8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Client Asks For Free Onsite SEO

by beffy7
7 replies
I recently completed an ecommerce site for a client. Initially I was to also be hired for SEO after site completion. The site has 150 products, with the product names being the keywords. Once the keywords were chosen, I would go back into the products we were doing SEO for and add the keywords into the meta tags, description, and so on.


Well, the client has decided that he can't afford SEO at this time, but has found someone that will do the offsite SEO for free. He wants me to go and do the onsite optimization for him. I don't think this is right.


I don't think he understands that onsite is part of the SEO process. I've already told him that I will be more than happy to give his free SEO-er the log in information to the site. But he keeps asking, is there anyway you can just insert the meta keywords?



How would you respond without pushing your client away? He may return and do SEO with me at a later time.

On a side note this is the same client that has already asked me to hook him up, if there's anyway you can cut me a deal, blah blah blah.
#asks #client #free #onsite #seo
  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    How much time will it take?

    Is it under the amount of "flub" factor you figured into your prices?

    Does this client have likely future value?

    If he has future value and it is within the flub factor do it.

    If he has future value but it isn't have him pay a small one time fee to do it.

    If he has no future value and it isn't within the flub factor hold fast to your pricing but understand that you will lose this client and referrals (point here is that every client has some future value).
    Signature
    Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7979712].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Sounds like this client wasn't really a fit on budget in the first place.

    Let him go get the free SEO and see how that works out. Tell him you'll be here when he needs you.

    Step Two: go find other, better clients.
    Signature
    >> Executive advisory: Unstick sales, strategy & growth problems fast → jasonkanigan.com

    >> Selling? Then this is the FREE YouTube series you need RIGHT NOW
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7979735].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author beffy7
      Just to clarify:


      On site optimization was not included in the quote for web design. It was included in the quote for SEO.



      When I say 'meta keywords' I am just repeating what the client is saying. He really means onsite optimization. While, obviously, the product name is in the title, description, etc. we will not know until he chooses keywords what the keywords actually are. Example: product is called 'lime ladies tshirt', keyword is actually 'green vneck ladies'


      This is a person I grew up with. He does send me referrals. I should just do it, I guess I'm just a little annoyed. He can be needy and I constantly feel like he's trying to get one over on me. If he's found someone else to provide the SEO service, I think they should do the whole thing for him.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7979794].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
        Originally Posted by beffy7 View Post

        Just to clarify:


        On site optimization was not included in the quote for web design. It was included in the quote for SEO.



        When I say 'meta keywords' I am just repeating what the client is saying. He really means onsite optimization. While, obviously, the product name is in the title, description, etc. we will not know until he chooses keywords what the keywords actually are. Example: product is called 'lime ladies tshirt', keyword is actually 'green vneck ladies'


        This is a person I grew up with. He does send me referrals. I should just do it, I guess I'm just a little annoyed. He can be needy and I constantly feel like he's trying to get one over on me. If he's found someone else to provide the SEO service, I think they should do the whole thing for him.
        Hmm personality fit issue, too...hard to work with friends because it IS difficult to say "No", isn't it.

        How are the referrals? Good or bad quality? If they're good, then he has or will pay for himself many times over.
        Signature
        >> Executive advisory: Unstick sales, strategy & growth problems fast → jasonkanigan.com

        >> Selling? Then this is the FREE YouTube series you need RIGHT NOW
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7979813].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author beffy7
          Yes, it is hard to say no I think I'll do it for him, and just let him know that this is a favor. He keeps asking me for a deal, well this is it.

          His referrals are good quality.

          Talking it out makes it seem like common sense, but like I said, I was a bit annoyed when he first asked me. Mainly because he's seeking a cheap service provider after I've done good work for him, but still needing me for free.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7979864].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    So often we over think these things and let the emotions of the situation take over. Once you step back and look at it logically you see the answer is there.

    In this case the simple answer was do it because the value is there from friendship and referrals.

    There is a chance you will end up doing paid SEO for him as well.

    Well worth it for a bit of extra time.
    Signature
    Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7980048].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author digichik
    Why not tell your friend(since he doesn't have the money to pay you) you'll barter with him -- 5 referrals who purchase services from you, for you doing his onsite SEO. This way you get him to give you something you value and he gets what he wants.
    Signature



    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7981634].message }}

Trending Topics