Is it better to work in-house or at an agency for SEO?

SEO Career

Both have pros and cons.

(1) Agency SEO – You’ll handle diverse clients across industries, learn fast, and gain exposure to different tools and challenges. Downside: high workload and less deep focus.

(2) In-house SEO – You focus on one brand, build long-term strategies, and align with business goals. Downside: slower variety of learning, potential for less experimentation.

In 2025, many SEOs start in agencies to build breadth, then move in-house for depth and leadership opportunities.

Example: At an agency, you may optimize 10 sites in 6 months. In-house, you might build entity authority for one domain over years.

Further reading:

https://learningseo.io