In the fast-paced world of SEO, the path you choose today can define your company’s visibility and success for years to come. Picking the right approach isn’t just about strategy — it’s about impact.
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” Model
A common starting point for smaller businesses and startups is to “hire a guy” rather than committing to a full in-house team or agency. Usually, someone in leadership knows an SEO expert or finds one to lead the program. This model is often chosen due to budget constraints and can be a stepping stone for those just getting started.
The In-House Team Model
When the stakes are high, companies may decide to build an in-house SEO team. This provides direct control over the program and ensures that decisions align closely with organizational goals. An in-house team, invested in the company’s success, can maintain a consistent focus on long-term objectives.
The Agency Model
Larger companies with substantial budgets often outsource to an agency, trusting an external team to handle the entire SEO program. This model offers access to specialized resources and expertise, relieving internal teams from the need to manage additional staff and overhead while aiming to achieve top-tier results.
The Hybrid Model
The hybrid model combines the benefits of both in-house and agency approaches. In this setup, a small internal team represents the company’s interests, while the majority of day-to-day tasks are managed by an external agency. This allows for a balance of control, cost efficiency, and expertise.
The SEO Consultant Model
And finally, there’s the option of partnering with a consultant. Given the nature of my website, you may already guess which option I support! A consultant provides an impartial, affordable solution that’s often challenging to find with an agency or in-house team. Engaging with a consultant can offer a fresh perspective, grounded in a broad range of experiences.
To summarize the value proposition of each model:
- “Hire A Guy” – An affordable starting point for smaller businesses looking to gain a foothold in SEO.
- In-House Team – Achieve consistent, hands-on control with a team invested in your success.
- Agency – Access specialized expertise and resources with minimal internal overhead.
- Hybrid – The best of both worlds—balanced control and cost efficiency.
- Consultant – A fresh, impartial perspective with solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Read more about each of these SEO Program Models
Empowered Decision-Making
When you partner with me, you’re not just hiring an advisor—you’re gaining a strategic ally who’s been through the trenches and understands what it takes to succeed. Together, we’ll define a clear, impactful SEO path that leverages both industry trends and hard-earned experience.
What Advisory Services Look Like
I’ll work closely with your team, either virtually or in person, to assess your current SEO situation. Together, we’ll analyze your company’s needs, future goals, and current metrics, as well as the strengths of your existing staff and/or agency partnerships. The result will be an unbiased recommendation on the best way forward for your SEO program.
Let’s unlock your team’s potential and make data-driven, impactful decisions together. Contact me today to start building an SEO program that sets you apart.