Guaranteed First Page?

aaron_nimocks

16 years ago

Promise increased traffic through search engines through targeted keywords instead.

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Will Perkins

16 years ago

Unless your name is Sergey Bring or Larry Page, you can't guarantee that

Try changing it to something more like, "Guaranteed traffic increases which will give you more business, but I'll do my absolute best to get you to the first page."

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Always-A-Warrior

16 years ago

Actually you can guarantee them first page because that's where they're listed, on the first page plus if they want higher ranking on Google Places simply use lots of different keywords. That's why keyword research is so crucial in presenting any online work to your clients.

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sconlinemarketing

16 years ago

Sorry if the post is misleading. I'm not offering a guarantee. For example they are on page 9, and I say I can get them to page 1, as my sales pitch. Then they want a guarantee.

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Always-A-Warrior

16 years ago

Originally Posted by sconlinemarketing

Sorry if the post is misleading. I'm not offering a guarantee. For example they are on page 9, and I say I can get them to page 1, as my sales pitch. Then they want a guarantee.

Hand them over to me and I'll get them there.

By the way do you know the city+keywords?.

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Wiggy0618

16 years ago

Guarantee the work you do - not where they'll end up.

Think of it like this - you could guarantee to build somebody a high quality home. You can't guarantee said home won't get destroyed by a hurricane.

You can't guarantee that which you don't have direct control over.

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Quentin

16 years ago

Google expressly says you cannot offer that guarantee so thats what I tell them.

I then go onto say however that we can rank them well in a number of areas pertaining to their business, long tails, and that seems to satisfy them.

You can always get them number 1 for their business name if it is also their domain name.

Remember you have the upper hand.

Q

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MichaelHiles

16 years ago

Indeed... guarantee the work, not the outcome. You simply cannot - too many variables outside of your control.

An oncologist can guarantee me chemotherapy treatments for cancer, but can't guarantee my cure.

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Supafly

16 years ago

My clients don't start paying me until they are on the first page for their primary keyword phrase. Never had a client not pay me. I don't suggest this method if you're new at Google Places.

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PaulMark

16 years ago

I always tell them what I've done for others - even though I don't reveal for who (due to confidentiality). And once they are sold, I interject something like, "Just so you know, I don't OWN Google. So I can't guarantee the first place on Google. But I can tell you that I've done it before and have customers happy about their rankings even now."

It's never been a problem because the way I have my billing set up. I never take 100% up front. Depending on the client, I either take half to start and half when firmly established first page ranking. OR I just bill when I've gotten the rankings.

When they know they don't have to pay (or pay in full) until they see results, it's not a problem.

Hope that helps!

Mark

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akazo

16 years ago

There is no problem with a guarantee. Just do your keyword research so that you will know what it will take (this comes with experience). Then as long as they are willing to commit to a monthly plan for, just as an example, 6 months or maybe a year depending on competitiveness of the keywords, you can guarantee a first page listing.

They have to understand that it is not a quick easy one off job for major cities and competitive terms, but rather a process.

I usually guarantee a 50% refund. That way I know I get paid.

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Creativegirl

16 years ago

Good points on both sides of the fence. I think by now most businesses get what the payoff is for ranking on page 1.

Guaranteeing first page Google placement is not that hard if you qualify them first. For example, low competition on page one and they are on pages 2-4. In fact that can be an easy sell to do first for no money down and then collect the annual fee per your contract after a specific number of days. Seems like I bought a WSO last year that explained this as a business model.

You can tell that anyone can get page 1 ranking, just depends on competition, how aggressive they are and how much they want to spend.

Too many businesses have either no idea what they are buying or they've been burned by someone. These are the hardest to sell to so some sort of guarantee is extremely helpful, even if you word it carefully to where it is your services you are guaranteeing vs. placement.

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Isaiah

16 years ago

Never promise a first page listing...they most of us know with proper seo it can be done..show them some examples of some LIVE sites that you have done before and how they are ranking...tell them you have tons of success in the past..though we cannot promise you'll be on top...we will do our best

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krzysiek

16 years ago

I say I will get them to the first page, but when it comes to the agreement (if I ever even get someone looking at my agreement!!) I will surely specify that I cannot make a promise like that.

