SEO :: The Game and the Claims!

Right now I have pretty much the same situation here in my town.
This client wants to rank top for 4 keywords on Google, Yahoo and MSN. And I said him 6-12 months. The site isn't very suitable for SEs, so I told him about that also.
Now I'm afraid that I'll lose this client (I haven't recieved any work inside from my town, so I realy want to get this one), cause they have recieved and other suggestions from outside the country. Did I do right saying 6-12 months and suggesting some website design changes?
what do you think are my chances.

 

Well if you know what you're doing... then you should know what time it will take you to reach your goal!
Abhishek

 

Depends on so many factors, that it is impossible to give you an answer.

Often it is not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it it that can alter the outcome. your client stated they wanted to be #1 for 4 phrases (not really a good place to start with them telling you what you are going to do .

Might I suggest that you step back a little and spend more time questioning your client about WHY they want to be #1 for these 4 phrases? Ask them how they came up with these search terms, ask them how many search terms they are being found for currently, ask them how many pages they have and what phrases they are optimising for on these pages. Once you have ALL the information then, and ONLY then can you tell them what you can do for them.

Explain EXACTLY what you do and more importantly WHY you are going to do it. Explain to them how SEo works, no one wants to wait 6-12 months for a return on investment, so explain to them that this is why through keyword research is needed, as it will identify the lower traffic phrases that are the short term phrases bringing in traffic and business, while you continue to work on medium and long term goals.

If it is put like that, then you should be able to get them onside with you and brainstorm the first seedings of keyword research.

 

Thanks for your advice!

I've explained them everything I could. They pretty much understand it, but still they are a big company and the chief of marketing department said simply "anyways how long it's going to take from you to bring us to the top".
What could I say? Not much I think!

 

Some people are just too dumb to realise they are dumb, most of them head up sales or marketing

 

So I want to find somebody here more professional then I am, in the "services" category, who can do that SEO (kinda want to outsource it).

OK that's it!

 

That would be a nice IDEA, but check their background and their knowledge!
Most of the time such people have higher rates, so convincing your clients is your responsibility!
Good Luck!
Abhishek