Why Small Businesses Switched From Expensive Agencies to Internal SEO Teams — Lessons From Reddit Users on Cost vs Control

In recent years, small businesses have taken a hard look at their expenses, particularly in digital marketing. One of the biggest shifts happening in the online business world is the trend of transitioning from costly external SEO agencies to building in-house SEO teams. On Reddit—a hub for grassroots entrepreneurship and candid discussions—small business owners are openly sharing their reasons for making this move. This trend isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about reclaiming control, boosting agility, and creating more authentic SEO strategies from within.

TL;DR — Why Small Businesses Are Bringing SEO In-House

Small businesses are increasingly ditching expensive SEO agencies in favor of internal teams to reduce costs, increase transparency, and have greater control over their digital presence. Insights from Reddit users reveal frustrations with cookie-cutter tactics, inflated contracts, and lack of hands-on involvement from agencies. By building in-house SEO capabilities, companies are seeing more responsiveness and alignment with their specific needs. This transition also fosters long-term skill development and better ROI over time.

The Cost Factor: High Fees with Mixed Results

One of the most common themes discussed on Reddit’s entrepreneurial communities—like r/smallbusiness and r/SEO—is the soaring cost of agency retainers and the limited returns that often accompany them.

• Agency retainers for small businesses frequently range from $2,000 to $10,000 per month.
• Many Reddit users raised concerns that after signing contracts, communication dwindled and performance metrics plateaued.
• Several SMEs reported that despite paying top dollar, they received little more than blog posts and monthly reports—often with no tangible ranking improvements or noticeable traffic gains.

In contrast, hiring a dedicated SEO specialist or training a marketing employee in-house can cost significantly less over time. One Reddit user shared how hiring a $60K/year SEO manager brought more value than a $5K/month agency had in two years. The budget flexibility also enabled investment in tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, upskilling team members, and experimenting with content strategies tailored precisely to the business niche.

Control: Customization Beats Cookie-Cutter Tactics

Another key motivator behind this shift is control. Agency offerings often take a one-size-fits-all approach—something that doesn’t work well, especially for niche businesses or startups with unique value propositions.

Reddit users frequently cited the following frustrations with agency work:

• Generic content copy-pasted across clients in similar industries.
• Slow response times and rigid timelines that don’t align with business needs.
• Lack of passion or deep understanding of the brand’s voice and mission.

By bringing SEO in-house, companies are able to:

• Create agile strategies that evolve with business changes and seasonal trends.
• Craft brand-consistent content that reflects the voice, tone, and expertise of the internal team.
• React quickly to search traffic trends, Google updates, or sudden competitor movements.

Businesses who made the switch claimed they could finally focus on long-tail keyword opportunities that agencies often ignored. These more specific, intent-driven keywords delivered better conversion rates and set them apart from the competition.

Transparency and Learning: Growing Smarter with SEO

The shift toward internal SEO teams also supports a culture of continuous learning and improvement. On Reddit, many business owners shared experiences of feeling “kept in the dark” by agencies. Reports were vague, goals often shifted, and sometimes there was no insight into what work had actually been done.

Internal teams, on the other hand, operate within the company’s ecosystem, creating better alignment with sales, design, and product direction. Many business owners mentioned how in-house staff could sit in on meetings, understand strategic priorities, and adjust their SEO plans accordingly. Additionally, SEO knowledge becomes a company asset rather than an outsourced mystery.

As one Redditor succinctly put it: “We no longer ‘hope’ something was done; we can now see it, test it, and track it in real time.”

Agencies Still Have a Role—But It’s Changing

This isn’t to say that SEO agencies are obsolete. Reddit discussions often include business owners who still work closely with agencies, but in more specialized, short-term, or strategic roles. For instance, small businesses may contract agencies for:

• Technical SEO audits.
• Website migrations and UX redesigns.
• Training or mentoring internal SEO hires.

By treating agencies as consultants rather than long-term partners, small businesses can reduce costs while still benefiting from outside expertise when needed.

Lessons from Reddit: Tips for Making the Switch

Based on dozens of Reddit user stories, here are some practical steps for businesses considering the move to internal SEO teams:

1. Hire for passion and curiosity, not just experience. SEO evolves fast—seek someone eager to learn and adapt.
2. Invest in tools. Platforms like Screaming Frog, Moz, or ClearScope can empower even small teams.
3. Create cross-functional alignment between SEO, content, development, and sales for maximum impact.
4. Start small. Even one part-time SEO coordinator can bring noticeable improvements over time.
5. Use agencies tactically. Engage experts for one-off projects or strategy consultations instead of ongoing retainers.

Conclusion: Control Drives Performance in the Long Run

When small business owners discuss SEO on Reddit, one clear message stands out: control trumps cost—but both matter. Internal teams give businesses independence, richer insights, faster agility, and more personalized performance tracking. Cost savings are important, but it’s the long-term strategic return on in-house talent that turns this shift into a competitive advantage.

For businesses tired of vague reports and outsourced dependency, the Reddit consensus is clear: take back your SEO, invest in education, and watch the long-term ROI roll in.

FAQ

• Q: Is building an in-house SEO team really cheaper than hiring an agency?
  A: In most cases, yes. While there’s an upfront investment in hiring and training, long-term costs tend to be lower, and ROI can be higher due to increased efficiency and transparency.
• Q: What’s the biggest risk of switching from an agency to an internal team?
  A: Lack of experience. Without proper skills or training, an internal team might struggle initially. However, many tools and online resources make it easier to bridge the knowledge gap.
• Q: Can a small business with limited staff still handle SEO internally?
  A: Absolutely. Many Reddit users shared success stories starting with just one dedicated employee or a marketer with added SEO training.
• Q: Should agencies be completely replaced?
  A: Not necessarily. Agencies still offer value for specific tasks like audits or strategy development. The hybrid approach—internal execution with external consultancy—is often ideal.
• Q: How do I know if my SEO agency is underperforming?
  A: Look for vague reporting, slow communication, and lack of tailored strategy. If you’re unsure what your agency is doing monthly, it’s time to reevaluate.