SEO Campagin via E-mail.

[KeyWord]

< statement type="gratitude" >
Thanks to for all the wise advice from all the SEO-ers here at IHelpYou.
< /statement >

For those SEO-ers who build their campaign by e-mail, i'd like to ask the following questions:

1. What are some pitfalls to avoid when working with clients by e-mail?

2. What kind of plan do you set for yourself and the client when you work by e-mail communication? Weekly content building? Client-educating?

3. Any tips to make the e-mail communication between the client and yourself time-efficient and overal effective?

4. I imagine that being the SEO expert, you cannot be the expert in the client's business. Do you encourage your clients to provide you with optimizeable and copyright owned material? Do you guide them in the content making ? to what degree?

What I'm asking is kind of wide open to any type of answers. I'm amidst organizing myself to learning/building some SEO campaigns via E-mail and would like to apply the wisdom of the SEOers to my plans. What works for you ... doesn't work , etc.

Thanks again!

Kenn

[ihelpyou]

Thanks keyword!

I don't quite understand the question? Good seo's don't solicit business through email, but I'm thinking that is not what you mean?

[ihelpyou]

Oh, I think I know now.

I always remember and always keep in mind that the client hired me for my advice and help. With that in mind, a good seo will never let a client dictate things, and that includes letting the client choose his/her own keyphrases, etc. If the seo did his good research, that seo will have the best input on which keyphrases to target. Of course, the client can help with this, but it should be a mutual understanding that the client hired the seo, so let the seo do the job.

And, of course, this is just me, but I find out all ahead of time. If that potential client is not or will not be willing to make the changes necessary, then that potential client can go elsewhere.

[KeyWord]

Doug, I definitely see the appeal to the "running the show" or there's no show type of arrangement.

Do you ever think that you may be losing clients who just need that little bit of guidance?

Or is that work like, not worth it?

--- related ---

I was also thinking, that if you are "running the show" which I agree, is probably the most effective way to work, that means your client has to trust you alot.

What legal risks does a client take if he/she says, "OK Doug, here's my site, optimize it and I'll pay you your fee." ?

[firecrackerqp]

Re: Q3 - Ask them to restrict each e-mail to one subject (that is mentioned in the subject line). Even if it means they send you 3 e-mails back to back, it allows you to easily find the one you need.

Here's something else to keep in mind:

Back story - I'm a "client". Haven't hired an SEO pro, but am currently working with a web designer

Communication via e-mail can be tricky. It has the obvious advantages of being written down, and available whenever you are. A major drawback; however, can be lack of inflection (for lack of a better term). Do you have ANY idea how difficult it is to show sarcasm in text?!? ;)

We still communicate via e-mail, but we've discoverd the phone is a MUST on a regular basis. It allows us to explain in greater detail (and MUCH faster) what we meant in the e-mail.

I recommend putting the "meat" of the info in e-mail, but clarifying "voice-to-voice" whenever possible. At least in our situation, it prevents doing something twice (instead of correct the first time). It also helps each of you remember that you're dealing with a live human, not just an e-mail. If things get heated, there's WAY too much opportunity for written statements to be taken the wrong way. In "person" you can recognize the warning signs and restate your message.

Hope this perspective helps...

Kyle :)

[danielp]

I recommend putting the "meat" of the info in e-mail, but clarifying "voice-to-voice" whenever possible.
I agree with what you've said - but due to "experience", we now use the reverse of what you stated above.

We talk to the client over the phone (and via E-mail) to discuss options, talk about possible solutions, and nail down a course of action.

The next step is to always confirm everything in an E-mail. Too many times in the past we've regretted not getting things written down - leaving ambiguities that cause problems further down the line. Even with the friendliest of clients it can cause disputes and ruin perfectly good relationships.

Always get things documented. It can take longer in the short-term, but you won't regret it later on.

[ihelpyou]

No keyword, it's this way.... pay the fee and 'then' I'll optimize. :)

Oh, of course, if all they need is 'guidance', then they can pay a consulting fee.