Should You Hire an SEO Expert or a Professional SEO Agency? | Viet SEO

What Is an SEO Expert?

1. Who Is an SEO Expert?

An SEO expert is a professional who has in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in helping websites rank higher on search engines like Google. Instead of focusing on just one area, they combine multiple skills to create a complete SEO strategy. Their expertise usually covers:

• Keyword research: Identifying the right search terms that potential customers use, including long-tail and high-intent keywords.
• On-page SEO: Optimizing website content, titles, meta tags, images, and internal links so that search engines can easily understand and rank the site.
• Off-page SEO: Building authority through high-quality backlinks, brand mentions, and other trust signals across the web.
• Technical SEO: Ensuring the website is fast, mobile-friendly, secure (HTTPS), and free of crawl errors or broken links.
• Data analysis: Using tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, and third-party platforms to study traffic patterns and user behavior.
• Continuous improvement: Keeping up with algorithm updates and adjusting strategies to maintain or improve rankings over time.

2. Role of an SEO Expert

The main role of an SEO expert goes far beyond “just getting keywords to rank.” They act as both a strategist and an analyst who ensures every part of your website is aligned with search engine requirements and user expectations. Their responsibilities often include:

• Developing a comprehensive SEO roadmap that aligns with your business goals.
• Auditing the website to identify what’s working well and what needs fixing.
• Planning and coordinating content creation to target valuable keywords while delivering real value to readers.
• Implementing technical improvements to ensure smooth indexing and a better user experience.
• Monitoring and reporting on rankings, traffic, and conversions, then adjusting strategies based on the latest market trends and Google updates.

In short, an SEO expert is like the architect of your website’s online visibility—someone who ensures all the moving parts work together to drive sustainable traffic and long-term growth.

Should You Hire an SEO Expert or a Professional SEO Agency?

This is a question many business owners—especially those running small to mid-sized companies—face sooner or later. Both freelance SEO experts and full-service SEO agencies can help your website grow, but they do it in very different ways.

A freelance SEO expert usually offers specialized skills, quick turnaround times, and more flexible working arrangements. Because they operate independently, their costs are often lower, making them an attractive option for businesses with a limited budget or smaller projects.

On the other hand, a professional SEO agency provides the strength of an entire team. Instead of relying on one person, you get access to multiple specialists in technical SEO, content creation, link building, and data analysis. Agencies also follow structured processes, use professional-grade tools, and offer continuous support—advantages that are hard for a single freelancer to match.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your unique situation:

• What are your business goals—quick fixes or long-term growth?
• How much time and budget can you realistically invest?
• Do you have in-house staff who can support SEO, or do you need a partner to handle everything?

In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at the trade-offs—covering cost, speed, scope of work, accountability, and scalability—so you can confidently decide which option is the best fit for your business.

Pros and Cons of Hiring an SEO Expert

1. Advantages of Hiring a Freelance SEO Expert

a. Lower cost

One of the biggest appeals of working with a freelance SEO expert is affordability. Since freelancers usually have lower overhead costs compared to agencies, their service fees are often more budget-friendly. This makes them a practical choice for startups, small businesses, or new websites that want to test SEO without committing to a big investment.

b. Flexible scheduling and direct communication

When you hire a freelancer, you work with them directly—no account managers or middle layers. This means faster feedback, easier adjustments, and a more personalized working relationship. You can quickly align strategies, discuss changes, or brainstorm new ideas without waiting for approvals to go through multiple departments.

c. More dedicated attention (in some cases)

Because freelancers often juggle fewer clients at once compared to agencies, they may be able to give more focused attention to your project. If you’re lucky enough to find a highly skilled expert who isn’t overloaded with work, your campaign might benefit from their concentrated time and effort.

2. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Expert

a. Limited skill set and lack of multidisciplinary support

SEO is no longer just about keywords and backlinks. It also requires technical expertise, data analysis, UX/UI knowledge, and even content strategy. A single freelancer may not have mastery in all these areas, which can create gaps in your SEO execution.

b. Hard to verify expertise

The SEO industry doesn’t have strict certifications or standards, so it’s easy for anyone to call themselves an “SEO expert.” Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to separate truly experienced professionals from beginners. Hiring the wrong person can waste both time and money—and worse, poor SEO practices might harm your website’s rankings.

c. Weaker project management and reporting

Agencies typically rely on established workflows, project management systems, and detailed reporting dashboards (with KPIs and progress tracking). Freelancers, on the other hand, may not have such structured processes. This can make it harder to measure progress consistently or to hold them accountable for results.

d. Risk of dependency on a single individual

When you work with a freelancer, all the knowledge, strategies, and ongoing work are tied to one person. If they get sick, become unavailable, or decide to stop working with you, your SEO campaign may stall. In some cases, you might even have to start over with a new expert, which means losing both time and continuity.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional SEO Company

1. Advantages of Hiring an SEO Company

a. Access to a specialized, multi-skilled team

When you work with an SEO agency, you don’t just get one person—you get an entire team of specialists. This often includes content writers, technical SEO experts, web developers, designers, and data analysts. Each member contributes their expertise, ensuring that every aspect of your SEO campaign—from technical audits to content creation—is handled with professional care.

b. Clear and structured processes

Agencies usually follow well-defined workflows and proven methodologies. From keyword research and competitor analysis to on-page optimization and link-building, everything is mapped out in a strategic roadmap. Progress is tracked through measurable KPIs and regular reports, so you always know what’s being done and what results to expect.

c. Broad industry experience

Established SEO companies often work with clients across a wide range of industries such as real estate, healthcare, education, SaaS, and e-commerce. This cross-industry experience gives them valuable insights into what strategies work best in different markets and how to adapt campaigns to fit your business model.

d. Advanced tools and better technical optimization

Professional agencies usually invest in premium SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, or Rank Math Pro. These tools provide deeper insights into keyword opportunities, site audits, competitor performance, and backlink quality. With this level of data, agencies can fine-tune strategies for maximum results—something a single freelancer might not be able to afford.

e. Legal clarity and accountability

Unlike informal freelance agreements, agencies typically operate under formal contracts. These contracts outline clear deliverables, deadlines, and responsibilities, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. If something goes wrong, you have a legal framework to hold the agency accountable.

2. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Company

a. Higher cost

The biggest drawback is the price tag. A professional agency often charges monthly retainers ranging from 10–50 million VND (around $400–$2,000+), and that may not even include content creation or backlink-building costs. For small businesses or startups, this can be a heavy financial commitment.

b. More complex procedures

Because agencies work with multiple teams and departments, their internal processes can sometimes feel slow or bureaucratic. A small change request might take longer to implement compared to working directly with a freelancer.

c. Less personalized service

Since agencies often manage a large portfolio of clients, you may not always get immediate attention. Communication might go through account managers rather than the actual SEO specialists, which can make the relationship feel less personal compared to working one-on-one with a freelancer.

When Should You Hire an SEO Expert?

Hiring a freelance SEO expert is often the right move if your business is still small or just starting out. In particular, you might consider this option if:

• Your budget is limited. Freelancers usually cost less than agencies, making them suitable for startups or small websites that want to test SEO without overspending.
• You only need basic optimization. If your main goals are keyword research, on-page improvements, and regular blog content, a skilled freelancer can often handle these tasks effectively.
• You want more flexibility. Freelancers can adjust their schedules and pricing more easily than agencies, giving you greater control over the scope and pace of your SEO campaign.
• You can handle some tasks internally. If you already have in-house support—for example, a web developer who can fix technical issues or a writer who can produce content—a freelancer can fill in the SEO gaps without needing a full agency team.

In short, a freelance SEO expert makes sense if you’re running a lean operation, want to keep costs under control, and don’t yet need the depth and structure that a larger SEO agency provides.

When Should You Hire a Professional SEO Company?

