How do you guys help your clients understand what you're doing

[sheepishpenguin]

Hey guys,
(slight rant warning)

Recently worked with an acquaintance on a local SEO project, and I had a hell of a time explaining what a location page was to the guy, and getting them to create one.

Worst part is, they still don't understand after showing them various articles and examples from other websites.

Had me wondering if I was the one terrible at explaining or they were just a special case.

I tried to boil it down to: a location page is basically a page that mentions e.g. 'plumber in location' enough times, which is a page about the business in that location. (That did not work)

They ended up merging the contact us page and this new proposed location page together cause 'they're the same page'.

Did I approach this wrongly? I do know that I may not be the best at explaining, but I'm trying to do better with educating clients/ people I work with so any advice would be appreciated.

tl;dr: client did not understand me, did me not explain good?

 

[V]

Haha, it’s not always you! Some clients just won’t get what you’re saying because they’re set on doing things their way, which is fair, they’re the ones paying. Unless you have a clear goal with them, like ranking on the first page or getting their location on Google Maps, sometimes it’s best to just let it go. But if it’s a long-term client who expects results, take the time to explain, starting with how others appear on Google, what impact it will have on them, and what needs to be done to get there.

And if they’re anything like my last client, they’ll still ignore you. In that case, dropping them might bring you more peace than trying to make them see reason.

 

[sheepishpenguin]

Haha, it’s not always you! Some clients just won’t get what you’re saying because they’re set on doing things their way, which is fair, they’re the ones paying. Unless you have a clear goal with them, like ranking on the first page or getting their location on Google Maps, sometimes it’s best to just let it go. But if it’s a long-term client who expects results, take the time to explain, starting with how others appear on Google, what impact it will have on them, and what needs to be done to get there.

And if they’re anything like my last client, they’ll still ignore you. In that case, dropping them might bring you more peace than trying to make them see reason.

Yeah, I totally agree, have dropped clients before cause they were too hard to deal with / not worth the squeeze. It's just that every now and then you get a client that really makes you question yourself haha.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[PYPROXY]

This post is very interesting, sometimes there is a communication barrier between customers and sales staff, I think if the customer is more patient or willing to learn more information and express their willingness to buy, then you can try to communicate with them more.

 

[francegilder91]

Some people are simply resistant—whether out of distrust, overwhelm, or a sense of “I know better.” They merge pages after your efforts, suggesting that they may be nodding in agreement but not buying in, and that’s not your fault.

 

[ChrisHasADog]

"You can't change anyone, you can only change yourself."

This is what my partner told me on Monday.

As they say if you can see a long term relationship with long term benefits then it is okay to remain patient a bit.

If you find that there is a big communication gap between the client and you before then I would suggest to ditch the deal for now. Your time is also precious.

We can't make a deal with everyone. Sometimes clients choose us and sometimes we choose them.

 

[Deleted member 1603965]

Simple. Don't work with people who cannot understand basic logic or rational arguments. Filter out such folks to save yourself from such trouble.

 

[sheepishpenguin]

After reading the thread and all your replies (thank you!) I have come to the conclusion that I will be approaching this guy with passive aggressive indifference, since it's a side project I'm not even getting paid on, most of my replies will be consisting of, but not limited to:

'Hey you're the boss you know what's best'

'You're right, if it doesn't make sense to you then it obviously won't work'

'Wow imagine how good you would have been in SEO if 5 minutes of it made you a better expert than me already'

And then promptly exiting that business deal and relationship. (lesson learnt: sometimes people are not smart enough to accept that they can't know everything)

 

[wiggleit]

I feel like a simple:

"Just do it, bro. Trust me."

would have done it, without the need for any explanations.

 

[sheepishpenguin]

I feel like a simple:

"Just do it, bro. Trust me."

would have done it, without the need for any explanations.

Hahaha I tried that approach first, safe to say it did not work.

Honestly it's my first time seeing someone try this hard to not understand.

 

[DollarLover]

Worst part is, they still don't understand after showing them various articles and examples from other websites.

Run away from such a client or you will end up having worked for free.

 

[LAD AGENCY]

I used to have a hard time explaining basic things to customers, but not all customers are like that.

 

[xReminisce]

Yes, as long as they want to know.
Seed of doubt will grow from the slightest mistrust.

 

[sjmasku]

Every customer is unique, and it's important to take the time to understand their individual needs and expectations. By doing so, you can provide solutions that are truly tailored and build stronger, more lasting relationships.

 

[BalticProxy_Eu]

It really is hard to explain especially to people who doesnt know how stuff work. Make a tutorial video, maybe that could help.

 

[UnusualSubstance]

Charge a high enough price.

You won't get plebs who don't know how to submit a sitemap.