In-House SEO vs. Hiring an SEO Agency: A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Best Choice

So, you are a brand or business owner who wants to grow your business’s online visibility organically, improve SERP rankings, and rank for specific, relevant keywords. 

For that, you need to invest consistently in carrying out SEO activities, which are crucial for your business’s growth. Wondering how long SEO efforts take to bear fruit? We have a blog for that! 😉

You are now stuck between making a crucial decision. 

“Carrying out SEO in-house vs. outsourcing to SEO agencies.”

Yes, you need a comprehensive grasp of the potential outcomes and the pros and cons of both sides of the coin before making a decision. Because, let’s face it, you don’t want to end up with a lemon! (There’s only so much lemon shortcake you can handle!) 😉

We at Mavlers have twelve-plus years of experience successfully meeting the SEO needs of 7000+ global clients. We know a thing or two about when one should choose in-house SEO and when to outsource their SEO needs to an agency. 

In the blog that follows, we will share honest and unbiased insights on the following topics:

• An overview of SEO in-house, outsourcing to an agency 
• Comparative analysis of SEO in-house vs. outsourcing based on key factors involved
• Pros & cons of in-house SEO and hiring an SEO agency 
• DIY SEO for small business: Is it worth it?

By the end of this blog, you will be able to decide for yourself the path that is best for your unique SEO needs. 

Let’s get started!

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An overview of SEO in-house, outsourcing to an agency 

Let us begin by understanding the basics of DIY or in-house SEO and its implications.

DIY SEO refers to businesses handling their SEO efforts internally, typically without the aid of outside experts. This can be a viable option for small businesses with limited budgets and a keen interest in learning SEO techniques. 

DIY SEO involves:

1. Keyword research: Identifying relevant keywords that potential customers are searching for.
2. Content creation: Producing high-quality, valuable content that addresses these keywords.
3. On-page optimization: Ensuring that your website’s structure, meta tags, headings, and images are optimized for search engines.
4. Link building: Acquiring backlinks from other reputable websites to improve your site’s authority.
5. Analytics and monitoring: Using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track performance and adjust strategies accordingly.

Now, let’s explore the implications of outsourcing to an SEO agency. 

Hiring an SEO agency involves outsourcing your SEO efforts to a team of professionals who specialize in optimizing websites for search engines. These agencies bring experience, resources, and a strategic approach to boost your online presence. 

Services provided by SEO agencies typically include:

1. Comprehensive SEO audit: Analyzing your website to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
2. Advanced keyword research: Using sophisticated tools and techniques to find high-impact keywords.
3. Technical SEO: Addressing issues related to site speed, mobile-friendliness, and site architecture.
4. Content strategy: Developing a plan for content creation, optimization, and promotion.
5. Link-building campaigns: Implementing strategies to acquire high-quality backlinks.
6. Regular reporting: Providing detailed reports on SEO performance, traffic, and rankings.

Comparative analysis of SEO in-house vs. outsourcing based on key factors involved

To better understand the differences between SEO in-house vs. outsourcing, let’s break down the key factors involved.

1. Cost

Yep, the big one! “How much will it cost?” is often the first and foremost question on the minds of almost anyone who steps out to buy a product or service. 

So here’s a ready reference cost comparison;

Detailed cost breakdown:

In-House SEO:

• Salaries: Hiring a full-time SEO specialist can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year. The average base salary for an SEO expert is $66,250/year.

• Training: Continuous education and training can cost several thousand dollars annually.

• Tools: Subscription to SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz can cost $100 to $400 monthly.

Hiring an SEO agency:

• Monthly retainer: Agencies typically charge between $1,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on the scope of services.  At Mavlers (an Indian offshore digital marketing agency), we charge approximately USD 25 per hour.

• One-time projects: Some agencies offer project-based pricing ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for comprehensive SEO campaigns. The average hourly cost 
• Dedicated resource: The cost of hiring an annual dedicated resource at Mavlers for full-suite, e-commerce, and local SEO is USD 38,400. 

2. Expertise

Wondering how expertise affects one’s choices? Check it out!

Detailed expertise breakdown:

In-house SEO:

• Learning curve: Internal teams may need significant time to master SEO techniques.

