Working as a SEO contractor for an agency vs as your own agency - pro and con

April 26, 2025•2 min read

Introduction: Why Work as an Independent Contractor?

Brandon and Keith kick off the conversation by discussing the benefits and mindset behind choosing contract work, especially in uncertain job markets.

Business Law Basics for Independent Contractors They touch on legal concerns, contracts, taxes, and the importance of setting yourself up properly from day one.

Competing on Price, Differentiation, or Exclusivity (Hax Delta Model) Keith introduces the Hax Delta Model as a strategic tool for figuring out where you want to compete in the market.

Deciding Whether to Continue Contracting Brandon reflects on his experience and internal decision-making process when choosing whether to continue freelancing or build an agency.

Making a $1,000 Offer They explore how to craft a clear, valuable offer to clients—even with a modest budget—as a gateway to bigger opportunities. As suggested by @TheDevinTracy .

Competing on Price vs. Quality A discussion on the risks of being the “cheap” option and how to frame your value without racing to the bottom.

Benefit of Contract Work: No Cost of Acquisition Keith shares how working under contract often means you’re not paying for leads—you're simply delivering value.

Benefit of Agency: Building Your Own Client Base Brandon compares the agency model and the rewards of owning your client relationships.

Concentration Risk: Depending on One Client They talk about the dangers of relying on just one or two clients and how that can affect your income stability.

Decision Making Timeline Brandon outlines a 3–6 month horizon for figuring out your long-term career direction.

Performing SEO on Poor Performing Sites They dive into how SEO work varies depending on the client’s current digital presence and traffic performance.

HighLevel Agency Subscription Plans Keith breaks down how tools like HighLevel support scaling, automation, and white-labeled services.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts Wrapping up with encouragement and thoughts on the path ahead—whether contract or agency life.
I have an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University, @nwnazarene , 2022, and a BA in Computer Info Systems from the same alma mater, 1992. And I hold a MA in Adult Education from Trident University International, @tridentuniv . . . .

Keith Besherse

Loud but loyal, former US Army air cavalry trooper now a HighLevel implementation consultant for small business and nonprofits.

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