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wbinst2 16 years ago

You don't say "i'll get you to the first page" instead say "i'll get you to the first page for these keywords"

Big difference and it puts you in control.
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angellee

16 years ago

Originally Posted by sconlinemarketing

I have had just a few potential clients ask for a guarantee when it comes to placing them on the first page of Google. What do you do or say if someone asks for this? Thanks

No one cam guarantee on first page of Google, even Google can't guarantee you that they will place you on the top of the pages. To get the top ranking there are some SEO techniques which we need to do.

On Page SEO -
1. Meta tag optimization.
2. Image Alt tag optimization
3. Anchor tag optimization
4. Content Optimization.
5. Title Tag Optimization.
6. Get local listing for website.

Off Page SEO -
1. Social bookmarking
2. Directory submission
3. Forum posting
4. Blogging
5. Article Writing
6. Press release

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bestseoexpert 16 years ago

Always SAY NO to avoid problem.
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bestseoexpert

16 years ago

You can also tell the client that it will rank slowly and could take uo to 12M

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eshber

16 years ago

Never guarantee! I've heard alot of stories about companies doing this and ripping people off! :-s

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Always-A-Warrior

16 years ago

What you've heard and what I know is two different things (without being sarcastic). If you know how to research your keywords the right way and put in more effort than a regular job then you can get paid good. I'm not saying you can rule the world (although some people THINK they can) I'm saying it is possible to rank at the top of any search engine if you really know HOW and using Google Places is just one of those places where it can be done easily and again, if you know HOW.

Now where the guarantee comes in, is that of course you can make guarantees and maybe not for the heavy competitive keywords but those keywords with a few hundred exacts from Google Ad Tool is just as good to get to the top for those. Again HOW.

This WF has taught me so many things throughout the years that it amazing I'm not out opening up my own seminar or traveling the world teaching people .... lol no I'm just kidding.

But with all seriousness, be confident in the work you do and all will flow. Karma!.

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Digital Info Diva

16 years ago

Even if you get them to page 1, there's no guarantee they will stick.

Especially with Google who is always changing.

Every site is different and there are so many variables involved, there is no way you can guarantee it for sure. It's a process that takes a lot of work and time.

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Always-A-Warrior

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Digital Info Diva

Even if you get them to page 1, there's no guarantee they will stick.

Especially with Google who is always changing.

Every site is different and there are so many variables involved, there is no way you can guarantee it for sure. It's a process that takes a lot of work and time.

Yes you are right. That's why the monthly fee of $250-$500 or even more does help to keep it up there. You must do whatever it takes for it to stay at the top or you do not get paid. It's hard work only if you think its hard. When you see it as better than no money at all then your drive to make it happen kicks in. It can be stressful at first but like anything else after a few sips you start to feel relaxed and ready to take on the next project. So drink up.

Sit down and study SEO, LSI, SEM and whatever else you can learn and then make that commitment. Don't just jump in and say, "Ooops! I think something is missing". by then it'll be too late. Make sure you are ready to take on this type of task as it takes more than just signing up for an account and filling out a form for Google Places or any search engines. Make friends with the 3 Amigos and get to know them and you should be fine.

Yes Google does change their game plans thats why its good to stay as close to Google as possible by joining their groups, forums, newletters and subscribing to Matt's blog or twitter.

Some people take guarantees as a life-threaten issue but all it is is a yes to their no or in other words. Yes I can and I will not surrender to the No.

Don't let any word stop you from accomplishing what you need to do.

No is for nobody - Yes is for somebody - who do you want to be?.

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donnan

16 years ago

Sorry Gail,

I have to totally disagree with you.

If you have applied the correct principals to your SEO. You will stay on the first page until another page with a higher ranking comes and knocks you off.

You have to remember google has been doing this for about 20 years now. It is at a position now where it serves very relevant results for a given users search. It is not going to destroy that. That is the goal it was striving for.

