How To Tell A Client About Seo Scope, without giving away the farm Options

[PlanetP]

I have a meeting with a client for SEO work for their site - I have a document to discuss with them but my question is - how do I let them know what I will be doing without actually giving away the farm? If I tell them what I can do... whats stopping them from using my advice/ideas themselves?


Thanks


Rob

[noel_x99]

how do I let them know what I will be doing without actually giving away the farm?

I often think we err on the side of giving too much information. And it does depend on the client. But we've found most would not be interested in or capable of executing a detailed plan if we handed it to them.

Here's an example: We were recently at an arts festival watching an artist scultping a log with a chainsaw. Suppose that artist were to spend time with me explaining his technique and showing me how to do it - even what he was thinking when he applied his technique. Then suppose he handed me the chainsaw and told me to do it myself. I couldn't do it. Because I would lack the basic understanding of the skills of using a chainsaw. And even though he explained the technique...I couldn't do it. It's a combination art, technical ability, and experience that I don't have with a chainsaw.

We feel that most of our clients fit that bill. We can explain what we do, how we do it, and even what we are thinking about to execute it. But that doesn't mean they can do it. It does make us appear open, friendly, willing to answer questions. We don't look like we're hiding anything. We explain that it's more of an art than a science and we have the experience to create and execute a plan to meet their goals.

However, it is a risk. If you don't know this potential client, there is a danger in that may be able to take your information and use it. Or that they could take your information, try to use it and fail.

Make sure they know your talent and experience are valueable.

[SEMSEO]

You need not worry about that. Your "advice/ideas" on SEO are freely available on the Internet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/searchme.gif)

You can explain to your client but you don't need to teach your client how to do it. Your client might know a little bit here and there about SEO but what your clients do not have is the experience that you have in optimizing web sites. If you are really good and have a proven track record, you need not worry much.