Why do you put your rates on your web site?
For one, I'm busy with my current clients. I don't mind assessing a few sites each month, but I want to make sure those I do are actively interested in my services. This way prospects can look at my plans and determine if I fit into their budget. Also I think my rates are a selling point. They are half the cost that SEO consultants with my experience normally charge. I work out of Iowa, where the cost of living is lower. And I don't pay a staff or have an office building that requires upkeep. I run my business out of my laptop and my Blackberry. Yet, my clients are throughout the United States and their sites reach customers throughout the world.
Why hire a consultant? Couldn't I have someone on my staff do it?
SEO takes time to learn, even longer to implement, and is constantly evolving. I spend nearly four to five hours a week reading the latest articles or participating in forums to learn about the latest trends in social media, mobile phone apps, and pay per click. I've been learning my craft in SEO for nearly a decade and honing my writing skills twice that. You want someone working on your site who knows what they are doing and who can anticipate what future events may impact your site's rankings.
How soon will I see results?
It varies. Factors such as the age of your site, how competitive your products are, and what your competition is doing, all impact rankings. I've had results with clients in as little as three weeks, and in other cases two months. Yet, for all of my clients my work results in them ranking competitively for their products or services.
What is the difference between a SEO Consultant and a graphic designer? Or an advertising agency?
My focus is on the words for your site. A graphic designer and most advertising agencies focus on your web site's appearance. I can often work with your existing site and supply the text that is needed to attract customers. I can also advise on the overall design if it interferes with its marketing potential.
My business is local? Why do I need SEO?
Most businesses no matter what the size of their community benefit from SEO. Many assume their market is people in their community, but often its much larger. Florists, Realtors, hotels all benefit from being found online. People new to a community look online for dentists, hair stylists, and family doctors. Local Search Optimization is as important for your business as companies that deal with customers nationwide.
I have a project. What do I need to supply you with?
It helps if we can have as much material as I can get. For example, for a direct mail campaign on a product we would need to use the product. Then we would want any past marketing material, any testimonials, and an assessment of potential customers. I wants to know the product or, service, inside and out. As well as your customer base. Keywords are a crucial element of SEO, but using these words so that they connect with prospects is just as crucial.
How soon can you begin my project?
I work on a first come first serve basis. I try to give you an immediate indication of when we can begin your project. Once I receive payment for my work, I'll begin on the job immediately. I begin with keyword research as this is the foundation of a successful campaign. Once I have that to you, I'll begin assessing your site and the competition.
I would like you to write copy or do SEO for some clients, but I'd like them not to know it?
For a number of clients I've signed confidentiality agreements. This includes working for ad agencies and web designers who have me work behind the scenes on their current client's projects. How you present my work to your clients is up to you. I can remain in the background and not even speak with them.
