TL;DR: When Should Your Agency Hire a Head of SEO?
A Head of SEO brings strategic oversight, client relationship management, and team leadership to agencies struggling with growing client demands and complex projects.
If your agency is scaling, facing inconsistent results, or leadership needs to focus on business growth, hiring a Head of SEO can streamline operations, improve retention, and drive long-term success.
Key Takeaways
A Head of SEO provides strategy, leadership, and client trust to growing agencies.
Signs you need one include rising client demands, inconsistent results, and leadership bandwidth challenges.
The benefits include stronger strategy execution, retention, and client satisfaction.
Budget and cultural fit are key considerations before making the hire.
Why Is a Head of SEO Important?
A Head of SEO acts as the strategic leader for your agency’s SEO efforts. They:
Oversee agency-wide SEO strategy
Guide and mentor the team
Serve as a key client touchpoint
Ensure projects meet performance goals
This role is critical for agencies balancing workload, quality, and growth.
What Does a Head of SEO Actually Do?
There are four unique responsibilities that define the role:
Strategic Oversight – Creating and managing SEO strategies that align with client and agency goals.
Team Leadership – Managing, mentoring, and expanding the SEO team.
Client Relations – Acting as a trusted advisor and key client contact for complex projects.
Performance Accountability – Ensuring campaigns hit KPIs and drive results.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Hire a Head of SEO?
You may need a Head of SEO if:
Your client base is growing, and the workload feels overwhelming.
Projects are becoming more complex and require specialised leadership.
Your SEO team is expanding, and you need structured management.
You struggle with delivering consistent results for clients.
Leadership wants to focus more on scaling the business than day-to-day SEO operations.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Head of SEO?
Streamlined Strategy & Execution – Aligns team efforts with agency goals for smoother workflows and higher-quality output.
Stronger Client Relationships – Builds trust with clients through expertise and consistent results.
Team Retention & Morale – Reduces turnover by fostering growth, mentorship, and a supportive culture.
Operational Efficiency – Frees up leadership to focus on growth, business development, and client acquisition.
What Challenges Should Agencies Expect?
Budget constraints – Senior hires require investment.
Finding the right cultural fit – Alignment with your team and values is crucial.
Agency size considerations – Smaller agencies may need to assess if the timing is right.
When Is the Right Time to Make the Hire?
Evaluate your current team structure – Do you need stronger leadership, communication, and reporting?
Review finances – Ensure your margins can support a senior salary.
Assess client demands – Are you handling more complex SEO projects?
Check your growth goals – Are you aiming to scale aggressively in the near future?
Consider leadership focus – Do you want to shift more time toward business development?
If several of these align, the time is right.
Tips for Hiring the Right Head of SEO
Seek proven experience – Especially in leading SEO within an agency setting.
Test for strategic vision & leadership – Ensure candidates can both execute and inspire.
Evaluate cultural fit – The role requires close collaboration across teams and with clients.
Consider headhunting – Top talent is often passive, not actively applying.
Ready to hire your next Head of SEO?
SEO for Hire has built SEO teams for startups to Fortune 500s. Book a call today and secure an A-player for your agency.
FAQs
Do all agencies need a Head of SEO?
Not at first, but as client complexity and team size grow, a Head of SEO becomes essential.
Can a Head of SEO work without a team?
Yes. Many agencies hire them as their first SEO hire, laying the groundwork for future scaling.
How is a Head of SEO different from an SEO Manager?
An SEO Manager executes campaigns; a Head of SEO leads strategy, budgets, and team growth.
What are the biggest benefits for clients?
More consistent results, stronger communication, and leadership oversight.
How do I attract top candidates?
By building a strong employer brand, offering competitive packages, and leveraging SEO-specialist recruiters.
