While the SEO industry has struggled for years to find an easy way to charge for Search Engine Optimization, Performance SEO seems to have discovered a simple solution.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 29, 2005 -- Deep within industry blogs and forums exists countless back-and-forth conversations between professional SEO firms exchanging ideas on optimization, search engine changes, linking and ethics. But between the lines also emerge many questions from SEO companies asking their peers, How should we charge our clients?" Although perhaps a sign of a newly emerging industry segment, it shows that the SEO Industry is still in the dark when it comes to putting a pricing model together for its services.
According to SEMPO (Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization), Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of improving a web page or website so it has the ability to rank higher in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERP's). SEO consists of three basic elements: On-Site Optimization", On-Page Optimization" and Off-Site Optimization", which deals with optimizing a website's architecture, optimizing its content pages, and building its external links (respectively).
Currently no standard pricing model for the industry exists. Pricing methods among SEO firms range from large up-front fees to long-term commitments, and sometimes both. Some firms charge their clients per-click, per-lead, or even ask for a percentage of your profit.
Pricing tends to get very creative when you have so many different companies with so many different approaches to the same end result," says Terrence Gordon, Co-Founder and CEO of Performance SEO. SEO requires a custom solution for each individual client…but it doesn't mean your overall pricing model has to reflect that."
Processes between SEO firms do vary, and Search Engine Optimization could easily be considered a creative service whereas each individual SEO firm may implement completely different tactics. Regardless, most legitimate SEO firms all seem to agree on one thing: SEO is not an immediate solution.
SEO is not an overnight process," says Gordon. (SEO) is a complex service with many facets that require perpetual upkeep. Just because a website's META tags have been optimized doesn't mean the job is done."
Performance SEO's founders have over 28 years of combined experience in Online Advertising, Website Design, IT and Search Engine Marketing. The company claims to offer performance-based SEO solutions and SEO design.
Performance SEO's trademarked pricing model consists of a standard 6 month agreement during which payments are broken out evenly. An optional maintenance program is then offered following the 6th month which provides their clients with continual Off-Site SEO (link building), website maintenance, consulting, reporting, continual submissions and customer service.
Gordon maintains that On-Site optimization should not take more than six months to complete. Unless we are dealing with a website redesign, rebuild or complex internal systems, we are usually able to complete the majority of the on-site work within 6 months. All the while, we are building up the content and Off-Site Link Popularity…but it shouldn't end there. Continuous link building and added content amongst other things add to the breadth and authority of the site which ensures a website's rise to the top. And once it's at the top, we want to make sure it stays there."
Performance SEO believes their proprietary pricing model fits within the best interest of their clients and the success of their company. Clients are smarter these days," explains Gordon. Most of them have used SEO firms in the past and have not been happy with the results, or they have been stuck in a 12 month commitment with no results and no way out. We are here to offer a common-sense alternative which enables affordability for our clients and provides accountability for us."
When asked Gordon what was the biggest problem with SEO today he responded, …right now SEO firms are not educating people on Search Engine Optimization. Some of these firms believe their procedures are 'trade secrets' and would rather keep their clients in the dark so they can squeeze out exorbitant profits or get by using outdated and harmful SEO procedures. It's these firms who contribute to the bad reputation of SEO, and explain why companies are spending a small fraction on SEO compared to PPC..."
Performance SEO also offers their clients with a 30-day cancellation policy, which Gordon claims combined with their optional maintenance program holds his company accountable for his clients' results and satisfaction.
That's where our 'performance-based SEO' comes into play. The proof is in the pudding so to speak, but nobody's going to order seconds if they didn't like the taste of their first helping."
Performance SEO is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in San Diego and Las Vegas. For more information or to contact Performance SEO visit www.PerformanceSEO.com.
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