If one wants to be on the FIRST page of google you can stay there as long as you are ranking higher than other sites below. If you find you have dropped out of the ranking of first page find out who pushed you out and with some investigation you can get a reasonable understanding of where and why they outranked you. Once you know that then you just work on getting a higher score in that or those areas.

Google changes it's algorithms to improve it's ranking process, but it's very careful not to destroy what is already working very well.

My hotel site has been listed on the FIRST page of google now for 12 years. Never been below position #10 on the first page.

Originally Posted by Digital Info Diva

Even if you get them to page 1, there's no guarantee they will stick.

Especially with Google who is always changing.

Every site is different and there are so many variables involved, there is no way you can guarantee it for sure. It's a process that takes a lot of work and time.

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RunningBear

16 years ago

The word "guarantee" makes me a little nervous--especially when dealing with something as fickle as search engine rankings--too many things that are out of your control--like all of those other bloggers and web designers working night and day to make their sites rank in that same position. Guess your keyword research has to be extra good. :-)

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donnan

16 years ago

It is possible to get on the FIRST page of google.

I have done it and can do it regularly. You just need to know the right principles to apply in your SEO

If you are offering a guarantee that you can get sites listed on FIRST page of google, you better be sure you can deliver, because it will come back and bite you if you can't.

For those that don't believe it's possible, then I say you better take another look at SEO.

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Always-A-Warrior

16 years ago

Originally Posted by donnan

It is possible to get on the FIRST page of google.

I have done it and can do it regularly. You just need to know the right principles to apply in your SEO

If you are offering a guarantee that you can get sites listed on FIRST page of google, you better be sure you can deliver, because it will come back and bite you if you can't.

For those that don't believe it's possible, then I say you better take another look at SEO.

I totally agree.

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donnan

16 years ago

Always-A-Warrior...I also agree with you.

Many people believe it's just impossible to get on the FIRST page of google. I think they formed this opinion because they found it too hard and they just gave up in defeat. It was all too hard so it must be impossible. I taught my brother how to do it and he regularly tells me how he got onto google's first page.

There was a comment earlier from someone that states "google doesn't even know how to get on the first page". Well, I find that hard to believe because it was google 18 years ago that taught me how to get listed on the first page. I have been doing it every since.

Getting listed on the first page of google is not as hard as you might think. "Someone has to be on the first page, WHY NOT YOU!".

I have decided I am going to bring my knowledge out into the open and share it with the world. PM me if you want to be added to my list of users to be first notified.

Change your attitude guys. Open yourself to the possibility that you can get listed on google's FIRST page.

I could guarantee someone I can get them on the FIRST page of google search for their keywords if they could pay me enough money.

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rohnsmith

16 years ago

I don't make promise for the first page. I try to convince the client that we will try our level best. Daily make report and send it to the client. It will tell the story of what we have do for you. In most of the cases I have got first page.

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Droopy Dawg

16 years ago

There is a simple answer to this question... you can guarantee it if you want... but if you're bound to a contract that "guarantees" results... you best follow through.

The "guarantee" to my clients is that I will carry out the work until I get them there... if we agree on a 6 month contract for some VERY competitive keywords, then they pay me for my work in those 6 months. If I don't have them at their "final destination" after 6 month, then I continue to work until I get them there, but the payments stop after 6 months.

There are way too many variables that are out of your control to "guarantee" that you'll get them anywhere.

Lets say you "guarantee" page 1 results, and the furthest you can get them is the top of page 2. If you've signed a contract promising page 1, then you owe them a refund.

Then 2 weeks later... once more of your backlinks have indexed and been counted... you get them to page 1, but legally you can't get your money back. Plus... your credibility (to them) may have taken a hit.

Don't do it. Its VERY possible to get sites onto page one even with the changes to the SERPs with Google places, but don't put that much unwarranted pressure on yourself.

DeShon

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ryanjm

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Droopy Dawg

There is a simple answer to this question... you can guarantee it if you want... but if you're bound to a contract that "guarantees" results... you best follow through.

The "guarantee" to my clients is that I will carry out the work until I get them there... if we agree on a 6 month contract for some VERY competitive keywords, then they pay me for my work in those 6 months. If I don't have them at their "final destination" after 6 month, then I continue to work until I get them there, but the payments stop after 6 months.

