Build it and they will come? We doubt it – the act of merely building a website in this Web 2.0 age, then leaving it for the crowd to attract, will do nothing more than secure a front row seat to failure. Unsuitably, the single biggest challenge in this design is attracting a viable online market through SEO optimized content. So, if this feat is out of the capacity of the site owner, who should be called on to assuage the responsibilities – an SEO firm or an SEO freelancer?
Let us begin by saying: while neither choice is a bad choice, both choices should be invested into with caution. Further into the read, we build on the reputations and limitations of both SEO firms and SEO freelancers for a website owner’s website SEO optimization needs. A website owner will need both on-page and off-page search engine optimization processes working simultaneously in order to expound on the potential of SEO optimization. Fundamentally, SEO optimization is needed if a website owner has any interest in making a presence for themselves. Every situation and expectation will be different – so, it boils down to knowing which outlet will be the most beneficial to the website owner’s needs and budget at the time.
SEO Optimization Firms
There is probably no need to state it, but SEO optimization firms will certainly have more experience in an  array of niches and search engine optimization altogether. A quality selling point for SEO optimization firms lie in their ability to demonstrate learning and ethics in their work, rather than just focusing on the sales, conversions and buyers the site will attract. Many may not be aware, but illegal, or “black hat”, search engine optimization practices carry heavy consequences and could quite possibly cost the site owner’s their presence on a major search engine. SEO firms generally tend to stick to productive, ethical practices. Lastly, search engine optimization firms will come equipped with far more experience in handling questions, concerns and ideas than what a freelancer will.
SEO Freelancers
There are a handful of SEO freelancers who demonstrate the knowledge needed to possibly run their own SEO firm; but, we cannot speak for all of them. Generally, SEO freelancers are hired for two main reasons: cost and convenience. Most SEO firms will do not execute personal services that afford the website owners the privilege of speaking with their SEO optimization writer. SEO freelancers tend to make their services and communication available on a larger scale than what a company can – due to obstructions, such as closing times and business volume. SEO freelancers are adored for their cost-efficient rates as well. However, website owners must remember: in many cases, you will get what you pay for. Freelancers do not represent a firm, so the need to uphold ethics or a conscious mindset is more than likely absent.

Research should be performed before investing into an SEO firm or an SEO freelancer. It is essential to find out if the provider will be able to meet your needs and take control of the project with result-driven efforts.