• Specialization: Some may lack specialized knowledge in technical SEO, content strategy, or advanced link building.

Hiring an SEO agency:

• Diverse skill set: Agencies have teams with diverse expertise, including technical SEO, content creation, and digital marketing.

• Proven strategies: Agencies have a track record of successful campaigns and can implement tried-and-true strategies.

3. Time commitment

Time commitment can also be a factor that affects one’s choice. Read on for a detailed comparison.

Detailed time commitment breakdown:

In-house SEO:

• Initial setup: Setting up an in-house SEO team and strategy can take several months.

• Ongoing effort: Continuous effort from the team is required to maintain and improve SEO performance.

Hiring an SEO agency:

• Quick start: Agencies can quickly implement strategies due to their experience.

• Ongoing management: Agencies handle ongoing SEO tasks, allowing your team to focus on core business activities.

4. Control & customization 

Here’s how control and customization levels can affect your choices.

Detailed control and customization breakdown:

In-house SEO:

• Direct oversight: Full control over every aspect of the SEO strategy.

• Flexibility: Ability to quickly adapt and change strategies based on real-time data and insights.

Hiring an SEO agency:

• Strategic guidance: Agencies provide strategic direction but may require approval for significant changes.

• Collaboration: Effective communication with the agency is essential to ensure alignment with business goals.

5. Results & ROI

The results and ROI you expect can also play a role in deciding between the two. Here’s how!

Detailed results and ROI breakdown:

In-House SEO:

• Long-term investment: It may take longer to see results, especially if the team is still learning.

• Variable ROI: ROI can vary based on the team’s effectiveness and ability to stay updated with SEO trends.

Hiring an SEO agency:

• Faster results: Agencies often achieve quicker results due to their expertise and resources.

• Higher ROI: Professional strategies and tools typically lead to a higher return on investment.

Pros & cons of in-house SEO and hiring an SEO agency

Let’s begin with exploring the pros and cons of in-house SEO services.

Pros

• Cost savings: No need to pay for external services; you use your existing team.

• Full control: You have complete oversight and can tailor strategies precisely to your needs.

• Team development: Your team gains valuable SEO skills and knowledge through hands-on experience.

• Quick adjustments: Immediate changes can be made based on real-time insights and feedback.

Cons

• Time-consuming: Requires significant time to learn, implement, and maintain SEO strategies.

• Limited expertise: Your team may lack the advanced skills and tools available to professional agencies.

• Longer results timeline: Due to the learning curve and resource limitations, it may take longer to see significant SEO results.

• Ongoing learning: SEO is ever-changing, so your team must continually stay updated with new trends and best practices.

Now, let’s check out the pros and cons of hiring an SEO agency.

Pros

• Expertise: Agencies have experienced professionals with specialized knowledge in SEO.

• Efficiency: Faster implementation and results due to their expertise and resources.

• Comprehensive services: Agencies offer a wide range of services, including keyword research, content creation, technical SEO, and link building.

• Advanced tools: Access to sophisticated SEO tools and technologies that might be too expensive for an in-house team.

Cons

• Higher cost: Agencies can be expensive, with monthly retainers or project fees.

• Less control: You have less direct control over the SEO strategies and must rely on the agency’s approach.

• Communication challenges: Potential for miscommunication or misalignment with your business goals.

• Dependency: Your SEO success is dependent on the agency’s performance and their understanding of your business needs.

DIY SEO for small business: Is it worth it?

For small businesses with limited budgets, DIY SEO can be an attractive option. It allows for cost savings and provides an opportunity to learn valuable skills. However, it requires a significant time investment and a willingness to stay updated with SEO trends and best practices.

Tips for effective DIY SEO

• Educate yourself: Utilize online resources, courses, and forums to learn SEO basics.

• Use free tools: Leverage free SEO tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Moz’s Keyword Explorer.

• Create quality content: Focus on producing high-quality, relevant content that addresses your audience’s needs.

• Optimize on-page elements: Ensure your website’s on-page SEO elements, like meta tags, headings, and internal linking, are optimized.

• Build backlinks: Engage in guest blogging, outreach, and social media to build quality backlinks.

The road ahead 

If you’d like to understand the detailed cost comparison of in-house vs. outsourcing to digital marketing agencies, we have a guide for that, too!