In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, one question often arises: should you choose an SEO agency or a freelancer? It's a topic worth exploring, as both sides have their merits and unique challenges. Drawing from insights in the Local Search Industry Survey, let's break down the differences in income, hours worked, and more.
The Income Factor: Agency vs. Freelance
Let's talk numbers. According to the survey, local SEOs working in agencies earn 35% more than their freelancer counterparts. Specifically, agency SEOs rake in an average of $66,617 per year, while freelancers earn about $49,422. This is a significant gap that can't be overlooked.
"On average, SEOs in local search agencies earn over $17,000 more per year than freelance SEOs." This disparity can impact your decision, especially if you’re considering long-term sustainability in your career or your business.
Hours on the Clock
Freelancers spend 76% of their working hours on local SEO tasks, whereas agency employees only dedicate about 57%. On average, freelancers clock in 31 hours a week on SEO-related tasks, while agency professionals average 25 hours.
The takeaway? Freelancers are more focused on SEO, potentially leading to more in-depth specialization. Yet, agencies can offer a broader range of services and support, thanks to teamwork and delegation.
Hourly Rates: Who Charges What?
When it comes to billing clients, freelancers typically charge $75 per hour, while agencies charge around $100. This variance is influenced by competition among freelancers targeting smaller clients and the ability of agencies to scale their services for larger budgets.
"Freelancers charge less per hour than agencies do." It’s a classic case of market dynamics at play.
Monthly Revenue Insights
Freelancers pull in an average of $1,228 per month from clients, while agencies see about $2,043. A staggering 71% of freelancers earn less than $1,000 from each client monthly, compared to 46% of agencies. This reveals the inherent challenges freelancers face in maximizing revenue.
Most In-Demand Services
What services are clients clamoring for? Both freelancers and agencies report that on-site optimization tops the list, followed closely by Google My Business optimization. However, agencies tend to see more demand for PPC and web design, while freelancers excel in link building.
It’s crucial to know what’s trending to tailor your services effectively.
Client Management: How Many Are You Juggling?
Agency SEOs manage an average of 23 clients, while freelancers typically handle just 9. The team structure in agencies allows for a more expansive client portfolio, whereas freelancers may have a more personalized approach but at the cost of scalability.
"SEOs in agencies personally manage an average of 23 clients each, while freelancers manage just 9." This suggests that if you're looking for more hands-on management, a freelancer might be your best bet, but for comprehensive services, an agency could be the way to go.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of local SEO is as diverse as the businesses it serves. Whether you lean towards the collaborative environment of an agency or the personalized touch of a freelancer, understanding these differences can help guide your decision.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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