A freelancer can be cost-effective and personal, while an agency offers more capacity, continuity and a wider skill set. Ahrefs' 2024 survey found agencies charge about 138% more than freelancers on average. The right choice depends on scope, budget and how much continuity you need.
By Trux Nguyen, Founder and Director of Unitrux, with 5 years in marketing and SEO. Published 25 October 2026. Last updated 25 October 2026.
Side by side
| Freelancer | Agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower on average | Higher on average |
| Capacity | One person | A team |
| Continuity | Depends on one person | Cover for holidays and turnover |
| Skill range | Usually specialized | Broader, including AI search and ads |
Our expert view
For a single small site, a strong freelancer can be ideal. For multi-location businesses or agencies needing reliable delivery, a team usually fits better.
Demand
In Google Keyword Planner (United States, retrieved 25 October 2026), "hire seo freelancer" shows 10 to 100 monthly searches, with top-of-page bid estimates around $25.
Related reading
- SEO Consultant vs Agency
- Choosing an SEO Outsourcing Company
- How Much Does SEO Cost for a Small Business?
- International SEO
- Keyword Research Services
- Link Building Services
- All SEO guides for business owners
About the author
Trux Nguyen is the Founder and Director of Unitrux, with 5 years of experience in marketing and SEO. Areas of work: SEO, AEO, GEO and AIO, local SEO, content strategy, schema markup, keyword research, Google Ads and analytics. Contact: [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Are freelancers less reliable?
Not inherently; continuity risk is the main difference.
How do I vet a freelancer?
Ask for examples, references and a sample report.
Can I combine both?
Yes, for example a consultant for strategy and a team for delivery.
Limits and honest expectations
Search engines and AI assistants change their answers over time and no one controls them. Results vary by industry, city and competition, and we do not guarantee a position, a mention or a number of leads. We report what is measurable, plainly.
Sources
- Google Ads Keyword Planner, volume ranges and bid estimates for the keywords named in this article, retrieved 25 October 2026.
- Ahrefs, "SEO Pricing: How Much Does SEO Cost? 439 People Polled," updated 15 August 2024: https://ahrefs.com/blog/seo-pricing/
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