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Ethics regarding submitting to local business directories on behalf of clients

by marketwarlord
11 replies
Hello all,

I have decided to enter into the world of doing SEO and SEM for local businesses.

When I originally looked into doing submission to business directories on behalf of local businesses, I found that there were many sites that had policies and terms of usage that put me in a position to make decisions that may effect the business owners I am working for.

Does anyone have any tips in this regard? Do most of you who do this type of work just click the "agree" check mark and let fate take its course or do you get the business owner's permissions for each individual directory site?

Something in between?

I'd love to get some feedback on this so I can try to avoid messing up this important aspect of the business.

Thank you in advance.

Anthony
#behalf #business #clients #directories #ethics #local #submitting
  • Profile picture of the author marketwarlord
    Friendly bump....

    I could really use some feedback on this.

    Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
    Personally I think you are over analyzing this. If you feel that it is a big deal have some sort of verbiage in your contract stating that you will be agreeing to terms and conditions on these directories on there behalf.
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    • Profile picture of the author David Judge
      Originally Posted by mrmatt View Post

      Personally I think you are over analyzing this. If you feel that it is a big deal have some sort of verbiage in your contract stating that you will be agreeing to terms and conditions on these directories on there behalf.
      Agreed. Just write it into your client agreement that you will be doing it on their behalf. Set up a gmail account (or another email account) and provide them with access to the account so they can see what your doing... complete transparency.

      If you are doing citations for long distance clients, sign up for a service that will control where your geographical location.

      I see that you doing citations, etc on behalf of your client offers amazing value.
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  • Profile picture of the author marketwarlord
    Thanks David and mrmatt!

    I figured it could be as simple as that, but I wasn't sure of what was widely used and acceptable.

    I really appreciate your feedback. I will push forward with your advice in mind.

    Best regards,

    Anthony Hall
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  • Profile picture of the author oursmartweb
    That really is a great idea. I am doing the same for a client that owns a local deli in Springfield Mo. I don't think that they really care what I have to do to get them to the top. This is a great practice that we all need to be in because we will eventually have clients that think they know more than us, or just want to see what we do with our time and their money.
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    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission. Just do it.
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
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      • Profile picture of the author dtaylor
        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission. Just do it.

        One of my all-time favorite expressions. In other words, just do it.
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        • Profile picture of the author marketwarlord
          Originally Posted by dtaylor View Post

          One of my all-time favorite expressions. In other words, just do it.

          Haha... I agree! I too am from the "ready, fire, aim" mind-set.

          For the record, I was "just doing it", but I wanted to check to see what people were doing as a general rule of thumb to see if there was anything I needed to change.

          I was basically trying to be as transparent and as cautionary to the client as possible letting them know that there are terms and conditions for these directory services. Giving them the option to look into it deeper or just let-r-rip.
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      • Profile picture of the author David Neale
        Not recommended in this case. Too many potential legal issues. Get "something" signed before you act on behalf of a business. Asking for "forgiveness" is not a very effective method when dealing with a lawyer.

        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission. Just do it.
        Signature

        David Neale

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  • Profile picture of the author Perestroika
    Add a clause in your contract about it. Problem solved.
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  • Profile picture of the author rbrShorty
    As a person who is working with local business directories daily, I'd say that in 99% of the situations having the agreement of the business owner to act on their behalf and/or acting as an official business representative is enough.

    However, in less than 1% of the cases any of the directory sites will care.

    Cheers,
    Nyagoslav
    NGS Marketing
    Signature
    Local Search Marketing by NGS Marketing

    Citation Building Service by NGS Marketing

    Phone (US): 347-535-4535 | Skype: NGS.Marketing
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