11 replies to this topic

[meta]

When you do not have a formal contract, do you have some sort of outline of your agreement in e-mail or some other form?

Split off from http://www.highranki...=15

Edited by scottiecl, 06 January 2004 - 11:59 AM.

[bwelford]

Even without a formal contract, it's always good to have in writing exactly what each party will do and when.

Good fences make good neighbours.

[harpsound]

Every agreement letter follows a formula in terms of layout but the details always vary too much to use a predetermined form. We are in the music biz and negotiate 200 agreements a year so keeping an accurate agreement trail is critical as no two engagements are the same.
Namaste
S

[Christian_SEO]

We use what we call a "Statement of Work" that defines what the project is, what we will do for the client and what the client needs to do. It specifies the optimization and the submission process and has disclaimers.

It's less formal than a contract, but better than just a quick email. By having the project defined in writing, there is very little room for misunderstandings.

Also, we have done enough projects that we have default information and prices and just have to change a few things when we need to sent it to a new client.

[ajeshnair]

Hi Christian_SEO,

We have a standard agreement for all clients in which make some changes for some clients. Is it possible to send me a copy of your agreement.

Moreover do you give any gurantees like "top 10".

Thanks

Ajesh Nair

[ajeshnair]

Namaste!! Harpsoundji

[OldWelshGuy]

Hi Ajesh,

here is the guarantee that I give my clients, it is copied and pasted from a schedule of work I sent out yesterday.

Search Engine Optimisation is a long term, and ongoing process, and although visible results can often be seen instantly it is really a long-term strategy. I would expect to see visitor figures climb month on month (until they level out at their maximum available level), but more importantly they will be targeted quality visitors who will have served up to them, exactly what they are looking for, This I CAN guarantee you.

I do not offer a guaranteed placement within search results, as the only people who can do that are the search engines themselves. What I can guarantee is that I will work in exactly the same manner for your business as I have for others. Many of which do in fact appear top, or on the first results page for real world searched for phrases. What ALL these customers have in common is that their businesses have secured more business as a direct result of the marketing work I have carried out for them with regard their online presence.

I tell people straight, "you are asking me the same as my other clients did when I started marketing their business" I will give you the same answer... (the answer being the second paragraph above.

IMO the absolute key to working well with a client is mutual trust. You have to trust them to tell you the truth, and they have to have trust in your marketing abilities. If I have any doubt about the client, I walk. And THEY must trust in my abilities based, in part on what I say and do when with them, and also my past performance.


Hope this helps

OWG

[ajeshnair]

Hi OWG!

The client knows the intricacies of SEO services. Having acquired knowledge and skills in this field, myself ensure Top 10 position for all customers and the results speaks for itself. I offer him this same guarantee, that i will do everything in my control to benefit his business through our services.

I am disappointed that he insist on having Top 10 in our contract for legal department and to protect himself.

Thanks

Ajesh Nair

[dbmasters]

I have yet to have ever used a contract...never even thought about it until just now, been in business over 5 years...

[Steve Sardell]

Hi OWG!

...

I am disappointed that he insist on having Top 10 in our contract for legal department and to protect himself.

Thanks

Ajesh Nair

Hi Ajesh,

Like OWG was saying, there is no way one can guarantee a top ten placement. You may be able to attain it, but can't guarantee it, unless you use some tageted non sensical phrase. Even then, there is no guarantee. IMHO, your client should be looking at the type of traffic you may be able to drive his way. If he is insistent on having a guarantee in the contract, he may be looking for an out. My thoughts anyway.

[mcanerin]

And the next question is, Top 10 for how long? For some keywords, you can get Top 10 simply because the current top 10 is used to being there and doesn't agressively do SEO. If you get into it they often decide to get agressive and then you drop down for a bit.

Are you guaranteeing Top 10 once? Forever? and what search engine? I can create a Search Directory using DMOZ and guarantee Top 10 in about an hour. But no one in real life will care, and it won't bring in much business, if any.

And Top 10 for what? I've seen SEO's guarantee Number One Placement, and then tell the client that they have to do keyword research and choose the "best" keywords, THEN choose a keyword phrase a sentence long using the clients name and, sure enough, it gets number one.

The problem is that this type of a guarantee is a false one without a lot of specifics. What about WHEN you achieve it? If I guarantee you a number one placement but then don't put a time limit on it, is it my fault you cancel my services 10 years from now before I manage to achieve it? Too bad for you, since you cancelled, guarantee is off...

The bottom line is, when you agree to something, you should agree to something that is SMART:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time Bound

If you do that and everyone is happy - then guarantee away! But make sure that if someone wants something in writing, that you treat it seriously and look for issues BEFORE they become issues.

My 2 cents,

Ian

[Steve Sardell]

Hi Ian,

Worth way more than two cents