Let’s face it: SEO can be confusing. You know it’s important, but should you really invest in an SEO agency? If you’ve been trying to boost your sales and leads through SEO and aren’t sure where to start, this guide will help you figure out if bringing in an SEO agency is the right move.
What Does an SEO Agency Do?
SEO agencies help businesses get found on search engines like Google and Bing, driving more traffic from the web. But a great agency, like Mira Marketing, goes beyond just keyword rankings and traffic, they focus on strategies that directly impact your revenue.
Instead of driving traffic for the sake of it, they target valuable, relevant keywords that attract people who are ready to buy or take action. Their optimization efforts also include ensuring your site is set up to turn visitors into paying customers. This means fine-tuning your site’s speed, structure, and content to provide a seamless user experience.
Why You May Need an SEO Agency
You Lack the Time to Manage a DIY SEO
SEO isn’t a one-and-done task. It requires staying updated with algorithm changes, optimising your site’s content and structure, and managing off-page factors like link building. It takes time to handle all this properly.
If you’re already juggling the responsibilities of running a business or handling other marketing channels, keeping up with these demands isn’t easy. An SEO agency can take this off your plate so you can focus on what matters most.
Your Website isn’t Bringing in Enough Traffic
If your website isn’t attracting visitors, an SEO agency can help pinpoint why. It could be poor keyword targeting, slow site speed, or outdated content.
An agency will conduct a thorough audit of your website, identify weak spots, and implement strategies to get more people to your site. They’ll also make sure the traffic you get is relevant and likely to convert rather than just increasing numbers without any real impact on your business.
You Need to Stay Competitive
Your competitors are likely investing in SEO to capture valuable online traffic. If you’re not doing the same, you risk losing out on organic leads and sales that would cost you way less than paid ads.
A search engine optimisation agency will help you stay competitive by researching what your competitors are doing and developing strategies to outperform them. They’ll work to ensure that your business stands out in search results.
You Want to Focus on Revenue Growth, Not Just Traffic
SEO isn’t just about getting people to your website; it’s about turning those visitors into customers. A good SEO agency will focus on more than just rankings and traffic.
They’ll prioritise conversion rate optimization (CRO), ensuring that the people who visit your site are more likely to take action, such as making a purchase, filling out a contact form, or signing up for your newsletter. The agency can help drive meaningful results that impact your bottom line.
You Don’t Have The In-House Expertise
SEO is more complex than it seems at first glance. It’s not just about adding keywords to your website; it’s about understanding how search engines work, fixing technical issues, and creating a user experience that drives conversions.
If you or your team don’t have the specialised knowledge to manage all these aspects, an SEO agency can bring the expertise you need to succeed. They’ll have a team of professionals who live and breathe SEO, ensuring your strategy is both up-to-date and effective.
In-house vs Agency SEO
When it comes to hiring for SEO, you have two options: building an in-house team or hiring an agency. Each has its pros and cons.
In-house SEO
Having an in-house SEO team means you have dedicated people working on your website full-time. They can quickly adapt to your company’s needs and work closely with other departments.
However, building a skilled team can be costly and time-consuming. You’ll need to invest in training, tools, and ongoing education to keep up with ever-changing SEO practices. But if your team doesn’t have enough experience, they might struggle to keep up with industry shifts and best practices.
Agency SEO
On the other hand, an SEO agency brings a team of experts with diverse skill sets, from technical SEO to content and link-building. They’ve already invested in the latest tools and training, so you don’t have to.
Plus, they can scale their services based on your needs, which means you can get specialised help without committing to hiring full-time staff. Agencies also come with experience working across various industries, giving them a broader perspective on what strategies work best.
Which one is right for you?
If you have the budget and resources to build a highly skilled team and keep them trained, in-house SEO could work. But if you want flexibility, access to experts, and a more cost-effective option, partnering with an agency might be the smarter move.
