If your store isn’t showing up on Google, it might as well not exist. With thousands of eCommerce stores competing for attention, getting found online is the name of the game. And that’s where eCommerce SEO services come in. But here’s the big question: Should you hire an eCommerce SEO agency, or build your own in-house SEO team?
Let’s break it down, nice and easy, so you can decide what works best for your business, your budget, and your goals.
What Are eCommerce SEO Agencies?
An eCommerce SEO agency is basically a team of SEO professionals who specialize in helping online stores rank higher on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Their job? Bring more traffic to your website, help you get more customers, and increase your sales.
These agencies know all the ins and outs of how search engines work. From keyword research and content writing to technical SEO and link building, they do it all. Plus, they usually stay updated with every little Google algorithm change (and there are plenty of those every year).
What Does an In-House SEO Team Do?
An in-house SEO team is a group of employees who work directly for your company. They focus only on your eCommerce website. You might hire a few experts- maybe an SEO strategist, a content writer, and a tech SEO- to take care of everything from blog posts to backend optimization.
This setup gives you more control. You can walk right up to your SEO guy (or girl) and ask questions. They also learn your business inside-out, which can be a big win when it comes to brand voice and customer understanding.
Cost: Who’s More Budget-Friendly?
Hiring an eCommerce SEO agency can feel expensive up front. Most agencies charge anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+ per month, depending on how big your store is and how competitive your market is. But remember, with agencies, you’re paying for a full team, years of experience, tools, and proven strategies.
Building an in-house team might seem cheaper at first, but let’s look at the numbers. A single SEO specialist in the U.S. earns about $50,000 to $80,000 a year. If you hire two or three people, you’re looking at over $150,000 per year, not including the cost of SEO tools, training, and benefits.
So, if you’re a small or mid-size business, agencies often deliver more bang for your buck.
Expertise & Tools: Agencies Have the Edge
eCommerce SEO agencies live and breathe SEO. It’s what they do all day, every day. They’ve worked with dozens- sometimes hundreds- of online stores. That means they’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what Google loves.
Plus, these agencies invest in powerful tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Moz, and Surfer SEO. These tools can cost hundreds of dollars a month, and agencies already have access to them.
Meanwhile, an in-house team may not have the same level of exposure to different industries, trends, or toolkits- unless you’re willing to shell out some serious money for training and subscriptions.
Speed & Scalability: Agencies Are Faster Out of the Gate
If you need results fast, agencies are usually quicker. They already have systems, templates, and workflows in place. Need a 50-page audit? Boom- it’s done in a week. Want a 6-month content calendar? They’ve got a strategist ready to knock it out.
With an in-house team, things can move more slowly at first. You’ll need to hire the right people, train them, build your Organic SEO process, and get everyone on the same page. It can take months to get real momentum.
That said, once your in-house team is up and running, they can be very consistent, especially if you’re playing the long game.
Communication & Brand Knowledge: In-House Wins
Here’s where in-house shines. Your internal team is deeply connected to your brand. They’re part of the company culture, they know your product inside out, and they understand your customers. That makes communication super smooth. No back-and-forth emails or explaining your brand values 20 different times.
Agencies, on the other hand, have multiple clients. They do their best to learn your business, but they’ll never know it like your in-house team does. Communication can be delayed, and sometimes details fall through the cracks- especially if the agency is juggling a lot of accounts.
Adaptability: It Depends on Your Situation
Agencies are flexible when it comes to strategy. If Google rolls out a new update or your product line shifts, they can pivot fast. They’re also good at adapting based on results- if one strategy doesn’t work, they’ve got three backups ready to go.
In-house teams may take a bit longer to adapt, especially if they’re small or lack advanced training. But the advantage is that they’re 100% focused on your brand, so any changes can be tailored perfectly to your business goals.
So… What’s Right for You?
Let’s simplify the decision. Here’s what you should consider:
Choose an eCommerce SEO agency if:
- You want fast, professional results
- You don’t have the time or resources to build an in-house team
- You need access to top-tier tools and experienced experts
- You’re okay with a bit of back-and-forth communication
- Your business is growing, and you want to scale your SEO quickly
Go in-house if:
- You have a strong internal marketing team already
- You want total control over your SEO strategy
- Your brand voice and messaging are super specific
- You’re in it for the long haul and willing to invest in training
- You’re okay with a slower start but steady, tailored growth
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Some companies go for both! They hire an agency to handle strategy and technical work, while an in-house content writer or SEO assistant handles blog updates and day-to-day tasks. This way, you get expert guidance and maintain control over the brand voice.
If you’re not ready to go all in on one side, this hybrid model can be a smart move.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to SEO. But one thing’s for sure: ignoring SEO is not an option in the world of eCommerce. Whether you team up with a seasoned eCommerce SEO agency or build your dream team in-house, the key is to commit to the process.
Google’s algorithms may change, but the need for visibility doesn’t. The earlier you invest in the right SEO strategy, the sooner you’ll start climbing those rankings- and more importantly, turning clicks into conversions.
So ask yourself: Do you want a fast, expert boost or long-term, tailored control? Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your business stage, goals, and resources.
And hey- if you ever feel stuck, there’s no shame in asking for help. That’s what the pros are here for.