I received an email this morning from a company I have talked to on a couple of occasions about how we might be able to work together. After writing my response I thought it prudent to post the exchange for others.

Subject: SEO Pricing

Adam,

Hope everything’s going well, how is your new consulting business going? I have several clients interested in SEO and I have traditionally just managed them with another firm in Ohio, but I wanted to see what your prices would be to manage some SEO. I think I could bring you a couple of accounts, they would be very strict on seeing results, and they would probably want to optimize for 10 keywords. Do you do this? If so, what’s your pricing?

Thanks,

(Removed)

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My Response

Subject: Re: SEO Pricing

I traditionally don’t work that way.

People who want to see results on 10 keywords don’t tend to understand online marketing. Additionally, they view SEO as a single marketing channel that you throw money at for results rather than realizing that search rankings are just one part of what should be a multi-channel strategy that focuses on listening to customers, building relationships and doing everything in their power to bring value to their marketplace wherever and whenever it wants it.

I try not to focus solely on rankings. I help improve companies and marketing campaigns. The rankings tend to follow when those other things are taken care of.

That being said, I am more than willing to talk to anyone you think could benefit form a conversation with me.

Just know not to expect anything like “30 pages a month of optimized copy and keywords, with monthly search engine submissions. Top 10 ranking positions GUARANTEED!”.

Adam Schultz

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This is less about this person not getting what online marketing in today’s online marketplace looks like and more a comment about what SEO was and what it should be.

Should I have handled my response differently?

What would you have done?