SEO pricing for local clients

What exactly do clients get with the different packages? How do you explain the programs to them, and do you offer any guarantees?

but some high competitve words would be much difficult to put them on the first page of Google.

Pricing can be tricky, especially if you're new and lack confidence.

One of the things to consider is your market place. For example, you can charge far more in a metro area like Seattle WA over what you could charge in a smaller area. We price things according to the city we're marketing in (we do not list prices on our website!).

In addition, because of the risk factor (risk is a big deal to businesses), we have a lower priced package that is easy to buy into and offers very little risk, and then we can "upsell" them from there. Or, they can buy into the more expensive packages. Their choice.

Our primary objective is to just simply get them as a client because we know that the majority will purchase upsell products and other products from us over time. We have a high "lifetime client value" because of this approach.

In other words, we have a very aggressive an effective "back-end" marketing approach. On the front end it's just about getting them as a customer.

Our approach will lock them in for 1 1/2 years of buying other products from us. In doing so, the monthly fee increases based upon the additional products they pruchase, and it's all done in stepping stones which makes it easy for the business to do.

Plus, we show them how we're just using "new money" developed from what we've already put in place for their business so it's really not costing them any additional money at all. One piece works off the previous piece.

So, depending on HOW you're going to sell your products, your marketing approach and the city you're marketing in, all of this will determine your pricing. Of course, there's also the competition factor, which you must take into consideration, especially if you're new and don't have existing clients you can fall back on to prove results, or if you're prices are higher than everyone elses.

Good luck to you.

Bradley

for one site?
or for many listings ie the Dr Dan google love method?
$500 seems a little steep for only ranking one site

Two thoughts -

1) If you use package pricing - Set it High.
(Then you can always do them a favor and bring it down if they really want
your services.)

2) Consider putting together your own small proposal system/template. Use this to show/deliver value and communicate your service effectively with prospects.

Agree, charge them for a system to get more clients and point out how much money that will make them. As soon as you start talking about your SEO package they start shopping around for cheaper.

Here are the five things you need to know after having your first appointment (If you don't know these things you can't properly provide a solution):

Assess Needs
Assess Budget
Determine Decision Makers
What are the timelines
What is decision being based upon

Once you know exactly what the person's needs and budget are, you can put together a custom package based around their specific needs.

In your next meeting tell him you are going to provide him with a solution based on the needs, budget, and timeline he identified.

I put together a bronze silver and gold package for each client, and I have yet to have a client go for the bronze. It's how I close $6000+ deals

I agree with this post. And, I'd like to add my 2¢ also.

After 12 years in the business I've learned that your initial mindset has to be focused on results and not how much you are going to charge. My opinion is that one size does NOT fit all.

A few years ago I started charging to do the keyword research. Depending on the size of the business, reach (geographic service area) and anticipated competition, I charge anywhere from $295 to $695. I explain that they will receive a report along with a call to discuss the report once complete. I let them know that the report is a thorough keyword research and competitive analysis of their industry and any online marketing company can use it after it's generated (so they are not obligated to me). I will NOT bring on a client without doing this first because it's the basis of my proposal/pricing.

(I like getting paid to find out how much to charge them.)

When the report is complete I understand the complexity of what I have to do and that helps me understand the fee. And, I base my fee on a number of factors:

• How many PRODUCTIVE keywords were found
• How aggressively they want to attack their market (allows me to tailor the fee to their budget and set their expectations)
• How competitive it should be to get them ranking
• And, finally, how much these additional customers should add to their bottom line (I do not charge a restaurant as much as a surgeon - but, it's usually not as competitive either)

Then, when I get on the phone with them, I've already done the research and my "homework" to the point that I can effectively talk to them and give them solid reasons why I should be the one to help. I make sure I put it in terms that they understand (potential of new customers). Seldom do I use the words "SEO", "online marketing" or "SEM" because it means nothing to them.

The real purpose of the call is to soft-sell them and set them up to receive my proposal with open minds. And, since I've already done the pre-sell, I don't have a problem calling them back a few days later to "answer questions" and see if my proposal fits their budget and their expectations.

I only provide my services to a maximum number of clients per month simply because of time constraints since I only outsource about 25% of what I do (I like my job and want to do it the best I can and I do a better job than any outsourcer as far as I am concerned). I have had all the customers I can handle for over 5 years now and have NOT lost a client in over 3 years except a couple who have retired.

I still do a couple of reports per month and, if I hit someone who is potentially a high spender (for minimal work) I'll break my maximum rule and bring them on for gravy money. I've had to bring on my son recently to help me because of this but now his young butt is working too.

A long story but hopefully, one that someone can use to help build their business. Don't be afraid of charging for your time - no matter whether it's to do the research or writing a proposal (like someone said above). It's been said many times here and I'll repeat it again... your services are important to offline companies; especially in today's economic climate.

My clients pay me from $500 to $2500 per month for my services and they have no problems writing the checks because they get results. And THAT'S what it's all about.

wow i never think of this. it seem that you have to reward your client and then you offer them some additional services too.

I build this into the monthly price and get my money back over time. I don't tell the client that I've added additional cost.

I just tell them that I need to change a few things on the site so that the off page SEM will yield them more visitors...blah...blah...blah.

It works out better that way, because most times your client has paid money to have a website developed and they really don't want to pay more money to fix it...

Well we might charge "low" to either get our foot in the door OR show them we can do what we promise (for lower ranking keywords) and then down the road offer other service.

To tell a client who is in banking lets say "I can get you top listing for people looking for banks" is almost impossible when they have only been on the net for a year. But show them they can be #1 for "Banks In Dallas" is much easier and makes the client feel good they are #1 on something.

I dont want to charge $3000 and have the client feel they can achive greatness in 1 week because a lot have that mentality. I rather advise them I can get you steady links and month by month you will rise up.