As an SEO agency owner, deciding when to bring on an SEO manager is a critical step in scaling your business.
An SEO manager can bridge gaps in:
- Project oversight
- Client relations
- Team development
All of which contribute to a more organised, efficient, and competitive agency.
Most importantly:
An SEO Manager allows you to focus on more of the business.
This gives you the freedom to scale and grow your agency or company more effectively.
If you’re wondering whether it’s the right time, here are some clear indicators that hiring an SEO manager could benefit your agency:
1. Your SEO Workload is Becoming Overwhelming
If you find your team constantly juggling multiple SEO tasks and struggling to keep up, it may be time to bring in a manager.
As your client list grows, it becomes harder to deliver high-quality work consistently without dedicated oversight.
An SEO manager can ensure every project gets the attention it needs.
2. You’re Ready to Expand Your Capacity
As your agency prepares to take on more clients, an SEO Manager can provide the structure and leadership to handle a higher volume of work smoothly.
Tools like the Internal Utilisation Ratio (IUR) can help gauge when your team is nearing capacity, signalling it may be time for a manager to step in.
We’ve expanded on the IUR further in our resource: Data-Driven Hiring
As well as gone into detail on this method in our Youtube video: Grow Your SEO Team with the Internal Utilisation Ratio
3. You Need Advanced Project Management and Soft Skills
SEO managers come equipped with a unique blend of technical and soft skills, making them key to effective project management.
They know how to drive projects from start to finish, manage expectations, and improve team dynamics.
If your team has ever faced:
- Miscommunication
- Bottlenecks
- Challenges meeting deadlines
A skilled SEO manager can:
- Establish processes
- Improve communication
- Keep projects on track
4. You Want to Drive Sustainable Business Growth
A manager’s experience in aligning SEO strategies with broader business goals means they can lead initiatives that support long-term growth.
Their strategic insight can help position your agency or team as a leader in SEO: attracting new clients and retaining existing ones with quality results.
5. Project Leadership and Strategic Oversight
An SEO manager can help craft and execute SEO strategies tailored to each client.
They can manage multiple accounts simultaneously while ensuring that each strategy aligns with the agency’s goals and the client’s objectives.
By managing the bigger picture, they allow specialists and analysts to focus on their tasks, improving efficiency across the board.
6. Team Coordination and Mentorship
A growing SEO agency often includes analysts, specialists, and other junior roles.
As the team expands, so does the need for coordination and mentorship, organisation and support.
An SEO manager can serve as the central point of contact, streamlining communication and task assignments.
In addition to this, they’re also instrumental in:
- Mentoring junior team members
- Contributing to a skilled, confident team
- Aligning the team with company goals and culture
- Creating a supportive environment that fosters professional development
7. Client Relationship Management
For high-value clients:
Having a dedicated SEO manager as the main point of contact is invaluable.
This relationship-building is crucial for retaining and expanding your client base.
8. Ensuring Quality Control and Consistency
Consistency and quality are non-negotiable in a competitive SEO market.
An SEO manager can oversee final deliverables, ensuring they meet the agency’s standards before reaching clients.
9. Data-Driven Decision Making
SEO managers are responsible for interpreting data, monitoring performance, and adjusting strategies accordingly.
A manager can also identify new growth opportunities based on trends and data insights, keeping the agency’s strategies fresh and effective.
10. Staying Ahead with Innovation and Adaptability
SEO is a constantly evolving field, and an SEO manager’s role includes staying updated on industry trends, algorithm changes, and emerging best practices.
Their ability to quickly adapt to new developments ensures that your agency remains competitive.
Conclusion
Bringing an SEO manager into your agency is a strategic investment that can:
- Streamline operations
- Elevate client relationships
- Set the foundation for growth
If you’re experiencing any of the challenges outlined above, it’s likely the right time to add a dedicated manager to your team.
