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

Having a website is not enough — it must be found on Google, and that can only be achieved through SEO (Search Engine Optimization). SEO is not just about adding keywords to content or inserting a few links. It’s a technical and strategic process that requires research, constant updates, and hands-on experience. That’s why SEO experts were born — professionals with deep expertise who understand Google’s algorithms and know how to sustainably get websites to the top.

What Is an SEO Expert?

1. Who Is an SEO Expert?

An SEO expert is a professional with specialized skills and experience in:

• Keyword research
• On-page SEO (content optimization)
• Off-page SEO (link building)
• Technical SEO
• Data analysis and user behavior insights
• Monitoring and continuously optimizing SEO campaigns

2. Role of an SEO Expert

They are responsible for:

• Developing a holistic SEO strategy
• Analyzing strengths and weaknesses of the website
• Planning content and technical implementation
• Monitoring, measuring, and adjusting based on market trends and algorithm updates

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

This is a common question among businesses, especially small to medium enterprises. Both independent SEO experts (freelancers) and professional SEO agency has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s analyze them thoroughly to help you choose the right solution for your actual needs.

 

Pros and Cons of Hiring an SEO Expert

1. Advantages of Hiring a Freelance SEO Expert

a. Lower cost

Freelancers typically charge less than full-service SEO companies, making them suitable for small businesses, startups, or new websites.

b. Flexible scheduling and direct communication

You can work directly with them, easily adjust strategies, and get quick feedback without intermediaries.

c. Focus on one project at a time

If the expert handles fewer projects, they can dedicate more time and attention to your campaign.

2. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Expert

a. Lack of multidisciplinary support

SEO involves more than just writing. It requires technical, design, and data analysis skills—areas where one person might not be proficient in all.

b. Hard to assess real capability

Many freelancers claim to be experienced, but verifying that can be difficult. Mistakes can seriously affect your site’s performance.

c. Weaker project management

Unlike agencies, freelancers may not have structured workflows or detailed reporting systems (KPIs).

d. Dependency on a single person

If the freelancer becomes unavailable, you may lose project continuity or need to restart with someone new.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional SEO Company

1. Advantages of Hiring an SEO Company

a. A specialized, multi-skilled team

You’ll have content writers, developers, analysts, and designers—each handling their part to ensure overall success.

b. Clear and structured processes

Professional SEO agency provides a roadmap from research to implementation and reporting, with measurable KPIs.

c. Broad industry experience

They’ve likely worked across real estate, education, healthcare, SaaS, e-commerce, etc., and can adapt strategies accordingly.

d. Better technical optimization

Agencies often use premium tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, Rank Math Pro, etc., for full-scope analysis.

e. Legal clarity and accountability

Contracts ensure deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities are clearly defined—no risk of being left midway.

2. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Company

a. Higher cost

Monthly fees can range from 10–50 million VND (approx. $400–$2,000+), excluding content or backlink budgets.

b. More complex procedures

Some agencies have rigid internal processes, which can slow down communication or small adjustments.

c. Less personalized service

Agencies may manage multiple clients at once, meaning responses or adjustments may not be instant.

When Should You Hire an SEO Expert?

You should consider hiring a freelance SEO expert if:

• Your website is small, with a limited budget
• You need basic optimization (keywords, on-page, blog writing)
• You want flexibility in timing and cost
• You can manage content or technical tasks internally

When Should You Hire a Professional SEO Company?

You should choose an SEO agency if:

• You need a long-term, holistic SEO strategy
• Your website has a lot of content, products, or services
• You aim to build a strong, lasting presence on Google
• You need full support: technical SEO, content, link building, and analytics
• You want professional reporting, transparency, and legally binding contracts

Quick Comparison: Freelance SEO vs. SEO Company

Criteria	Freelance SEO	Professional SEO Company
Cost	Lower	Higher, but more structured
Response time	Faster, more flexible	May be slower due to workflows
Team support	One person	Multi-role team
Legal accountability	Limited or unclear	Clear contract, formal process
Tools and software	Limited	Full suite of professional tools
Reporting & KPIs	May lack structure	Scheduled reports with KPIs

Advice from Viet SEO – Choosing the Right Solution Based on Your Goals

With over 18 years of experience in the SEO industry in Vietnam, Việt SEO has worked with more than 300 businesses across various sectors.

We recommend:

• If you only need small-scale optimization → a freelancer SEO may be sufficient
• If you aim for long-term growth and visibility → choose a professional SEO company

VietSEO – A Trusted SEO Partner for Businesses

Why choose Viet  SEO?

• Over 15 SEO team members: content, technical, backlink, data analysis
• Comprehensive optimization: technical SEO, content, and conversion
• Transparent KPI reports weekly/monthly
• Free consultation and strategy planning tailored to your budget and goals

Industries we’ve served:

• Real estate
• Cosmetics & beauty
• Education & training
• E-commerce
• Healthcare, dental clinics, aesthetics

Conclusion

SEO experts—whether freelance or from a professional company—play a vital role in your online growth strategy.

However, deciding whether to hire an SEO expert or a professional SEO company depends on:

• Your business goals
• Budget
• Website size
• Desired speed and scale of results

For medium to large businesses aiming for sustainable growth, choosing an SEO agency with the right structure, tools, and experience is often the smartest solution.

Are you looking for a reliable SEO expert for your business?