Inhouse vs Agency SEO options — Dan Smullen // Betsperts Media & Technology Group

Dan Smullen, Head of SEO at Betsperts Media & Technology Group, explores different approaches to building and managing your SEO teams. While SEO has no certification requirements, how you choose to navigate your career within the industry can greatly impact your opportunities and professional growth. Ultimately, whether you're a newcomer to the industry or an experienced SEO, the decision between an agency and an in-house role will have a significant impact on your career trajectory. Today, Dan discusses in-house versus agency SEO
About the speaker

Dan Smullen

Betsperts Media & Technology Group

is a little camera shy

Dan is Head of SEO at Betsperts Media & Technology Group

Show Notes

  • 01:49 In house vs. agency roles in SEO
    There is no formal qualification to be in SEO, making agency experience one of the best paths to mastering SEO. Agencies offer exposure to diverse clients and collaborative problem-solving, whereas in-house roles are more specialized, aligning with the company's industry.
  • 04:33
    Choosing between in house and agency SEO roles
    Beginners should go the agency route to gain exposure to diverse niches and facets of SEO, as this broad experience is valuable when transitioning to in-house positions. However, more experienced SEOs can pursue in-house roles as they offer specialization and work-life balance.
  • 08:07
    Career growth in agency vs. in house SEO roles
    In an agency role, career growth often involves transitioning from hands-on SEO work to managerial positions like an account manager. In contrast, in-house SEO professionals aiming for career advancement should seek opportunities to bridge into product-related roles.
  • 11:03
    How the agency experience differs from the in house SEO experience
    Agency roles offer vibrant learning environments with diverse skill sets among team members, fostering collaborative growth. Conversely, in-house positions can be solitary with SEO as a smaller part of the business focus, but they offer deeper involvement in product development.

Quotes

  • "There is no qualification to be an SEO, anybody can call themself an SEO. So I would say the best way to master SEO is through the agency." - Dan Smullen

  • "If I was a beginner in SEO, I'd 100% go agency, then in-house. However, if I was a more experienced SEO desiring work-life balance, I'd probably steer away from agency." - Dan Smullen

  • "In agency, career growth often means doing less SEO and transitioning into managerial roles. In-house SEOs should aim to be part of the product decision-making process to advance their careers beyond traditional SEO." - Dan Smullen

  • "In agency, it's like you're back in college, with fun, camaraderie, and diverse skills among team members. In-house SEO means deeper product involvement but can be more solitary, with SEO often a small part of the business." - Dan Smullen

  • "I always give people the tip of having data to back up your thoughts and proposals so you can really dissect why people disagree." -Elliot Tsai, Organic Growth Manager, NerdWallet

About the speaker

Dan Smullen

Betsperts Media & Technology Group

is a little camera shy

Dan is Head of SEO at Betsperts Media & Technology Group

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