How to Choose the Right SEO Agency
To make sure you’re partnering with the right one, here are a few factors to consider;
Check Their Track Record
A good SEO agency should be able to show you evidence of its success. Ask for case studies, client testimonials, or examples of businesses it’s helped. If it’s consistently delivered results, it’s a strong indicator that it can help you, too. You also want an agency that has experience in your industry or similar-sized businesses so you know how it can handle your specific needs.
Ask About their Strategy
Every business is different, and your SEO strategy should reflect that. The right SEO company will create a customised plan based on your goals, not just offer cookie-cutter solutions. Ask them how they plan to approach your SEO and ensure they explain it in a way that makes sense. If they can’t clearly outline their process and how it will translate to growing your business, that’s a red flag.
Transparency Matters
A reputable agency should be transparent about what they are doing. Make sure they do provide regular reports on progress and are clear about the methods they use. You want to know how your site is performing, what’s working, and what’s not. Be way of any agency that promises quick, guaranteed results. SEO is a long term game and no one can guarantee rankings overnight.
Consider Communication
Ask yourself
Are they responsive?
Do they explain things clearly without too much jargon?
A good SEO agency will take the time to understand your business and keep you in the loop every step of the way. If communication seems lacking upfront, it’s likely to get worse once the project begins.
Evaluate their Tools and Techniques
Ask what tools and techniques the agency uses to manage SEO. they should use modern proven tools for keyword research, tracking performance and technical SEO fixes. This ensures they are working efficiently and up-to-date with best practices. If they mention outdated or suspicious methods like buying links or keyword stuffing, that’s a major red flag.
How Much Does Hiring an SEO Agency Cost in the UK?
For a monthly retainer, hiring an SEO agency in the UK cost between £1,000 and £10,000. It can vary depending on your business size, the scope of the services you need, and the agency’s level of expertise. Here’s a general breakdown to give you a better idea:
Hourly Rates
Many agencies charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from £50 to £200 per hour depending on the agency’s experience and reputation. Smaller agencies or freelancers might charge on the lower end, while top-tier agencies with proven track records tend to charge more. This option is great if you need help with specific tasks rather than a long-term project.
Monthly Retainers
Most SEO agencies in the UK work on a retainer basis, charging a fixed monthly fee for ongoing services. Retainer packages usually range from £500 to £5,000+ per month.
The price varies based on your needs, how competitive your industry is, and the scope of work involved. A small local business may need to invest around £1,000 per month, while larger companies with more complex needs might be looking at £3,000 or more.
Project-Based Pricing
If you have a specific SEO project in mind, such as a full-site audit or a complete overhaul, you might be charged a flat fee. Project-based pricing can vary widely, anywhere from £500 for smaller projects to £10,000+ for larger, more comprehensive ones. This is a good option if you’re looking for a one-off service or a site rebuild rather than ongoing management.
Performance-Based Pricing
Some agencies offer performance-based pricing, where you only pay based on the results they deliver, such as improved rankings or increased traffic. While this can sound appealing, be cautious; this model can lead to agencies focusing on quick wins rather than sustainable growth, and SEO results are not always predictable.
What Should You Expect to Pay?
Ultimately, the cost of SEO depends on your goals, how aggressive you want to be, and the competitiveness of your industry. While it's tempting to go for cheaper options, it’s important to remember that SEO is an investment.
Agencies charging rock-bottom prices might not have the expertise or resources to deliver meaningful results. On the other hand, high prices don’t always guarantee the best outcomes either. Look for an agency that offers value, transparency, and a clear strategy tailored to your needs.
Do you need to hire an SEO agency in the UK?
If you want to grow your online presence, compete effectively in the UK market, and drive more revenue, partnering with a local SEO agency could be the key to your success. A local agency understands the UK market better, which includes local search trends and consumer behaviours.
At Mira Marketing, we specialise in helping UK businesses boost their rankings, increase leads, and grow their bottom line through customised SEO strategies.
Ready to see real results? Contact Mira Marketing today for a free consultation and start growing your business with a team you can trust.