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Here's A Few Tips on What to Think About When Choosing Between In-House SEO vs an SEO Agency in Arizona

In the competitive digital landscape of businesses and entrepreneurs in Arizona, whether you’re running a thriving local business in Phoenix or a growing company, search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful tools for building visibility and attracting customers. But when you decide that it’s time to take your SEO strategy to the next level, one big question arises. Should you hire an in-house SEO specialist or partner with an SEO agency?

This is a huge decision that can significantly impact your business. SEO will directly impact your budget, marketing results, and long-term growth. To help you make the best choice, we’ll break down some of the pros and cons of both options. We’ll give you tips on what to uniquely consider in regards to SEO and your business. We will also give you insight on what to expect when working with an SEO agency or what to look for when hiring in-house SEO.

Why SEO Matters for Your Business

Before comparing options, it’s important to understand why SEO is vital:

• Over 90% of online experiences start with a search engine.
• Local businesses rely on Google visibility to drive foot traffic and calls.
• Organic SEO yields long-term ROI compared to short-term paid ads.
• SEO supports all other marketing efforts—social media, content, email, and PR.

In Arizona, whether you're in a dense, competitive metro like Phoenix or a tight-knit local community market like Flagstaff, appearing on the first page of Google can be the difference between being found or forgotten.

What Does Search Engine Optimization Really Involve?

Modern SEO includes far more than just keywords and backlinks. It encompasses:

• Technical SEO: Website speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability
• On-page SEO: Meta titles, content optimization, headings
• Local SEO: Google Business Profile, local citations, maps visibility
• Content strategy: Blogs, landing pages, FAQs
• Link building: Earning reputable backlinks from quality sources
• Analytics: Keyword tracking, ranking reports, goal conversions

This level of expertise is rarely achieved with a single generalist employee. That’s where the comparison between in-house SEO and working with an SEO agency in Flagstaff AZ or Phoenix becomes crucial.

Having An In-House SEO Team

Pros of Hiring In-House SEO Talent

• Dedicated Focus: Your in-house SEO works exclusively for your company.
• Real-Time Collaboration: They're readily available for internal meetings.
• Long-Term Strategy: In-house professionals can deeply invest in your brand.

Cons of Hiring In-House SEO Staff

• Higher Costs: Annual salaries, benefits, and tools can be costly.
• Limited Expertise: One person may not cover all SEO disciplines.
• Turnover Risk: Losing your SEO specialist can stall your momentum.

Having in-house SEO can be the best option for various entrepreneurs, businesses and scaling companies. We feel that it can be especially beneficial for small to midsized companies with robust marketing budgets.

Hiring an SEO Agency

Pros of Investing in an SEO Agency

• Team of Experts: Access to specialists in technical, local, and content SEO.
• Tools & Resources: Agencies use premium software for analysis and strategy.
• Scalable Solutions: Services can expand with your business.
• Local Insight: Agencies familiar with Arizona markets understand search intent and competition.

Cons of Investing in SEO Agencies

• Less Day-to-Day Access: Requires structured communication.
• Shared Time: Agencies manage multiple clients.
• Quality Varies: Choose your agency carefully to ensure quality service.

Mdid-sized to large businesses, as well as entrepreneurs can benefit from investing into an SEO agency. The benefit of having an SEO agency on your team will help with delivering needed results and expertise without full-time costs.

In-House vs SEO Services Average Cost Comparisons

When to Choose an SEO Agency

Consider hiring an agency if:

• You need to hit the ground running
• You want access to a full team of specialists
• You don’t want to invest in training or expensive tools
• You're targeting local markets with local and regional intent

When choosing the Right Arizona SEO Agency for your business look for these key traits:

• Transparent reporting and analytics
• Proven local success in geo targeting
• Custom strategies, not cookie-cutter solutions
• Positive reviews and client testimonials

Which SEO Option Is Right for You?

Should you hire in-house SEO staff? It depends on where the state of your business is and how you plan on scaling your company. Depending on your goals and objectives hiring your own in-house SEO staff can definitely be beneficial for your business. Although training and development could be a financial hurdle to finding that perfect SEO in-house employee, this could be the best option for your company! 

An SEO agency can be beneficial for small to large and established businesses, as well as companies looking to hit the ground running. Making an investment into an SEO agency will help your company establish a partnership that develops a relationship with your company and a trusted local SEO agency. This investment into your business will give you the best balance of results and ROI.

Whether you feel your the best decision for your business to hire an in-house SEO employee or make an investment into your company by partnering with a SEO agency, SEO will definitely be an intricate piece to the growth of your company.

Need Help With SEO in Arizona?

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner locally in Flagstaff, AZ or Phoenix, AZ looking to increase your website’s traffic, engagement and sales contact HN Media. Whether you’re looking to boost online presence or aiming to target and capitalize off of your niche, we offer SEO services that can help you scale your approach to achieve your marketing goals.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and SEO audit.