Is hiring an SEO agency worth it for startups?

We’re a tech startup in Sydney with a tight budget. We know we need to build an online presence but don’t know if it’s smarter to try SEO on our own or hire a professional agency. Has anyone worked with a local SEO team and seen real value?

Startups need to be strategic with every dollar, so I get why you're weighing this carefully.

When our startup began, we hesitated too, but eventually partnered with a https://www.shtudio.com.au/services/seo/ seo agency in sydney. They worked closely with us to craft an SEO strategy that fit our niche and our budget. Instead of going broad, they targeted long-tail keywords related to our specific product offering. We also created content clusters around industry pain points. Within a few months, not only did traffic improve, but we started generating inbound leads we didn’t expect. It’s not just about rankings—it’s about connecting with the right audience.