SEO agency, freelancer or in-house team: what suits your store.
There is no best option in the abstract: it depends on how much you sell, how much SEO work you need and how much you want to manage yourself. We are an agency, so we also tell you when we aren’t the answer.
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The comparison in a table.
These are generalisations: there are excellent freelancers, bad agencies and in-house teams without resources. Use it as a starting point, not a verdict.
| Criteria | Freelancer | Agency | In-house team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually the lowest | Mid-range | The highest: salaries, tools and training |
| Skills | One person, with blind spots | Several profiles: technical, content, links, measurement | Tailored, but you have to hire each profile |
| Continuity | Depends on a single person | Covers holidays and sick leave | Stable, although there may be turnover |
| Start-up | Fast | Fast | Slow: recruitment and training |
| Knowledge of the business | Built up over time | Built up over time | The greatest |
| Control | High | Medium, depending on the contract | Total |
When a freelancer fits.
If your store is small, you have a tight budget or you need something limited in scope (an audit, a migration, the optimisation of a few categories), a good freelancer is usually the most efficient option.
The risk is the bottleneck: one person can’t be an expert in technical SEO, content, links and analytics all at once, and if they disappear you are left without continuity.
When an agency fits.
When you need several disciplines at once (technical, content, links and measurement), you have a medium or large catalogue and you don’t want to build a team.
The risks are long contracts, turnover of whoever handles your account and reports full of vanity metrics. Before you sign, run these checks and see what prices are reasonable.
When an in-house team fits.
When SEO is one of your main sales channels and there is ongoing work for one or more people. The usual approach is to start with a generalist profile and lean on external specialists for what they don’t cover.
What you should demand, whichever you choose.
- Goals measured in orders and revenue, not just rankings.
- The accounts (Search Console, Analytics, hosting, domain) in your name, always.
- Reports you can understand without a translator.
- Clear terms: what is included, how much it costs and how you leave if it doesn’t work.
When we aren’t for you.
If you haven’t launched the store yet, or if you only need a specific task, a freelancer usually gives you better value for money. And if your budget doesn’t reach a monthly plan, start with the audit and carry out the priorities yourself or with occasional help.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freelancer cheaper than an agency?
Their monthly fee is usually lower, but compare the scope: what gets done each month, which tools are included and who covers what that person can’t do.
How much does an ecommerce SEO agency cost?
It depends on the scope and the market. There is a pricing guide with ranges and what each rate includes.
Can I switch provider without losing the work done?
Yes, if the accounts and content are in your name and the work is documented. That is why you should demand it from the start.
Want a second opinion before you decide?
With the Pro audit we review what is being done on your store today and tell you clearly what works and what doesn’t, whether you work with us or not.
Get my free audit