I’ve been around the block when it comes to SEO. Spent more money than I’d like to admit on agencies and so-called experts for companies and startups I’ve worked with. I’ve also been on the other side of the fence, working at big digital marketing agencies and rolling up my sleeves as an SEO consultant.
I mention this because I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. So, if you’re scratching your head wondering, “Should I hire an SEO agency?” trust me, I’ve been there.
Over the past decade, I’ve probably wasted a small fortune trying to figure this out. Let me save you some time (and cash) by breaking down what you need to know about hiring an SEO agency.
BTW… If you’re contemplating between hiring an SEO expert OR an SEO agency, I broke down the pros and cons in this article.
Why Hire an SEO Company?
First off, let’s talk about why you’d even consider bringing an SEO agency on board. If you’re looking for a list of vetted SEO agencies, here you go!
Professionalism
When you hire an SEO company, you’re paying for professionalism. These folks have teams of specialists—technical SEO gurus, content wizards, link-building experts—you name it. They’ve got processes and systems in place to get the job done efficiently.
It’s like hiring the guy in a nice suit over the one with shorts on doing SEO in his basement. Not saying one’s better than the other, but one is certainly more visually appealing.
The Job Will Get Done
Agencies have dedicated resources. Your project won’t fall through the cracks because someone got too busy or decided to take a month-long vacation. They’ve got the manpower to keep things moving.
Peace of Mind
There’s something comforting about handing over your SEO to a team and knowing they’ll handle it. it goes back to the professionalism bit. One less thing for you to stress about. You can focus on running your business while they work on boosting your online presence.
Drawbacks of Hiring an SEO Company or Agency
But let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. There are some downsides you need to be aware of.
Lack of Personal Touch
With agencies, you might feel like just another cog in the machine. You’re not getting that one-on-one attention you’d get with an SEO consultant. Sometimes you end up talking to a different person every time you reach out. It can feel impersonal.
High Cost
Let’s face it—agencies aren’t cheap. Compared to freelancers, they tend to charge higher rates, on average. They’ve got overhead costs like office space, salaries for their team, fancy coffee machines—the works. Those costs get passed on to you. If you’re a small business or startup, this might stretch your budget thin.
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen
Here’s something that drove me nuts when I hired agencies in the past. I’d get emails from person A, then person B, then someone else entirely. The person who sealed the deal was often nowhere to be found once the project started. Communication became a game of telephone, and important details slipped through the cracks. Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it.
You Have No Recourse
Their contracts are usually bulletproof. If they don’t deliver results, you’re kind of stuck. Sure, you might be able to terminate the contract, but getting a refund? Good luck with that. You’re left holding the bag.
How to Hire an SEO Marketing Company
Ask the Right Questions: Don’t just sign on the dotted line with the first agency that comes along. Do your homework.
Who Have They Worked With?
Ask about their past clients. Have they worked with companies in your industry? Do they have experience with businesses of your size? If they mostly handle big corporations and you’re a small startup, that might not be the best fit.
What Do They Actually Do?
Get into the nitty-gritty. What tactics do they use? Are they focused on content creation, backlinks, technical SEO? Make sure their approach aligns with your goals.
What Can You Guarantee?
Sometimes it’s trying to pry a banana out of a gorilla’s hands. But also be wary of agencies that promise you the moon. No one can guarantee specific rankings or results in SEO—there are too many variables at play. But they should be able to provide realistic expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Is SEO the Only Thing They Do?
Some agencies offer everything under the sun—web design, PPC ads, social media management, you name it. While that might sound appealing, sometimes it’s better to go with a company that specializes in SEO if that’s your main focus.
How to Hire the Right SEO Company
Here’s my two cents.
If your sole focus is SEO, go with an agency that lives and breathes it. You want specialists who eat, sleep, and breathe SEO, who stay up-to-date with the latest algorithm changes and best practices.
If you need a broader range of services—like pay-per-click ads, social media management, or web design—then a full-service digital marketing agency might be the way to go.
But remember, whether you’re hiring an SEO agency, a consultant, or thinking about doing it yourself, there’s no magic wand. SEO takes time, effort, and a fair amount of patience.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to your specific needs, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Agencies can offer professionalism and peace of mind, but they come with drawbacks like higher costs and less personal attention.
Do your homework, ask the tough questions, and trust your gut. The right agency can propel your business forward, but the wrong one can set you back both financially and in search rankings.
Good luck out there!
