question about seo ethics

[nonai]

I have a client that is trying to rank for "keyword city1" and we are almost there. I used to be #1 for this keyword then I dropped to #4 now I am trying to get the rankings back.

today I got a call from someone saying he wants to rank for the same thing. I told him I can't rank him for the same thing, but I can rank him for "keyword city2" city2 is a city near city1, just about an hour away. If he ranks, he should have no problem monetizing. no problem at all.

but he said he wants city1 or no deal.

I am wondering, does it make me a coward or an asshole to get 2 clients for the same keyword? I know there is no "seo board" that will take disciplinary action against me. but just how much of an asshole would I be? like is it as bad as a doctor violating HIPAA or ?

 

[theswiftbank]

It wouldn't be the nicest thing to do to your client, but maybe just promise him to get a near-top ranking, but not #1 and it'd be fine.

 

[chaabanov]

It wouldn't be the nicest thing to do to your client, but maybe just promise him to get a near-top ranking, but not #1 and it'd be fine.

What he said is right. You don't have to promise #1, top 3 sounds good.

 

[BHopkins]

I wouldn't do it, but that's just me. I've turned down clients in this exact situation. I even had a competitor of an ORM client offer me more money to keep the negatives on page 1!

 

[Zwielicht]

It wouldn't be the nicest thing to do to your client, but maybe just promise him to get a near-top ranking, but not #1 and it'd be fine.

You can't make promises or guarantees in SEO; it can cause problems later. Unless your contract states that you will not work with any of their competitors, then you can work with whomever you like, OP.

 

[harry33771]

I am 100% agreed with Zwielicht..

In SEO We cannot assure the number #1 position but work towards it and show the ranking map.
infact I have been through the same phase... worked for One Keyword for two different clients. And i was able to handle both of them smartly, Both are ranking in top 5 positions with little bit variations.

 

[DamageX]

If you don't do it, somebody else will. So take the money and quit whining about it.