Are you trying to decide between white label SEO or building an in-house team? There are pros and cons to both options.
With an in-house team, your SEO professionals are only working for you. However, white label SEO services can be a good option for companies with limited operating budgets. If you don’t have the resources to keep SEO specialists on the payroll, using an outside service may be the best option.
Still not sure which option is right for your business? Here’s an in-depth look at some of the advantages and downsides of both.
Advantages of White Label SEO
Here are a few reasons why you may want to go with a white label SEO service provider.
Cost-Effective
An in-house SEO team can be expensive. There are costs associated with recruiting, training, and don’t forget about the necessary tools. Your SEO team will need hardware and software and this can get pricey.
A white label SEO service takes care of these costs. They already have experienced personnel and the necessary tools. All you pay is the project cost.
Scale to Meet Your Workflow
Chances are you don’t have a daily need for SEO, which means your in-house team probably has a lot of downtime. While your team is probably enjoying their paid breaks, it’s not doing your operating budget any favors.
Using a white label SEO service means you only pay when you submit a project. If you don’t need their services, it’s not costing your company.
Access to Industry Experts
Have you ever tried to keep up with changing SEO trends? This can be a full-time job. Search engine algorithms are constantly changing as technology advances and this means SEO practices need to adapt.
SEO also has a lot of working parts and this requires a variety of industry experts. For example, you need someone skilled at crafting engaging and informative content, and another person to track down high-ranking relevant keywords. Then there’s link-building and image optimization, and these are only a few parts of what makes up an effective SEO strategy.
Training an in-house SEO team takes time and money. The costs can be never-ending since the industry is constantly changing. When you use a white label SEO service you have immediate access to industry experts. They’re up-to-date on the latest SEO trends and are ready to hit the ground running.
In other words, you don’t have to wait for them to brush up on their skill sets. They’re ready to start work on your SEO project as soon as it hits their inbox.
Saves Time
Building an effective in-house SEO team takes time. Sometimes, it can take months for you to recruit and train the right personnel. If you need your SEO project completed in a few days, you may be out of luck.
However, a white label SEO service is ready to go whenever you are. They already have the right people in place, they’re just waiting for you to send your project.
Downsides of White Label SEO
Nothing is perfect and this applies to white label SEO. There can be a few downsides that may mean outsourcing your SEO work isn’t the best option.
Lapses in Communication
Sometimes, communication gaps can occur. White label SEO services typically have several clients and communication can fall through the cracks. You may have trouble reaching your project manager or scheduling a meeting.
However, if you’re working with experienced and reputable white label SEO services, these issues rarely occur. They know how to prioritize their clients so no one feels like they’re being ignored.
Little to No Control
If you prefer to keep control over your projects, white label SEO services probably aren’t going to be a good fit. Once you send your project over to the white label SEO service, you’re effectively giving up all control.
While this can be a downside, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider white label SEO. Just be prepared to sit back and wait for results.
Advantages of In-House SEO
If you like the idea of everything being done in-house, here’s a look at some of the advantages.
Constant Communication
When your in-house team is working on your SEO, you can pop in for an update at any time. There’s never an issue with communication gaps. You’ll always know exactly where your team is in the project. You can even double-check metrics to ease any anxiety.
You Have Complete Project Control
If the thought of relinquishing control makes you nervous, then your in-house SEO team can put this fear to rest. You retain complete control over every aspect of the project. You can prioritize specific aspects and decide which ones can go on the back burner. You can even sit in on team strategy meetings to ensure everything is moving along smoothly.
Downsides to In-House SEO
As mentioned earlier, pretty much everything has at least one potential downside. Here are a few common issues that may make you rethink keeping your SEO in-house.
Training Expenses
You’ll need to provide training and a lot of it. Remember, best SEO practices are constantly changing and this means your team needs to stay current with the latest trends. Training takes time and money.
Sometimes, the expense is more than your operating budget can afford, which can be a particular problem for smaller businesses with limited resources.
Lack of Scalability
Your in-house SEO team isn’t really scalable or flexible. After all, you can’t fire them when there isn’t work and rehire your team as needed. This means your team will probably have downtime and you’re still paying their salaries.
Burn-Out is Common
Keeping qualified SEO personnel isn’t easy. Burnout is a common problem, which means you’re frequently trying to attract and train new talent. Not only can this be expensive, but it’s also frustrating.
Choose the Option That’s Best for Your Business
While both in-house and white label SEO have their merits, businesses seeking a scalable, adaptable, and budget-friendly solution often find white label SEO to be the most advantageous path.
This approach eliminates the burden of recruitment, training, and maintaining a dedicated SEO team, allowing you to tap into the expertise of a specialized agency without incurring the full cost of building an internal department.
