So, you wanna get SEO clients, huh? It’s not like finding a twenty dollar bill in your old jeans, but it’s definitely doable. Let me tell you, it’s a bit of a hustle. I have seen many try and few succeed, and it has been a ride watching them all.
First things first, before you go chasing after those elusive clients, you gotta ask yourself: Are you actually good at SEO? Like, really good? Can you actually get results? If the answer is a wishy-washy “maybe,” spend more time sharpening your skills. There’s no point in selling snake oil if you ain’t got none.
And getting good means more than just knowing the latest algorithm updates. It’s about understanding how businesses work, what their goals are, and how SEO can actually help them make more money. Can you talk to a business owner and explain how ranking higher for “widget repair in Albuquerque” will lead to more customers and more revenue? If not, you have got to practice.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is trying to be everything to everyone. You’ll end up spreading yourself thin, and it is likely you will not be doing a good job. Instead, consider niching down. Become the SEO expert for, say, local dentists. Or e-commerce stores selling organic dog treats. When you focus, you can develop a deep understanding of that specific industry, the keywords they use, their competitors, and what kind of content resonates with their audience.
Think of it like this: You can be a general practitioner who knows a little bit about everything, or you can be a brain surgeon. Which one do you think commands higher fees and has a more loyal following?
Now, let’s talk about getting your name out there. Because unless you’re living under a rock, you know that nobody is going to just stumble upon your services.
Your Own Website: Duh, right? But it’s shocking how many SEO “experts” have terrible websites. Make sure yours is fast, mobile-friendly, and actually ranks for relevant keywords. Treat it like a client project, and show off what you can do.
Content Marketing: Write blog posts, create videos, record podcasts…anything that shows off your expertise. Share your insights, case studies, and actionable tips. If you have something interesting to say, people will listen. And if they find your content helpful, they’re more likely to reach out.
Social Media: Don’t just spam your services on Twitter. Engage with your audience, share valuable information, and participate in industry conversations. Social media is about building relationships, not just broadcasting your message.
Networking: Go to industry events, join online communities, and connect with other business owners. You never know where your next client might come from. And besides, networking is a great way to learn from others and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Guest Posting: Find relevant websites in your niche and offer to write guest posts. This is a great way to get your name in front of a new audience and build backlinks to your own site.
Public Speaking: If you’re comfortable on stage, offer to speak at local business events or online webinars. This is a powerful way to establish yourself as an authority and generate leads.
And dont forget this, once you start getting some leads, it’s time to sell them. Which can be its own challenge, but just stay focus.
1. Listen More Than You Talk: Don’t just launch into a sales pitch the second someone gets on the phone. Ask them about their business, their goals, their challenges. Understand their pain points before you start prescribing solutions.
2. Focus on Results, Not Just Tactics: Clients don’t care about the technical details of SEO. They care about what it can do for their bottom line. Talk about increased traffic, leads, and revenue. Use case studies to illustrate how you’ve helped other businesses achieve similar results.
3. Be Transparent About Pricing: Don’t be afraid to talk about money. Be clear about your fees, what’s included, and what they can expect to get for their investment. Nobody likes surprises when it comes to billing.
4. Offer a Guarantee (If You Can): This can be a powerful way to alleviate risk and close the deal. Just make sure you can actually deliver on your promise.
5. Follow Up: Don’t just send a proposal and hope for the best. Follow up with your prospects regularly. Check in to see if they have any questions, offer additional information, and remind them of the value you can bring to their business.
And about the fees. Don’t undercharge! Many people devalue their work. Price your services based on the value you provide, not just the hours you put in. Think about it: if you can help a business increase its revenue by $10,000 a month, is it worth paying you $2,000 a month? Absolutely.
Example Scenario
Let’s say you’re targeting local plumbers. You discover that many plumbers struggle to rank for keywords like “emergency plumber near me” or “24-hour plumbing services.” You do some research and find that there’s a lot of search volume for these keywords, but the competition isn’t too fierce.
You reach out to a few plumbers and offer them a free SEO audit. You analyze their websites, identify areas for improvement, and present them with a detailed report. You show them how ranking higher for these keywords could bring them a steady stream of new customers.
You then offer them a monthly SEO package that includes keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and link building. You explain that you’ll track their progress and provide them with regular reports.
You close a deal with one plumber, and within a few months, you’ve helped them increase their website traffic by 50% and their leads by 30%. They’re thrilled with the results and are happy to pay you your monthly fee.
Now, imagine replicating this success with multiple clients. That’s how you build a thriving SEO business.
Don’t Be a Lone Wolf:
SEO can be a complex and constantly evolving field. It’s tough to keep up with everything on your own. Consider partnering with other agencies or freelancers who specialize in areas like content marketing, web development, or social media. By building a network of trusted partners, you can offer your clients a more comprehensive suite of services and increase your chances of success.
Never Stop Learning:
The SEO world is constantly changing. Google is always tweaking its algorithm, and new technologies are always emerging. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to be a lifelong learner. Read industry blogs, attend conferences, take online courses, and experiment with new techniques. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your clients succeed.
Getting SEO clients is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and persistence. There will be ups and downs, wins and losses. But if you focus on providing real value to your clients, building strong relationships, and staying ahead of the curve, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful SEO business.
FAQ on Getting SEO Clients1. How much should I charge for my SEO services?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your experience, the scope of the project, and the value you provide. Research what other SEOs in your area are charging, and factor in your costs. Many SEOs charge monthly retainers, while others bill by the project.
2. What’s the best way to find SEO clients?
A combination of strategies is best. Focus on building your online presence through your website, content marketing, and social media. Network with other businesses and professionals in your area. Consider running paid advertising campaigns to reach a wider audience.
3. How do I convince a potential client that they need SEO?
Educate them about the benefits of SEO. Show them how ranking higher in search results can drive more traffic, leads, and sales to their business. Use case studies to illustrate how you’ve helped other businesses achieve similar results.
4. What should I include in my SEO proposals?
Your proposals should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Outline the scope of the project, the deliverables, the timeline, and the pricing. Highlight the value you bring to the table and how you’ll help the client achieve their goals.
5. How important are case studies in getting SEO clients?
Case studies are super important. They show potential clients that you can actually get results. If you’re just starting out, offer discounted services to a few clients in exchange for permission to use their results as a case study.
