Every web designer has come across the client that wants their brand new site listed on the number one spot on Google “like tomorrow.” Usually these tend to be the people that want to get away with paying $300 for a fully featured site with Flash, message boards, contact forms, videos, a content management system, and the works. Aren’t these people annoying?

Google fuuuuuuuu!!!!!

First off, who doesn’t want to be on the top of Google? Who seriously wants a site that will be ranked poorly? Not me! Of course I understand the desire for clients to get a good ranking on Google… because it’s important. But many times clients want the number one spot, and nothing else will suffice… and they want it today.

Anyone with even the smallest amount of SEO experience knows this is not possible. So how do we, as web designers explain to the client that proper SEO takes time, research, and money? One thing I always do when dealing with clients is provide them proof from other resources (books, blog posts, etc) that prove my point. That way the client doesn’t think I’m lazy or incapable of getting them a good search engine ranking.

Another problem we face is the sticker shock associated with search engine optimization and ranking. When my clients balk at the price I take the sticker shock away by showing them how much more they could be making by having the number one spot, and how much more it would cost to get the same amount of customers from traditional advertising.

Of course you won’t be able to get this through to all clients… but this is a good start at getting some businesses to understand the cost and importance of good SEO.

What tactics do you use to teach your clients about SEO and how have they worked for you? Comment below!

Related Posts:

  1. The 10 Types of Bad Web Design Clients
  2. Why Your Website Needs a Blog
  3. Three SEO No Nos
  4. Should Google Fight Chinese Censorship?
  5. Why Keyword Spamming is a Bad Idea

Share This Post: