question about seo ethics

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 ?

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.

theswiftbank said:

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.

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

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!

theswiftbank said:

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.

Click to expand...

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.

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