SEO Audit vs. Monthly SEO Retainer

When it comes to improving website performance, many businesses face a tough decision: Should they invest in an SEO audit? Or sign up for a monthly SEO retainer? While both of these options have their strengths, they each serve unique needs and types of businesses. Let’s break it down so you can decide which is the best fit for your specific goals, starting out with a quick overview of each option…

What Is an SEO Audit?

This one-time, in-depth website performance analysis identifies technical issues, content gaps, keyword opportunities, and other factors impacting a site’s ability to rank on search engines. The end product is a detailed recommendation roadmap pinpointing exactly what needs to be fixed.

• Best For: Companies with internal resources (or a dedicated team) ready to implement changes based on audit findings
• Key Benefit: Provides a clear, actionable plan in the absence of ongoing retainer fees

What Is a Monthly SEO Retainer?

This service, on the other hand, involves hiring an agency or consultant to perform continuous website optimization spanning technical updates, content creation, keyword tracking, and more to maintain/improve SEO over time.

• Best For: Companies seeking a hands-off approach or those lacking the resources to execute changes themselves
• Key Benefit: Provides ongoing support, guidance, and execution with no extra work for internal teams

Who Benefits from an SEO Audit?

An SEO audit is perfect for companies that are ready to seize control of their SEO strategy but don’t necessarily need ongoing help. This includes…

• Agencies: Marketing or web development agencies can rely on audits, which pinpoint precise areas for improvement, to lay the foundation for subsequent SEO campaigns. 
• Teams with In-House Developers: Companies with developers or marketers set to implement changes enjoy the prioritized to-do list an audit provides.
• Businesses with Limited Budgets: An audit is a great way to glean necessary SEO-improvement insights in the absence of ongoing costs, perfect for companies that can’t fund a monthly retainer.

Who Should Consider a Monthly SEO Retainer?

Retainers, meanwhile, work best for businesses that need more hands-on, continuous support such as…

• Small Businesses Without a Dedicated Team: Companies lacking the time or expertise to tackle SEO in house can offload this work to experts thanks to a retainer.
• E-Commerce Stores: Online retailers often need continual content updates, product optimization, and tracking—all things a monthly retainer can manage seamlessly.
• Companies in Competitive Industries: A retainer ensures SEO strategy stays current (and effective!) in market environs where competitors heavily invest in this practice.

Key Differences: SEO Audit vs. Monthly SEO Retainer

Check out some quick comparisons to help visualize the differences between these options:

Which Option Should You Choose?

It’s pretty simple: Have the resources to implement changes yourself (or with your team)? Go with an SEO audit as a smart, cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you’d rather not manage SEO tasks internally, enjoy the peace of mind and consistent progress a monthly retainer provides. You can’t go wrong either way!

All Aboard the SEO Optimization Train

Whether you’re on the hunt for a one-time SEO audit to glean eye-opening insights or otherwise ongoing support via a monthly SEO retainer, partner with us to make it happen!

• Start with an SEO Audit: Receive a roadmap tailored to your business so you can take the next step with confidence.
• Opt for a Monthly Retainer: Put everything SEO-related in our hands so you can shift your focus to your business operations.

Contact us today so we can talk about the solution that's best for your business!