or link building.
Businesses should consider hiring an SEO expert when they aim to refine their SEO strategy, face challenges in driving website traffic, or when in-house resources are insufficient to manage SEO effectively. It’s also crucial when businesses lack the time or expertise to keep up with SEO best practices and algorithm updates.
Hiring an SEO expert may also be prudent if you’re planning significant website changes, such as a redesign or migration, which can have substantial SEO implications. Additionally, if your industry is highly competitive and you’re struggling to make a mark, or if your SEO efforts are not yielding the desired results, it may be time to bring in an expert.
Deciding whether to hire an SEO company is a significant consideration that requires a thorough understanding of your business’s SEO needs, resources, and long-term marketing goals. It’s about balancing the cost with the potential for improved search visibility, traffic, and customer engagement that professional SEO services can offer. Businesses must carefully evaluate their internal capabilities, budget constraints, and the strategic fit of potential SEO partners.
Perhaps you’d like to book a free consultation with myself and see if we could be good fit?
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