A1: Expecting me to do the job with NO software budget You pay for it. Not me
Sweepsify
A1 client wanted us to teach him everything we knew at his office, so that he could do it himself. I fired him before we started.
Simon Cox
A1: I once did some contract work for a larger agency. They expected my work to be absolutely perfect, to their specs and deliverables, from the very first project… as if I’d worked there for years. Um…no? I just started with you and have to get up to speed on your processes. #seochat
Alex Peerenboom
I think I’d look at areas or a niche I was passionate about, and either build a case study in that niche or help a business for free in that niche and then use the success of that as a case study. #seochat
PhotoSEOlab
A2: Take anything that comes along to start with-don’t be picky-you can do that later. Have a think about who your target market is and ensure your website (yes you have a website don’t you) is targeting them-then get the word out on the socials.
Simon Cox
A2. Friends, old colleagues, etc. It’s usually the way #seochat
Montse Cano
A3 there are so so many. I like to get to know clients before I work with them. If I can’t then it’s money up front or it doesn’t happen. Also look out for psychopaths and sociopaths – surprising amount in business.
Simon Cox
A3. When potential clients don’t want to talk about payment terms or schedule communication, for instance, This is a business transaction, and you need to have logistics set up from the start. Also, when they want to contact you at all times, #seochat
Montse Cano
A3: Among many red flags, extremely low budgets. Some of my clients came from Upwork where I was very picky – declined many proposal invites that were unrealistically low and chose not to submit proposals for those that were in the open feed. #seochat
Alex Peerenboom
A4. Get a mentor to help me shape my career and detect the red flags #SEOChat
Montse Cano
A4 Got a good accountant. #seochat
Simon Cox
A5 All the buzzwords are useful. For me, there is a typing point. If someone is overusing them, then I don’t want to work with them!
Simon Cox
It can be a bit of a rollercoaster at times. My clients are awesome. I work with a fun group of people and really appreciate the trust they put in me. Finding a good work-life balance and setting boundaries can be a challenge, though.
PhotoSEOlab
A6 The best part is the variety of work and that people are really pleased when you help them out and they are happy to pay you. Worst part-when things go wrong and you are not to blame, but the client uses you as a scapegoat. #seochat
Simon Cox
A6: The worst part: dealing with those slow months and low “pay checks” when things aren’t panning out. Again…you own it all, lol. #seochat
Alex Peerenboom
A7. When I got recognised for my work by other colleagues or peers. One of these situations happened at an award ceremony pre-pandemia. I was over the moon after that #SEOChat
Montse Cano
A7 When I retire.
Simon Cox
I sincerely hope this overview was useful. You can find it here if you missed last week’s #SEOchat.