SEO is one of the most cost-efficient marketing techniques you can use and it’s essential if you want to build brand recognition and authority. It can also get very complex, and while you can get some decent results doing your SEO, there comes a time when you have to get serious and either hire an agency or build an in-house team. Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding the benefits and limitations of each will allow you to make a better decision. Let’s take a look at whether outsourcing or keeping SEO in-house is the best option.

The Pros and Cons of Building an In-House Team

The biggest benefit of hiring an in-house team to handle your SEO is transparency. You’ll have more insight into what they’re doing and will be able to see the results of their efforts in real-time. You won’t have to worry about not being able to reach your SEO expert either. You’ll know that they’ll always be there to answer your questions. You’ll also get their undivided attention while an agency will have to juggle multiple clients.

One of the issues with hiring an SEO team, however, is that you’ll most likely have to appoint them to tasks outside of SEO. Most SEO work is about maintenance and monitoring and your team will need to be very creative to find things to do if you don’t have them handle other functions. You should also know that finding top-shelf talent in this business is very hard, especially if you’re a small business.

The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing SEO

One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing SEO is that they will usually have access to a much better talent pool than you. Reputable SEO companies attract the best in the business or work with top-level contractors. You’ll be able to instantly benefit from their expertise and get predictable results.

You’ll also only have to pay for services rendered. You won’t have to deal with things like employees not turning up or benefits either. And you won’t have to spend time and money recruiting employees who may or may not stay with your company.

The only issue with outsourcing SEO is that you won’t be able to be as close to the process. Some companies will make it very hard for you to reach them, and the level of service you get may vary depending on how important you are to them. So, this is something you’ll have to be prepared for.

Which One is the Best Option?

Unless you have the money to hire a full-time team to handle SEO and your needs are extensive, we would advise that you go with a skilled and reputable agency instead. They will allow you to concentrate on what matters most, keep your overheads under control, and usually get much better results.

At the end of the day, only you can tell if outsourcing or keeping things in-house is better for you. Take a close look at your budget, needs, and objectives before you make your final decision.