Navigating Monthly SEO Rates: A Real-World Dilemma
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, SEO success stories can often lead to challenging decisions. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with an e-commerce client, performing a “once-off” SEO overhaul that resulted in a staggering 252% increase in their sales. Naturally, this has led them to inquire about a quote for monthly seo services. This brings me to a critical question: What should I charge?
Initially, my client approached me with a site that had not seen any prior seo efforts. I provided a comprehensive analysis, focusing on fundamental on-page optimization—things like meta titles, descriptions, and other essential elements. Their goal was clear: to elevate the rankings for a specific product and enhance visibility for their brand name. Within three months, we celebrated remarkable achievements: a 252% surge in sales and a 162% increase in organic search clicks.
Now, the client seeks ongoing seo support. While I’m passionate about this field, I also work full-time in iGaming and sports betting, which means my motivation isn’t solely financial. My instinct tells me that any robust link-building strategy would come with a hefty price tag that might not align with the client’s budget expectations.
As I weigh my options, I start to question the ethics of charging for standard services like keyword research, which many agencies bundle into their retainers. Am I just second-guessing myself in this situation? With 15 years of SEO experience under my belt, my hourly rate tends to exceed what most small businesses are comfortable paying, which is why I value my full-time role.
The crux of the matter revolves around what to propose in my quote. I genuinely believe the core on-page work I completed was highly effective, but I worry that the client might develop unrealistic expectations for continuous growth. After all, my past experiences in agency work have highlighted the challenges of managing client expectations, especially when the results aren’t consistently exponential.
I would love to hear thoughts from fellow SEO professionals on how to approach this situation. What strategies do you recommend for quoting clients after a substantial initial success? How do you balance fair pricing with the inherent risks of scalability in SEO? Your insights would be invaluable as I navigate this next step in my professional journey.
2 responses to “Once-off SEO for a client boosted sales, now they want monthly SEO—how to price it?”
It’s great to hear that your “once-off” SEO efforts resulted in such a remarkable increase in sales for your e-commerce client! This achievement speaks volumes about your skills and expertise in SEO. When approaching the next phase of your client’s SEO strategy, here are several important considerations and suggestions to help you determine an appropriate monthly retainer fee and manage client expectations effectively.
1. Understand the Value of Ongoing SEO
While your initial optimization produced significant results, it’s essential to communicate that seo is not a one-time task but rather a continuous effort. The digital landscape is dynamic, and ongoing seo work involves maintaining rankings, adapting to algorithm changes, and staying ahead of competitors. Emphasize to your client that proactive monthly seo strategies will help sustain and build upon their current success.
2. Structure Your Monthly Services
For a monthly retainers, outline clear, specific services you will provide. This could include:
3. Assess the Complexity and Scope of Work
Given your experience, you have a unique insight into the level of effort and expertise required for ongoing SEO. Consider:
4. Be Transparent About Growth Expectations
It’s very important to set realistic expectations for growth with your client. Explain that, while they saw a substantial increase during your initial work, ongoing growth may not always mirror those numbers. Every website has its own growth trajectory based on competition, seasonality, and market factors. You could say something like, “While I’m optimistic that we can continue to drive improvements, it’s important to remember that the SEO landscape is unpredictable.”
5. Consider a Retainer Structure That Works for You
If you’re hesitant about a traditional retainer model due to your full-time job, consider alternative arrangements:
6. Evaluate Your Own Comfort and Capacity
Given that you already have a full-time job, ensure that any commitment you make to this client is feasible. It’s essential to maintain work-life balance and avoid burnout. Consider scheduling regular check-ins with the client to review progress and adjust plans based on their budget and your available time.
7. Use This Opportunity for Growth and Learning
While it’s understandable to have doubts or feel “imposter syndrome,” remember that your 15 years of experience is invaluable. Take this as a chance to expand your skills and build a possibly fruitful relationship with the client. If the project becomes overwhelming, you can always adjust your approach or enlist help.
In conclusion, quoting a monthly retainer for SEO services should reflect both the value you provide and the realistic level of engagement you can offer. Be clear with your client about the scope of work, set expectations wisely, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers in the industry for confidence in your pricing model. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your experience and insights on this topic—it’s a relatable situation for many in the SEO field. Your success with the initial overhaul is commendable, and it speaks volumes about the importance of foundational SEO work.
When it comes to pricing monthly SEO services, it’s crucial to frame the conversation around value rather than just cost. Since your client has already seen a significant increase in sales, it might be beneficial to approach your proposal by emphasizing how ongoing seo can maintain that momentum and drive even further growth.
Consider establishing clear, measurable goals for the monthly engagement, such as targeted keyword rankings, content updates, or backlink acquisition, along with a transparent pricing structure that reflects the time and expertise required for each of these activities. This not only sets realistic expectations but also provides your client with a tangible sense of the value you’re delivering.
Furthermore, segmenting your services into different tiers might be a viable option. For instance, a basic plan could include monthly audits and optimizations, while a premium package could incorporate more extensive link-building strategies and Technical SEO enhancements. This way, you cater to different budget levels while still communicating the necessity of ongoing investment in seo.
Ultimately, maintaining open communication about progress, challenges, and adjustments will not only foster trust but also help manage expectations around the scalability of results. seo is, after all, a marathon, not a sprint. I believe that with your expertise, you’ll find a balance that respects both your client’s budget and the worth of your services.