I like this guarantee the best and I think it's what I'll be using. Honestly I would feel like I didn't earn the money if I couldn't get a local business ranked for a local keyword phrase in under 3 months. I've looked at the competition for local keywords that have a CPC of $20-40 and there is a void of basic on-page optimization and not really a whole lot of backlinks to contend with. I think I would be very comfortable offering a guarantee.

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donnan

16 years ago

Droopy Dawg,

I agree, it's better to not put that sort of pressure on yourself if you are not confident you can deliver. It could become very costly in the end.

Now. ........I might go and get another of my sites to FIRST page....It's really motivated me. Great thread guys. mmmmm.....keywords "add url" I can get that to first page.

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Digital Info Diva 16 years ago

Ok - lets get real here.

Of course you can guarantee you'll get you to page 1. If you know what you're doing, that's a given.

What I don't guarantee is how long before you're on page 1. Every client I work with is starting at a different point in the SEs. So do I work for 3 months to get them to page 1 or do I "get them on page" no matter what?

I may get their business a listing on page 1 with a video, but their website is still down on page 3.

Bottom line is I never guarantee the time-frame. I have 1 package that is less money, but it will take longer. Another is faster and costs more.

It's always good to give them options and then make sure they understand EXACTLY what it will take to implement the their preference.
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donnan

16 years ago

There are many companies out there today that charge good money for SEO and just don't deliver. IMHO if a company cannot get their clients to at least page 2 for their chosen keywords then they should not be charged for SEO services. A fair amount of time for final SEO result is 3 months. If I had ever not got there within 3 months I would know I had missed doing something correctly.

Just imagine how much better (even though I think the search results now returned are excellent relevancy) the relevancy would improve if alot more companies that do SEO got all of their clients search terms to at least the 2nd page. It would also mean that pages 3, 4, 5 and 6 would also be more relevant. The flow on effect would be tremendous.

I suppose as time goes on people will get better at SEO. That's a hint by the way. Meaning software won't get you to the FIRST page of google and keep you there. Not yet anyway.

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RaptorGabe

16 years ago

I guarantee my first place Local Listings. From my keyword research I can usually tell if I can get them there and the time period. However, as usual I've had a few NOT make it.....but I've usually done so much for them that they stay on anyway. If you do not feel comfortable making a First Page Promise then DON'T! Promise what you can do then over deliver

they will love you

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jackcanbera

16 years ago

Maybe you could say about your experience up to now.

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jackcanbera

16 years ago

For example, you could say, I can't *promise* you the first place in google, but I can tell you what I accomplished in the past.

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jackcanbera

16 years ago

With client A I got to first place in 3 weeks.
With client B I got to first place in 2 weeks
etc. etc.
You don't promise him, but speak about what your experince up to now was.

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Always-A-Warrior

16 years ago

Well something news has arise and now Google has added a boost to Google Places.

Introducing, (drum roll please.) - GOOGLE BOOST or GOOGLE BOOST ADS!!!

Welcome to Google Places for Business

sorry the link was too long ...

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myob 16 years ago

Actually with some niches and keywords I can and do guarantee first page listing within 72 hours, and even guaranteed targeted traffic. It's not cheap, and then it's a monthly fee to make it stick. Although, I have also given a few refunds.
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- loganquinn 16 years ago
  
  I'm sorry to be rude, but to all the people offering advice to "not" offer a guarantee, that's just stupid.
  
  Why would someone hire you to do SEO unless you can get them to Page 1?
  
  The truth is, if you know what you're doing, getting on Page 1 for ANY local phrase isn't difficult at all.
  
  I noticed some members in this thread posting they DO guarantee page 1 rankings - some don't even get paid until they can get them. All I can say is, these people are the ones who know what they're doing.
  
  After all, would YOU hire someone who didn't guarantee results? I know I wouldn't.
  
  I personally offer a guaranteed Page 1 rank in 30 days or less - which will stay there for at least a year.
  
  I've never had any problems following through with my guarantee.
  
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mattlaclear

16 years ago

I just say...check my sig file. We guarantee page one rankings for all our clients.

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