In-House SEO Team vs. SEO Freelancer: Which is the Better Choice?
SEO is a must for any business looking to grow online. Whether you run a startup, an e-commerce store, or a large company, getting your website to rank higher on search engines can help attract customers and increase sales. But when it comes to managing SEO, there’s always the question: should you hire an in-house SEO team or work with a freelancer?
Each option has its benefits and downsides, depending on your business size, budget, and goals. As a freelancer myself, I’ve seen firsthand how businesses benefit from hiring independent SEO professionals. Let’s break down the differences to help you decide what works best for you.
In-House SEO Team: Pros and Cons
Pros of Hiring an In-House SEO Team
- Better Understanding of Your Business
An in-house team works only for your company, so they get familiar with your brand, industry, and audience, allowing them to create more tailored SEO strategies. - Direct Collaboration with Other Teams
Since they work in the same office (or remotely within the company), they can coordinate easily with content writers, developers, and marketing staff to align SEO efforts. - Full-Time Focus on SEO
With a dedicated team, your SEO strategy is always a priority, with regular updates and long-term planning.
Cons of Hiring an In-House SEO Team
- Higher Costs
Hiring full-time employees means paying salaries, benefits, and training costs. In Pakistan, experienced SEO specialists can earn between PKR 60,000 – 500,000+ per month, which can be a big investment for small businesses. - Limited Expertise in Some Areas
SEO covers various fields like technical SEO, content strategy, and link building. Unless you have a diverse team, there may be gaps in skills. - Finding and Retaining Talent is Tough
SEO professionals are in demand, and hiring the right people can be challenging. Retaining them can be even harder, especially if competitors offer better salaries or remote work options.
SEO Freelancer: Pros and Cons
Pros of Hiring an SEO Freelancer
- Cost-Effective
Freelancers charge based on projects or hourly work, making them a more affordable choice than hiring a full-time employee. In Pakistan, freelance SEO professionals typically charge PKR 20,000 – 300,000+ per month, depending on experience and workload. - Specialized Skills
Many freelancers focus on specific SEO areas like technical audits, link building, or content optimization. You can hire an expert for exactly what you need without paying for skills you don’t use. - Flexibility
Freelancers work on a project basis, so you can scale up or down as needed. This is great if you need SEO help occasionally rather than full-time. - Industry Experience
Since freelancers work with different clients, they bring fresh ideas and insights from various industries, keeping their knowledge up to date with the latest SEO trends.
Cons of Hiring an SEO Freelancer
- Limited Availability
Freelancers juggle multiple clients, so their response time may not be as fast as an in-house employee’s. - Consistency Can Vary
If you work with different freelancers over time, your SEO strategy might lack consistency. Long-term partnerships help solve this problem. - Finding the Right Freelancer Takes Time
Not all freelancers deliver quality work. Checking reviews, portfolios, and past results is essential before hiring.
Which One is Best for Your Business?(use table for this)
| Factor | In-House SEO Team | Freelancer |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | High (Salaries, Benefits) | Lower (Project-based, Hourly) |
| Ongoing vs. Short-Term Needs | Best for long-term SEO strategy | Best for short-term or project-based work |
| Control & Communication | Direct oversight | Independent but requires clear instructions |
| Specialized Expertise | Limited to team’s knowledge | Can hire a specialist for specific needs |
| Flexibility | Harder to scale quickly | Easy to hire or switch experts as needed |
Go for an In-House SEO Team If:
- You have a large budget and need SEO full-time.
- Your business relies heavily on SEO for growth.
- You need constant coordination with other departments.
Go for an SEO Freelancer If:
- You need SEO help for specific projects or occasional work.
- You want a cost-effective solution without long-term commitments.
- You need specialized SEO skills without hiring a full team.
Final Thoughts
Both options can work well, but the right choice depends on your business needs. If SEO is central to your business and you have the budget, an in-house team can provide consistency and close collaboration. But if you need flexibility, cost savings, or expertise for specific SEO tasks, hiring a freelancer is a smart choice.
As an SEO freelancer, I’ve worked with businesses across different industries, helping them improve their SEO while keeping costs manageable. If you’re considering hiring a freelancer, take the time to find someone with the right skills and experience to match your business needs. SEO is an ongoing process, and the right approach—whether in-house or freelance—can make all the difference in your success online.
