13 replies to this topic

[keli]

As an SEO professional I feel like its my ethical and moral duty to my clients to explain to them the importance of keyword research. Two of my newest clients want their site optimized for a part number. In all my keyword tools, I find that no one is searching on this term - no one at all. He thinks I'm crazy and wants me to just optimize every site for the part number, which I can do... but it WON'T bring him traffic! I've sent him a few of Jill's articles and other resources. Keyword research is the starting point for me in ALL my SEO campaigns and I get the feeling these people don't want to pay for it because *they know* what will work best for them. Why do they even want my services? I can of course do what the customer wants... but I know I'll get E-mails in 6 months about their lack of traffic.

Anyone else ever had this happen? How do you deal with it?


Thanks!

[Jill]

I think optimizing for the part number is a good idea, regardless of what the keyword research shows. However, and this is a big however, I would also optimize for other things. Just optimize for the part number on the actual part page. I would imagine there has to be many other things people are searching for besides that part number.

That said, if all he really wants is the part number and you warned him that it may not bring much traffic, then you shouldn't feel guilty for doing just that.

Jill

[SearchRank]

Maybe you can optimize for the part number and the keyword?

Example:

Shiny Blue Widget - Part 12345678 | Company Name

This would be an example of a title tag and you would be identifying the part name or keyword and the part number.

That's what I'd do assuming that we'd be optimizing individual product pages for the keywords/part numbers.

[keli]

That was exactly my suggestion, part number + other important bits. He just doesn't see the need. Thank you for easing my mind!

I think the fact that his competitor comes up #1 with the part # has set him off on this path.


Keli

[BrianR]

I think the fact that his competitor comes up #1 with the part # has set him off on this path.

Can you prove to the client that the competitor's #1 ranking is because of some other factor such as inbound links?

IMHO, if a prospective client won't listen to ANY of my advice, then that's the time I say 'Goodbye'! It will only mean tears later...

BrianR

[Jill]

He should ask the competitor how much traffic he gets from being #1 for the part. Maybe you can hack into their server logs!

Jill

[chrishirst]

Use the part number plus maybe a description

If someone searches for a part number there is more chance they are a buyer not just a browser.

It also reduces the competition in the SERPs (for now)

as an example

Toshiba Mains Adaptor part no is PA2438

PA2438 189 results

toshiba mains adaptor 3820 results


Chris.

[darciusrex]

Thunk your client over the head and do it your way! Ayes

Will your client allow you to experiment with a page to see who is right? I know for the site I work on it's hard enough to get away industry terms and to go for what people are actually entering as their keyword phrase. If the client will give you a page to do it your way and a page to do it their's, I'm sure after a month there'll be enough info to tell who was correct (which would be you, of course!)

[keli]

Don't think he's going to be my client anymore LOL

"I realize your keyword sources say otherwise but I just don't buy it. If
that was the case why would all of my biggest competitors be doing it this
way? and I use the web all day long seeking items and I search by model
number almost exclusively. "

Keywords = Nitemare

Even if he'd have me I'd don't think I'd want him....


Keli

[Jill]

LOL...oh well, you tried!

Certainly optimizing for the part number is a good idea. Just not ONLY the part number.

But if he doesn't want to believe you, you're right to say bye bye

Jill

[Clintorius]

Don't think he's going to be my client anymore

What to do about customers not taking our advice? This is a big question I often asked my self when I was head of a support department a few years back. Customers would not always listen and was disregarding my experience and expertise.

I found out that there was no room for taking it personally - h***, I may even be wrong at times. The good thing was that they often came back and this way paid double. Hmmm... think about that!

My conclusions for professional behavior in this regard was:

- It is my job to inform the customer about all possible solutions to problems and inform him about the pros and cons of the solutions in matter of technology, market, expenses, law and ethics.
- It is the customers job to choose the solution weighing out the pros and cons
- If I do not like the chosen solution for some reason, I must investigate if it is illegal or a potential harm to my own business. If not I will do the job, take his money and wait for him to come back.

I am not a missionary or working for free, I am a pro working for money (<- keyword).

[Jill]

I have an old article that addresses this issue also, if anyone is interested:

Let Your Trusted Expert Do Their Jobs!



Jill

[BrianR]

We have an expression in the UK (maybe in the US also, but I don't know for sure) that neatly sums up my attitude to clients who consistently ignore my professional advice:

'Why buy a dog and then bark yourself?'

If clients want someone just to do what they say, I'm definitely NOT that person!

BrianR

[keli]

LOL!!!

I've never heard that one before... how funny AND fitting.



Keli