Biggest problem you deal with?

[autoholic1]

Let's get a good discussion going here.

When I first got started in SEO, I thought i would be able to just read a couple books, and I'd be good to go. What I realized is that SEO will take years to master.

With that being said, I have two questions about your experience with SEO.

1. Are you a DIY seo'er (business owner, blogger,etc.) or are you someone who gets paid to do it for others?

2. What is the biggest problem you deal with when it comes to SEO or your business doing it for others?

 

[WizGizmo]

One of the most common problems I see that some of our SEO service providers
in the Marketplace have is that many of their clients have unrealistic expectations
in terms of the results they expect to see for the amount of money they are
willing to pay.

 

[autoholic1]

That's one thing i've heard. Clients want the top spot on the first page. Which is sometimes unrealistic regardless of the money

 

[maxedgames]

It all depends on competition sometimes a $100 package can get you on page 1 of Google, while other times it may cost $1000. Another problem that occurs is clients thinking it's fast, no, sometimes it takes months to start seeing results.

 

[autoholic1]

What about clients not understanding how complex SEO is

 

[BassTrackerBoats]

What about clients not understanding how complex SEO is

You are usually best not explaining all the ins and outs of SEO to the layman, and what you are doing off site to get their site ranked. That can confuse and chase them.

Sharing rankings with them for their best "Google search terms" aka Keywords does wonders as a reporting process and is a real true way to make sure they see that they are getting what they are buying.

No client of mine buys SEO.

They buy my abilities to get them ranked in Google and that is what I offer them.

Sure, that is SEO to you and I as we understand that world but for the guy that owns a local business, or has a website that is global that is dear to his heart, he does not care 99% of the time about the intricacies of the process.

He wants to see the results.

 

[autoholic1]

I'll keep that in mind

 

[Deleted member 708208]

What about clients not understanding how complex SEO is

Businesses aren't paying you to teach them your craft, they are hiring you because you know what you are doing
and can perform the actions that results in what they bought, growth.

 

[Avid Learner]

Businesses aren't paying you to teach them your craft, they are hiring you because you know what you are doing and can perform the actions that results in what they bought, growth.

Right. Tis true of many services...clients never want to know or see how the sausage is made (even if they say they do).

Technically oriented people (and/or inexperienced marketers) tend to focus the technical details in all its awesome glory. But, unless we are selling iPhones, HDTVs, or cars, few prospective clients care about that detail.

And, speaking to growth, you should price your services according to that value provided.

One comment I've seen several places here in BHW is how the SEO business client is a PITA, since they seem to call "too much". Hard to judge what is "too much" from the info given, but having been on both sides of the equation, expectations do need to be set up front and regular communications need to be set up. Besides, those times should be an opportunity to upsell.

 

[ConvertiVid]

The biggest problem I had is making clients understand that SEO does not bring instant results.
Hey, I just optimized your website the other day and you are expecting it to come out on top right away! Man be reasonable.
Of course, I didn't tell them that. But sometimes, I just can't help but feel stressed-out when clients have overwhelming expectations.

 

[jon_xx_x]

One of the most common problems I see that some of our SEO service providers
in the Marketplace have is that many of their clients have unrealistic expectations
in terms of the results they expect to see for the amount of money they are
willing to pay.

Maybe we should prohibit sellers from showing screen caps of how 'clients' keywords went from no where to be seen to top ten in Google. First, it's fucking retarded, and most are faked. Second, obviously it's giving the customer a high expectation.

While we're on topic, there should be a review system set up where people who bought the service can leave anonymous feedback. People very rarely leave a bad review, they don't want to start drama, or just too new and afraid.

 

[autoholic1]

With all that being said, it seems like an important factor in being an seo consultant is first building trust with your clients. Especially in an industry with some many scams, and people who really don't know anything about SEO.

 

[archon10]

I stay far far away from any customer that mentions that they need to be #1 in Google. No one can guarantee that.

 

[LoftPower]

I work for someone else, so I only help with the SEO efforts. I know quite a bit about it but they have more say then me in the stuff.

 

[prolificlad]

It really depends upon numerous factors. Backlinks come only after website content which should obviously be the first thing to work upon. I think any SEO provider should factor in initial website audit before taking on a client.

 

[autoholic1]

It really depends upon numerous factors. Backlinks come only after website content which should obviously be the first thing to work upon. I think any SEO provider should factor in initial website audit before taking on a client.

Just to be clear, when i say trust, i mean trust as in your relationship with the client, not website trust.