I have a potential who wants #1 rankings for a keyword rated ''Difficult' by TrafficTravis. The client is already ranking number 3 for the keyword but wants to beat out everyone and land number 1 rankings.

How much should I charge him?

First you think if you can do that.
Second don't trust TrafficTravis ( in that way, coz many times they showing shit low-diff ) check keyword on google.
Third how much invest u will need to put this site on 1 rankings?

And then add 500$+ for yourself. + don't forget to offer something to get recurring payments.

I was having similar client, so I took $800 but $297 recurring with 12-months contract

how can you guarantee #1 though ?

as far as price goes - that comes down to how much is the keyword worth ..... how much are the products or services he is offering and what sort of traffic/conversion is expected.

So for example if he makes $5000 a month from being number 1 - then you might consider $1500 a month

but if it is only bringing him $2000 a month then you might be limited to $500 because he is taking the risk that you can actually push him to number 1.

Please keep in mind I just put some figures out there : I vary my charges according to other factors as well ..... cheers

The thing is this isnt for an offline business, its for a keyword relating to getting certification in a specific type of career so I dont know how much hes making if he lands a customer.

You can ask him his budget first then see if it suits you or not.

Originally Posted by poweronics

You can ask him his budget first then see if it suits you or not.

I actually asked him this. When he tells me his budget should I price it a lower? For example if his budget is $500, I only charge $400?

Originally Posted by poweronics

You can ask him his budget first then see if it suits you or not.

I've had customers order $40 xrumer packages initially thinking they could rank for "iphone"

You might wanna have some sort of pricing structure worked up beforehand, so that when you ask him his budget, you also have something to present of your own. Depending on how much he knows about the subject, his answer may be very unrealistic.

Here you go... a simple formula:

Certification cost: We'll use A+ as an example: 178 USD

Traffic for: A+ certification- Local Exacts - 27,100

Let's do the following:

#1 spot gets ~40 percent of all search traffic
27100*.4= 10840 people a month
of which 1% go on to buy the test or guide whatever he is selling.
So that's 108.4 leads * certification/what ever he is selling (178)= 19224 per month he's making on average
Let's say the product gives him 15% of sale price so in reality he'd be bringing home: 2883.6 USD a month.

I would charge him 1400 up front (half of what he'll make at #1) and 350 a month (quarter of upfront payment) for a minimum of 12 months. Gives him room to breath and you some easy money.

Obviously you would need to sub in whatever numbers for his product/earnings, but you should get a good idea with this. This is how I charge my clients.

up I agree you need to base it on what his business is and what what they charge.

You not going to charge a daycare the same amount you would a lawyer.

50/50