Local Business SEO Journal

phoenix I might be misunderstand your game plan. Went back and forth twice from your website to re-read your intent here. The following quick observation has nothing to do with your websites layout, formatting, graphics, choice of blog venue .etc It only addresses your content and writing style.

Forgive if I'm off track but is this meant to increase sales? You are going to show this to potential clients? It reads more like a diary telling the story of how someone just starting out got there first customer. Great for a journal and personal blog not so good for getting clients me thinks?

If this is about increasing sales then you (we) don't count. It is all about them. It is about the BENEFITS they will receive by engaging you. If in every paragraph you don't convince them of how they will win, you will lose.

Again pardon if I have missed your intent.



phoenixrising said:
Hola Homies -

Got a second client via referral from the first, meeting with them tomorrow to discuss a plan of action.

Also working on my business site, it's beyond n00b right now but I plan for it to showcase my past clients, discuss why a company would need my services, as well as operate a blog on Local SEO and Local Lead Generation.

Supreme Strategies | Local SEO, Local Lead Generation and Internet Entrepreneurship | Providing Performance-Based Marketing for Your Small Business

More to come tomorrow
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Pheonix, so far your updates have been a very enjoyable read. Please keep them coming! You're helping me (and many lurkers) learn a ton, and it's great motivation.
 
Oh yea Uptime - this is just some dummy content that I'd written on another website - I plan to separate the blog and site - eg, have a static frontpage and have it be supremestrategies.com/blog for the content of which these posts will NOT be on there. They're just meant to fill space
 
phoenixrising said:
Oh yea Uptime - this is just some dummy content that I'd written on another website - I plan to separate the blog and site - eg, have a static frontpage and have it be supremestrategies.com/blog for the content of which these posts will NOT be on there. They're just meant to fill space
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Your bank account will thank you.
 
Wanted to hit you guys with an update:

1. The 2nd client is a manufacturer and wholesaler of cow hides as well as ~700 leather products, and wants to build an ecommerce website in order to reach the end consumer as well as continue their wholesale activities.

They had previously paid $4,000 for someone to build a website, but apparently disagreed on some terms, let the domain expire, and for all intents lost all of that work.

They're offering a percentage of the revenue and as far as I can tell, nothing else. I told them that it was a large job and that it would take some time for me to research, but it was something I can do. This is not true, currently I don't really know how to go about doing it fully, but I've learned you get the job then you learn it when you're starting out in something. It's worked so far.

After talking with some people I've come to the realization that starting an entire ecomm website for just a revenue share is not a good business move, and I'm going to have to craft an e-mail letting the guy know that it's just not possible for me to go ahead with the project without getting paid for the construction as well.


2. As far as my other client, final revisions on the site are almost done and I expect to have my invoice paid in full by the end of the week with the monthly fee activating at that time as well.
 
phoenixrising said:
After talking with some people I've come to the realization that starting an entire ecomm website for just a revenue share is not a good business move, and I'm going to have to craft an e-mail letting the guy know that it's just not possible for me to go ahead with the project without getting paid for the construction as well.
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I'd have this conversation over the phone. You've already built some rapport with the guy. At this point, you're still in the selling phase.

Do some work beforehand on how much work it would take to build the ecommerce site and come up with two numbers: 1)how much you want to get paid and 2)the minimum you need to get paid to make it worth it for you. Then, develop a structure for payment. Present these items to him and negotiate on the phone. You can utilize his responses to see if there is a chance of preserving the sale.

Keep in mind, getting a client isn't necessarily a win. Getting a client that pays an amount to make it worth the work is the win. If during your negotiations on the phone you can't get him above that minimum you need to get paid (#2 above), then it's a no-go for you and you walk away. "Hey, I'm sorry we couldn't reach a deal. You have a great product. If you feel like expanding to an online store in the future, please keep me in mind."
 
jmizzle:

I've definitely now learned that getting clients isn't necessarily a win, lol. Thanks for the advice, I'm going to approach these guys in the manner you're talking about and see what happens.

Question

Has anyone dealt with clients that seek to become your friend?
 
phoenixrising said:
jmizzle:

I've definitely now learned that getting clients isn't necessarily a win, lol. Thanks for the advice, I'm going to approach these guys in the manner you're talking about and see what happens.
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Good luck with it! Make sure to follow up and let us know how it goes.
 