An SEO agency is often the best choice if your business is growing and you need more than just the basics. You should consider partnering with a professional company when:

• You’re looking for a long-term, holistic SEO strategy. Agencies are built to plan, implement, and scale SEO campaigns over months or even years—not just quick fixes.
• Your website is large or complex. If you run an e-commerce store with hundreds of products, a news site with daily updates, or a corporate site with multiple services, an agency can manage the scale more efficiently than a single freelancer.
• You want to establish a strong and lasting presence on Google. Agencies combine content marketing, technical optimization, and link-building strategies to help you compete in competitive markets and maintain visibility over time.
• You need full-spectrum support. From technical SEO audits and content creation to backlink outreach and advanced analytics, agencies bring together specialists who cover every area of SEO.
• You value professional reporting and accountability. Agencies typically provide detailed monthly reports, transparent KPIs, and legally binding contracts that protect your investment and ensure clear expectations on both sides.

In short, if your business is scaling up, has ambitious growth targets, or operates in a competitive industry, working with a professional SEO company will give you the structure, expertise, and reliability needed to succeed long-term.

SEO Expert vs. SEO Agency — A Direct Comparison

To make the decision easier, let’s put the two options side by side. Below is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between working with a freelance SEO expert and partnering with a professional SEO company. This will give you a clearer picture of which solution aligns best with your business needs and long-term goals.

Choosing the Right SEO Solution for Your Business Goals

With more than 18 years of experience in the SEO field, Việt SEO has supported over 300 businesses in different industries, from small local shops to nationwide enterprises. Throughout this journey, we’ve seen that every business has different goals and resources—and the right SEO solution depends on what you’re aiming for.

• If your needs are relatively small or short-term, such as optimizing a few web pages, fixing technical SEO issues, or testing out online marketing, then working with a freelance SEO expert may be a good fit. Freelancers are usually more flexible, faster to respond, and can handle straightforward tasks at a lower cost.
• If your goal is long-term growth, sustainable visibility, and stronger brand positioning, then partnering with a professional SEO company is the smarter choice. An agency like Việt SEO brings together a full team of specialists—covering keyword research, content strategy, technical optimization, and link-building. We also provide structured processes, advanced tools, and measurable results to ensure your business keeps climbing in search rankings over time.

The key is to choose the solution that matches both your immediate needs and your long-term vision. That way, your SEO investment doesn’t just bring quick wins—it builds a foundation for lasting success.

Viet SEO – A Trusted SEO Partner for Your Business

So, why do so many companies choose VietSEO? It comes down to expertise, transparency, and results.

• We have a dedicated team of more than 15 SEO specialists covering every area—content creation, technical SEO, backlink strategy, and data analysis.
• Our approach is comprehensive: we don’t just improve rankings, we optimize your entire website for performance, conversions, and long-term growth.
• With clear weekly and monthly KPI reports, you’ll always know exactly how your SEO campaign is performing.
• Plus, we provide free consultations and personalized strategy planning to make sure our solutions fit your goals and budget.

Over the past 18 years, we’ve successfully supported clients in a wide range of industries, including:

• Real estate and construction
• Cosmetics and beauty
• Education and training centers
• E-commerce businesses
• Healthcare, dental clinics, and aesthetic services

At Viet SEO, we don’t just deliver SEO—we become a long-term partner in helping your business grow online.

Conclusion

Whether you work with a freelance SEO expert or a professional SEO agency, the right partner can make a big difference in your online growth. The decision really comes down to a few key factors:

• Your business goals
• The budget you’re comfortable with
• The size and complexity of your website
• How quickly and at what scale you want to see results

For small projects or short-term needs, a freelancer might be enough. But if you’re a medium to large business aiming for sustainable growth and long-term visibility, an established SEO company—with the right structure, advanced tools, and proven experience—is usually the smarter investment.

At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that aligns with your vision for growth.

Are you ready to partner with a trusted SEO team to take your business to the next level? VietSEO is here to help.