Who Should Handle Your Local SEO? DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Local SEO is the difference between being discovered online or staying invisible when people search for businesses like yours.
But the big question is: should you manage it yourself, or hire a professional?
Both approaches have pros and cons. Let’s break it down so you can make the right choice for your business.
The DIY Route: Doing Your Own Local SEO
Plenty of business owners start by managing their own local SEO. With guides, tools, and free resources available, it can feel manageable, at least at the start.
Advantages of DIY SEO
Cost savings: No monthly agency fee.
Full control: You know exactly what’s being done and why.
Hands-on learning: You build valuable knowledge about how search engines work.
Challenges of DIY SEO
Time-consuming: Optimising your website, listings, and content takes hours each week.
Steep learning curve: SEO changes often. Keeping up is tricky.
Risk of mistakes: Keyword stuffing, poor backlink choices, or ignoring technical basics can set you back.
DIY is a solid option if you’re just starting out, have the time to learn, and your local competition isn’t too strong.
Hiring a Pro: Why Businesses Bring in Experts
SEO professionals (like me here at SO SEO) dedicate their careers to understanding how Google works.
They can deliver results faster, avoid costly errors, and free up your time.
Advantages of Hiring a Pro
Time back: You focus on running your business, not reading SEO blogs.
Expertise: Pros know what actually moves the needle in local SEO.
Scalability: As your business grows, your SEO can grow with you.
Better results: With the right strategy, you’ll get more visibility and more customers.
Challenges of Hiring a Pro
Cost: Monthly retainers or project fees add to your expenses.
Trust: The SEO industry has its fair share of jargon and overpromises. You’ll need someone transparent.
Hiring a pro makes sense if your time is limited, competition is tough, or you want growth without trial and error.
A Middle Ground: DIY + Pro Support
You don’t always have to choose one extreme.
Many local businesses do the basics themselves (updating their Google Business Profile, posting blogs) while outsourcing technical SEO, content planning, or link building.
This way, you keep costs down but still get expert guidance where it counts.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you’ve got more time than budget, start DIY.
If you’ve got more budget than time, hire a pro.
If you want the best of both, blend the two.
The important thing is that you do something. Local SEO isn’t optional anymore, it’s how people find businesses in 2025.
Local SEO isn’t just about rankings…
… it’s about customers.
Whether you handle it yourself or bring in help, the key is to stay consistent and avoid quick fixes that don’t last.
If you’re on the fence, start DIY, see what results you get, and then consider professional support when you’re ready to grow further.
Want a simple, transparent local SEO plan for your business? At SO SEO, I make it jargon-free and tailored for the SO postcode area. Get in touch today, or try our £10 Backlink - Sponsor an Example service for a quick, easy boost.
Is DIY local SEO effective?
It can be, especially for small businesses in less competitive areas. But it takes time and effort to see results.
Why hire a local SEO professional?
A pro saves you time, avoids mistakes, and often delivers faster, more reliable results.
Can I mix DIY and professional SEO?
Absolutely. Many businesses manage their own basics while outsourcing technical or time-consuming tasks.
How much does professional local SEO cost?
Costs vary, but small businesses should budget anywhere from £200-£1,000+ per month, depending on services.
What’s the biggest mistake in DIY SEO?
Giving up too soon. SEO is a long-term effort, and many businesses quit before results appear.
