In an ideal world, every professional search engine optimization firm’s goal would be to provide great services for a reasonable cost and, of course, make a solid profit while pleasing every client. But when we jump back into reality, we must take into account that we live in a very litigious culture. Every customer wants to get the best possible service at the lowest cost and unfortunately, some companies are looking to cut corners instead of focusing on providing quality service. The ideal is often not the reality and, as a result, companies and individuals can get burned either financially or legally when conditions are not clearly laid out for both parties in a particular transaction.
If you are purchasing SEO services, here are some tips:
1. When working with any professional search engine optimization company, a contract of services rendered is typically signed by both parties. If there is no official contract for services, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out you are heading out into dangerous territory for both parties, but especially for the party putting up the money for services. This, however, does not mean that the company is off-the-hook, legally speaking, if they do not provide the services as promised in a particular verbal agreement. However, it is always preferable to have a written agreement settled upon prior to any work beginning.
2. Make sure the contract is specific. In a society riddled with lawsuits and litigations of all kinds, it is only wise business practice to use specific and targeted contracts in order protect both parties, even in the probable event of successful services rendered. The contract should outline a great deal of things including, but not limited to:
- terms of service
- client expectations
- length of contract
- schedule for services
You should work out all the nuances with the company you plan on doing business with or check with legal counsel to make sure all important facets are covered by the contract. And always follow the age old adage, “Don’t sign anything without first reading it.”
If you are an SEO company trying to organize and professionalize your services offered, here are some tips as you develop your contract templates.
1. In looking for a starting point if you don’t as a company have a contract to work with, the development of large scale document share sites has opened the door to getting anyone a decent starting document that you can tweak. Simply do a search for a contract type that would most closely fit your type of business then after close review, add or subtract the components you feel necessary for the specifics to your business model and services you offer. It may be helpful to have a specific contract type for each type of service you offer.
2. Lastly, it will be highly advised to have this ‘final’ document reviewed by a legal professional to make sure everything is in order and would be considered legally binding for future use. Remember, the purpose is always protection for both parties.
