There has always been a debate in regards to the best option for businesses to acquire the SEO services their business needs, and there is no real answer. There are 3 main routes that can be taken when contracting out your requirement for search engine success. Each has their own pro’s and con’s but really depends upon what the business is looking for in terms of an internet marketing solution.

Agencies

Agencies come in 3 different packages, you have your boutique agencies that specialise in just SEO, your all-in digital agencies that cover everything digital and agencies that offer SEO services as a secondary service. Obviously agencies offering SEO as a “value adding” service are not going to be as up to date and knowledgeable as some more SEO focused agencies, however if you are using them for other services, they maybe worth considering. In reality though, you are most likely to be choosing between Boutique and Full Digital agencies when looking for solely SEO services.

Boutique Agencies

A boutique agency offering SEO, is only focused on SEO. They most likely will have staff specialised in specific areas, such as link building, social media, content writing etc.

Pros

• Up to Date knowledge of latest SEO trends
• Access to good resources for social media & link building
• Focused solely on getting you results

Cons

• Often have no development or design knowledge
• A lot of cowboy companies around offering just SEO
• Not focused on conversions and sales, only rankings

Full Digital Agencies

A full or All-In digital agency will generally be full of very smart, switched on people who keep up to date with the latest trends in design, development and SEO. You will find that a full digital agencies approach to SEO is more rounded, they understand how to turn rankings into sales and page layouts and functionality to keep the users happy. Often SEO consultants will be more well rounded in their skill set, knowing abit about design and development from other colleagues in the office.

Pros

• Up to date on latest trends
• Focused on the overall success of your website
• Often well established with proven success
• Can provide design & development to support SEO

Cons

• Not as specialised on SEO as a boutique agency
• Design & development can sometimes hinder SEO success

In-House

In house SEO experts work well in highly specialised industries, they will know the companies market inside out. Having an in-house SEO expert can also mean that they are less current with their knowledge of search trends and updates, due to the lack of discussion between employees in the same job.

Pros

• Easy to communicate
• Greater knowledge of the business processes
• Dedicated to one business

Cons

• Less up-to-date knowledge of SEO
• Lack of resources for social media and link-building
• No one to discuss SEO related problems or ideas

Freelance

A freelance SEO consultant is usually up to date with the latest search trends and is highly specialised in their field. Dealing with a freelancer is more of a personal experience, since you will be talking and discussing with a single person everytime.

Pros

• Up to date SEO knowledge
• Care about their clients more as it is their personal reputation on the line
• Communication through a single person

Cons

• Lack of resources that agencies possess
• Often work part-time with no set working hours
• Work alone, so have no support or colleagues to discuss ideas and problems

Conclusion

So where should you turn to get your businesses ranking and performing well online? Well there is no real correct answer, only personal preference. If you are a large corporate company, generally an established digital agency due to their experience and resources or an in-house team. However, if you are a small or medium sized business, a freelancer or boutique agency may suit your needs better, especially if your after a more personal experience.