Train Client to SEO?

[theBREWROOM]

What would you do if a potential client asked you this:

Bob and I could meet with you soon to discuss how we would like to work with you regarding SEO. We are specifically curious whether or not it is worth it to have you work on SEO-related issues for a specific period of time or to pay to have you train Bob in doing so for that period of time. We would be interested in comparing rates and the value of each proposition.

I am tempted to tell them that I do not doing SEO training. But, I have a feeling that there is a way for me to help the client and to make some money for myself as well.

I'm curious what the rest of you would do in this situation though.

Thanks in advance.

[Devanur-Rafi]

Hi there, If I were you, I would have humbly told them that I currently do not offer SEO training but I offer SEO consulting. For learning SEO, you can check out online forums like Moz.com, try the SEO starter guides from Google and Moz.com. These will give a good head start for anyone who wants to start-off learning SEO.

Best,

Devanur Rafi.

[Ron_McCabe]

Sam,

There is a common misconception among clients that SEO is not real work. If you explain everything you need to do most will figure out that it is not something they want to do. If they still will not be dissuaded you might consider a small support contract to answer questions up to a specific time limit. Again after working with someone on the things they need to do they often will figure out that they would rather pay you and do their real job that they like ;),

Ron

[MoosaHemani]

Go through with the meeting but I am getting a sense that this client is going to be a real pain for you as he is too finicky about the whole SEO game and have less or no idea of the impact of SEO on his business!

I guess training is going to be another pain because if he won’t understand the whole game he might end up saying you are no goo! :S (Kind of frustrating situation for you but I guess you can only make the decision on that spot only!)

[DennisSeymour]

sounds like a pain...lots of clients are lol

I would instead create a plan for training, broken down to each month as long as they reach the cost I charge.

Plus a consultation fee that is separate

[mblsolutions]

Hi

We do both in house SEO training as well as SEO consulting. We have found that SEO training is a great way for people to learn more about us as a company and then we can introduce the other services that we have to offer as well.

When people choose to have the SEO training over us completing the SEO they then understand the work that is involved, this can then lead them to changing their minds and wanting us to complete the SEO.

I would embrace the opportunity of being able to offer either training or consulting to your client. Either way if they are a happy client they will talk to other people about you and your company and this may then lead to other bigger clients.

I hope that helps.

[theBREWROOM]

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[theBREWROOM]

Great responses, everyone! I think that I will go to the meeting, and then explain all of the components and time that go into SEO. I have a feeling that Bob will not want to increase his workload as much as it will take. And, if he does, I'm sure that it will just get pushed to the side, as "extra work" for when he has time to do it.

Thanks everyone!