Hey things are a bit stagnant right now:

1. I emailed the people who wanted the ecommerce site built saying that I simply could not do it for just a percentage of the revenues, I wouldn't be able to afford the expense of my time in that venture. We'll see what they respond with.

2. First client is (hopefully) coming to a close, I need to get the remainder of my invoice $ from him.

3. I need to start to create processes to streamline some of this shit, like I need a page that tells a client what information I need to start developing a website (or getting access to current website), a services sort of thing, a form invoice, etc.

Supreme Strategies | Local SEO, Local Lead Generation and Internet Entrepreneurship it's starting to look slightly better, I really suck at copywriting so I'm going to need some help there.
 
YO

Currently writing a business plan for this business, as well as coming up some some standardized forms that I can present to every client, and putting content on the site.

Watching a lot of entrepreneur videos everyone said that a lack of clarity was the reason most people fail, and I realized I definitely have a lack of clarity, so I'm taking some steps to de-cloud the whole thing.

In addition, I've made some mistakes as far as managing my client's expectations. I was so amped to have a client in the first place that I was far too available, and that led him to believe that I would be available at any time to do work instantly, so the instant I was not he was frustrated. Moving forward I will establish clear guidelines of the scope of work and the availability and delivery time of work.
 
It has been mentioned earlier but in passing. Be careful what you tell your clients you do an do not do. You need to value what you know and keep it secret. No one gets things for free. I have lost a lot of money in business by giving too much information. I am not even certain your SEO Invoice should mention link building - but maybe something more vague. If they know you are "link building" all the time especially on your next invoice, why wouldn't they Google "link building" and find services cheaper than you?

If you do not understand this, I went to a lawyer one time for a simple easement issue. The guy new the answer. But listened to my problem and told me he would get back to me. It was a SIMPLE easement issue. He calls me back and says it will be $500 for him to research and get the answer. That was crap, he knew already. But he also knew not to "give away the store". Same for a plumber. Takes him 15 minutes to fix a problem. I asked why $200? He said $50 for his time, $150 for knowing how to do it. Lesson learned.

Sell Benefits on your site - what is in it for the customer, not specifically how you do it.

You mentioned doing the work then asking for compensation later. That would be, imho, a bad idea. What are you going to do if they do not pay? or decide to "negotiate" your fee once the work is done? You could go on a site spree of "www.clientsucks.com" but who has time for that crap.

People rarely value what they do for them over time. They love you in the beginning but over time think of you as replaceable or as a commodity. Implementing tracking etc is worth learning because it is objective proof of your value to them. (as has been mentioned earlier)



Also, it would be interesting to hear from the experienced Local SEO's what how they mitigate potential losses. For example in non-competitive niche's locally it could be that this client stops paying, stays #1 Google - end of story. Client banks forever and you go off and.... what? Take down every link you built?


omgyams said:
Have you considered call tracking?
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any recommended services?
 
Wow REIMktg -

What a great response, these are all things that I am currently not doing. You're right - sell benefits, not features or processes. This will change how I write the copy on my site.

With my first client, I hit him with the invoice after most of the work was done, I think it was definitely not the right play. Upfront is better. Your tips are awesome, I'm going to implement them into the business plan I"m writing as well as all of my future clients.
 
Well I have def. learned a lot, sorry for the lack of updates.

The guy has essentially been blowing me off - he will say that he's ready to do a final review on the site, then reschedule. It's about the 8 or 10th time he's done this and I'm sick of it. Learning a lot on this first client. I think I need to tell him that I need the remainder of my payment within a few days or I will be forced to take the site offline, anyone had to do this before?

Definitely fucked up my motivation a little bit I won't lie, but for the amount of money that I may or may not receive, the lessons are definitely priceless.
 
phoenixrising said:
Well I have def. learned a lot, sorry for the lack of updates.

The guy has essentially been blowing me off - he will say that he's ready to do a final review on the site, then reschedule. It's about the 8 or 10th time he's done this and I'm sick of it. Learning a lot on this first client. I think I need to tell him that I need the remainder of my payment within a few days or I will be forced to take the site offline, anyone had to do this before?

Definitely fucked up my motivation a little bit I won't lie, but for the amount of money that I may or may not receive, the lessons are definitely priceless.
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Well like every person who just starts, you made the number 1 mistake and that is accepting compensation after.

In the future, charge per month and gradually get their crawl up the SERPs. Don't get them to #1 in the first month. Make sure you explain to your client all of the sales stuff like: "SEO is an on going process. You need to keep everything up to date." etc.. An example of what I do: I charge a monthly amount. Let's say $500 for the sake of things. In 4 months you're in place 3. Once my client is in the top 3, I tell them "From here on out, it's a lot tougher. We have three options: Keep things where they are at and keep chugging, retain position 3 and reduce price by 40% (but spend 50% or less time on SEO for the site), or amp things up and double it to really get it going and give them that boost. Once they reach their "goal" which is 95% of the time #1, I'll give them the option to "leave their client in the dust" or keep it where it's at. Most reduce the 40% until someone creeps up the SERPs, then they'll boost it for 1-3 months.

A smart thing to do is to deliver monthly reports. I kick it up a notch and deliver competitor reports as well. That way they know what their competition is doing and if they are catching up in any way (competition always helps.....).

If you want, we can discuss topics on Skype: jkthedesigner
I keep most of my stuff private.
 
phoenixrising said:
Well I have def. learned a lot, sorry for the lack of updates.

The guy has essentially been blowing me off - he will say that he's ready to do a final review on the site, then reschedule. It's about the 8 or 10th time he's done this and I'm sick of it. Learning a lot on this first client. I think I need to tell him that I need the remainder of my payment within a few days or I will be forced to take the site offline, anyone had to do this before?

Definitely fucked up my motivation a little bit I won't lie, but for the amount of money that I may or may not receive, the lessons are definitely priceless.
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That is way he wanted to be your BFF. Push forward and don't let this shit hold you back.

"Take no prisoners, hold no hostages" FTW
 
Don't worry, I'm not giving up!

Been traveling and entertaining guests at my place the last two weeks, but also working on a TON of stuff to make my business better, more protected (contracts, lots of contracts) and setting up additional things to offer potential clients.

I WILL DOMINATE
 
Great journal and congratulations on going out and making it happen.

Just FYI: out of curiosity I did a goog search for your case study client and their website doesn't come up on the first page for their business name (I found the link on the Yelp review). The first result was a yahoolocal listing and it didn't include a link to the client site, just an @att.com email address. Definitely gives you more you can offer the client.

The referrals are great and should provide you the majority of your business. Show your clients you appreciate them saying good things about you and bringing new clients in the door - buy them a bottle of their favorite whiskey, a gift card for Outback Steakhouse, or at least a hand-written thank you note. It shows you have gratitude and respect and will help get you even more referrals.
 
Sup,

So as far as the initial client - I'm essentially writing off the possibility of getting paid. I have Contact Form 7 installed on the site and the BCC's I get indicate that there are a lot of people out there that want cash from him as well. I sent a signature confirmed letter with an invoice scan, an updated invoice and a letter informing him the site goes offline on 4/1/11 (lol). After tomorrow I'm done with it until I get contacted by him. I don't expect to, and I've already moved on to new stuff.

I have a new client who does event design and wedding planning up in the bay area. She is a friend, and my plan was to offer her service at a lower rate in order to build up some referrals. I'd still make some decent cash (she doesn't need anything extremely complex) but I think the referral value would be very awesome.

Additionally, I hit up a local italian place today that my cousin frequents. He dropped my name earlier in the week after asking about their business. I went in and chatted up the ladies working there, got a little special tour of their factory and mentioned my cousin and his coworker who knows the ladies well. I also mentioned that I do web design and internet marketing. My plan was to go back in after I finished my meal and tell them how delicious it was (it actually was good). Unfortunately there were 10 people in line after I was done, so I grabbed a cookie, told them I loved the meal and walked off.

Overall I think it was a good introduction and I'm gonna go pick a sandwich up on Friday and actually make my pitch. It's a family oriented business that does a little lunch thing everyday but the bulk of their business is selling their products to local restaurants and frozen foods stores.

Anyways, I figured I owed those of you guys who have provided solid advice some updates!

Supreme Strategies | Local SEO, Local Lead Generation and Internet Entrepreneurship - feel free to critique the fuck out of this too.
 
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