Meeting with my first client, HELP!

jake454

jake454

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okay, so I got a interview to do webdesign and SEO for an antique shop in my city. I dont know how to go about this though
all I know is ima ask for 400-500 upfront and 50 a month for seo/hosting

im gonna ask her what she wants and tell her what this can do for her. but I dont really know what im doing? any advice? iv read through some of the other threads but didnt find what I needed
 
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I don't know if y advices suits well for you,

1. be impressive
2. just tell her as many advantages as you can, and few inconvenients or less
3. don't discuss about money at the first point, but at the end
4. make a guaratee and quality and professional work.

Good luck for you
 
contract no contract? be aggressive and dominant or calm and at tentative?
 
Stay calm.

Regarding Contract, it would depend on your terms. Since she isn't that big of a client, I think getting into contract isn't worth it.
 
Remember, the store owner is not familiar with all the terms we use here. She doesn't want you to "discuss" what she want to do, she needs you to give her a professional opinion on exactly what she needs.

Tasks are divided into 2 types:

1. Visible tasks (website, new pages added etc.)
2. "Hidden" tasks (off/on page seo)

Focus on #1, explain briefly on #2 and make sure to give milestone/deadline(s) for the website as this is the main interest point.

Whatever you do, don't lower the price. It is what it is. Max throw in some freebees like QR codes etc.

Good luck
 
Actually, I think getting into a contract (At least for the web development) is worth doing.
 
I agree, don't talk rates at first... focus on how you can contribute.

Follow his/her cues to determine how much of it they understand/want to understand. Some clients want to know how they are getting their moneys worth, others just want to not be bothered with the details. Again, follow their cue to determine how you should go about that.

Also, do you already know what they want from their website? I'd have some ballpark estimates on what it might cost, but don't go in with a set price in mind. If they just want a website to be on the web, that's much simpler than if they want to be able to sell antiques from their website. And I'm sure the price will change accordingly.

It sounds like this might be a new experience for you, so focus on what experience you do have... the skills you bring to the table... and have confidence. Good luck!
 
Be confident! that's the key.
Use words regular, non-tech people can understand. You don't know how much people appreciate that.
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a contract. Especially since you're going to be doing on-going work. I've been screwed out of thousands of $$ due to not having a contract.
 
You really need to break it down for her in words she can understand. Simply say what you will be doing for her and how it will bring her new customers. I usually explain my on-page SEO audit, keyword research and off-page SEO. This is (I'm assuming) something you know a lot about but it's alright to be nervous. Make sure you're confident during the meeting (have a coffee before!). I have an hour long presentation in 2 weeks to 25+ potential clients I have a few butterflies for that already haha.
 
7878 said:
You're doing yourself and your client a great disservice making a proposal like that. Sounds like you need to go back to the drawing board and figure out what exactly it is that you're selling.
Click to expand...

Thank you to everyone, making me feel better and giving me ideas. I jotted down a page or two of thoughts for what I am going to talk about.

I dont know what you mean, 7878. Are you saying its too low? too high? I only know ballparks about what she wants. I am going to have to find out tomorrow.

I am also confident in my web design skills and SEO but if she wants store fronts and stuff like that, im pretty slacking. I also just need more experience with SEO even though iv done good but im gonna have to just take the plunge.
 
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$50 a month is too low! You need to charge $300 -$400 for SEO alone a month if the keywords you are targeting are easy to rank!

jake454 said:
Thank you to everyone, making me feel better and giving me ideas. I jotted down a page or two of thoughts for what I am going to talk about.

I dont know what you mean, 7878. Are you saying its too low? too high? I only know ballparks about what she wants. I am going to have to find out tomorrow.


I am also confident in my web design skills and SEO but if she wants store fronts and stuff like that, im pretty slacking. I also just need more experience with SEO even though iv done good but im gonna have to just take the plunge.
Click to expand...
 
Loco4SEO said:
$50 a month is too low! You need to charge $300 -$400 for SEO alone a month if the keywords you are targeting are easy to rank!
Click to expand...
im afraid to get rejected if I ask for that much, even 150 a month I feel is weird for me :S
 
When talking to a client, don't use words like HTML / CSS, Jquery or SERP's and other term that is new to her. Always relate things when explaining like for a web hosting, domain and website.

I always related them to a house, web hosting is where you're land is, domain is you're address and website is you're house. Features and functions of a website is your entertainment showcase.

It's easier for them to relate when you set examples with things they know of, also don't forget to give an update every once in a while even small updates.

Good luck!
 
Just show up to the meeting in your underwear. Everything else will work itself out :D


Disclaimer: This was a JOKE! I am not responsible for any repercussions, including (but not limited to) sexual charges that may be filed. If you really think about doing this, please read my sig below :D
 
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$50/mo for SEO? How can you possibly provide any type of results on a budget like that. I wouldn't consider doing SEO for someone for less than a couple hundred a month.
 
The biggest mistake that is made is going into technicalities of what you are doing. You just want to touch on that but what you really want to do is angle your pitch in the sense that you will be making them a lot of money, and without you, they can't do anything.

Stay very sincere and professional. Sincerity is appreciated much in the business world nowadays.

50/month doesn't sound too bad considering it's your first client and the fact that your client is a local antique store. I would imagine that being relatively easy to rank.
 
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an antique store probably isn't going to shell out 300-400/month for seo consulting. I would go with what you're comfortable charging. When you discuss you can say something like, "normally, I would charge clients $300-400/month for this level of service...but I realize you're a small business, and I'm willing to come down a bit from there." -- then let her come up with a number she's comfortable with.
 
I personally wouldn't take this on if I was not sure what to do, you are talking about her business here. Its mad at how many people just think of the money instead of the real rewards that SEO can bring. If your not up to the job and dont thinking you can have a positive impact for her and dont feel she will get a good ROI then walk on man, let the pro's do it and keep learning.
I have a manager like this, he just see's the pound signs, sometimes our customers sign up for monthly contracts and they will never really get a ROI for the money.

Shame :(
 
jake454 said:
Thank you to everyone, making me feel better and giving me ideas. I jotted down a page or two of thoughts for what I am going to talk about.

I dont know what you mean, 7878. Are you saying its too low? too high? I only know ballparks about what she wants. I am going to have to find out tomorrow.

I am also confident in my web design skills and SEO but if she wants store fronts and stuff like that, im pretty slacking. I also just need more experience with SEO even though iv done good but im gonna have to just take the plunge.
Click to expand...

I think he is talking about "All I know is that I'm gonna ask for money" when "all you should know" is telling her exactly how you are gonna help her business. You can do that, right?
 
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