How do yuou handle a client who wants result faster than SEO realistically allows?

Had a client ask why 2 mnths in they are not on page 1 yet, despite explaining the timeline upfront during
onboarding
do you just keep re-explaining patiently, show them leading metrics, to hold them over, or does this usually
end in them leaving anyway.
Curious how you guys manage this without it turning into a constant back and forth.

starting off by setting up realistic expectations is a good way to go but i would also show progress through impressions clicks indexed pages and ranking progress two months might be too soon to determine the whole outcome hence the need for regular updates.

SumbalLinkBuilder said:

Had a client ask why 2 mnths in they are not on page 1 yet, despite explaining the timeline upfront during
onboarding
do you just keep re-explaining patiently, show them leading metrics, to hold them over, or does this usually
end in them leaving anyway.
Curious how you guys manage this without it turning into a constant back and forth.

Click to expand...

What did you commit initially? Did you give them a timeframe? How long would it take to see results?

I’d keep showing progress beyond rankings, like impressions, clicks, indexed pages, and keyword movement.

If the timeline was clear from the start, there’s not much else you can do besides keep expectations realistic and give regular updates.

Honestly?

I show them the door.

It just isn't worth the headache in my opinion to deal with people like this. One good way to avoid doing so right off the bat is to be fucking honest with them! A LOT of agencies and "SEO experts" will tell these deluded people anything to sell them their "super hot secret sauce SEO", that's why you get people like this with unrealistic expectations - others have set those unreal expectations for them.

If I even get a sniff of a client being in that frame of mind, I'll try (as quickly as possible as it's generally a waste of time anyway) to educate them on how things REALLY are, failing that.. GTFO ain't nobody got time for that nonsense, don't care what they pay.

SumbalLinkBuilder said:

Had a client ask why 2 mnths in they are not on page 1 yet, despite explaining the timeline upfront during
onboarding
do you just keep re-explaining patiently, show them leading metrics, to hold them over, or does this usually
end in them leaving anyway.
Curious how you guys manage this without it turning into a constant back and forth.

Click to expand...

Just explain everything at first. Better if you mail them your approach in email in advance.

This is a remarkably common, and admittedly frustrating, aspect of client SEO. At the two month mark, the process typically involves finalizing the technical foundation and rolling out initial content. It's advisable to avoid repeatedly re explaining the timeline, as this can come across to an impatient client as making excuses.

Homelander supe said:

starting off by setting up realistic expectations is a good way to go but i would also show progress through impressions clicks indexed pages and ranking progress two months might be too soon to determine the whole outcome hence the need for regular updates.

Click to expand...

Yeah, two months is too soon to gauge the full story. I would track impressions, clicks, indexing, and ranking monthly so that you have progress to show even before there is major traffic increase.