Choosing the right direction to build an SEO program around is one of the most important decisions an organization will make for their business. I have experienced a variety of situations and challenges in my +20 year SEO career.
Whether you are rebuilding or starting from scratch, bring me to help weigh the options and recommend the right direction to take. Leverage my successes and failures to ensure that your team is prepared to navigate the challenges that come with each of the potential options.
Most companies will go with one of the following models:
The ”Hire A Guy” Option
One of the most common places to start building an SEO program is to pass on the agency or in-house approach and just “hire a guy.” This is common with start-ups or SMB’s who don’t have the budget for the other options. Usually someone in leadership knows “a guy” or find an expert and give them the power and authority to develop the program.
The In-House Team Option
When the stakes are too high to entrust to a single person, the next conversation will likely be to build an in-house team. Hiring a team of experts provides you with hands-on control of your program. It ensures that your organization’s needs will always be at the forefront of all decisions because they have a vested interest in your success.
The Outsource to an Agency Option
Another popular direction, especially for big companies with large budgets, is to outsource everything to an external agency. With this decision, the entire program is entrusted to an outside entity. It is handed over with the assumption that they will build the program to a level far beyond what a one-person show or in-house team would be able to, and avoid the headaches of additional salary and overhead.
The Hybrid Option
Another popular option is go with a hybrid model. These organizations hire a person or small team to be the internal champions and represent the best interests of the company. The majority of the day-to-day work is offloaded to an agency. It can be the best of both worlds.
The SEO Consultant Option
There is also a fourth option, to partner with a consultant. Knowing the theme of this website, I’m sure that you already know which one I am going to support. There are many benefits to engaging with a consultant that you often cannot get with an agency or in-house team – the biggest two are an impartial assessment and affordability. Find out more about the challenges of trusting your program to an SEO consultant.
Read more about each of these SEO Program Models
Make an Empowered Decision
Engaging with me as consultant to provide Advisory SEO services will instantly empower your decision-makers. They will gain the insight that comes with the experience of navigating each of these models, in both in-house and agency scenarios.
What Advisory Services Looks Like
I will meet virtually and/or come in to your office to investigate your organizations current situation. I will gain understanding of your company’s needs and future goals. I will analyze the current metrics, and get to know your current staff and/or agency. Ultimately I will provide an unbiased recommendation for the most effective way to move forward.
Let’s not waste any time and money and get started today.