Setting the correct expectations with SEO

Measuring the success of an online marketing strategy is as complex as creating the website and planning the strategy in the first place.

We have to ask ourselves:

• Did we meet client expectations?
• Did we get the project done in time?
• Does the website get more traffic from the web?
• Most importantly, does it drive business?

Did We Meet Client Expectations?

When speaking with a prospect or client, I always try to set realistic expectations.

Setting the right expectations upfront can make or break any project. You must clearly communicate everything they can expect throughout the course of the project.

When we start every project we let our team know exactly what is expected of them, and what they should be designing, building, or writing. If your team does not have a clear vision of what they are doing, or if our client does not understand what we need from them, our project will inevitably fail. If we build something that we like but do not take in consideration of the client’s needs or never discussed their vision, we will fail again, wasting valuable time and resources.

It is vital to make sure everyone is clear about what is coming next, and that they have everything they need.

Setting Expectations

Setting expectations is not difficult, but it does take time and knowledge. We need to marry our knowledge and expertise with the client’s wants and needs.

A lot of clients are hooked on the imagery of a site, but imagery alone does not do well on the search engines. That is where our knowledge and experience come in to help define crystal clear expectations with the client about what they will be getting, up front.

Before We Begin

At Neon Rain Interactive, we use a questionnaire form and a few surveys during the proposal and contract process that help us in setting appropriate expectations and get the clients’ creative juices flowing. We always encourage the client to ask questions if they do not understand something. This initial step can feel long and tedious, but it lays the foundation of the project for many months to come, helping to ensure success for us and our clients. You need to take this time to clarify unknowns and draw out hidden objectives.

We have found that throughout the project, it is this initial work and consistency in our work that helps make or break a project. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of communication and putting everything on the table before you just dive in.

In most projects, things will change as you go, but by not setting clear expectations in the beginning, these changes are often complete overhauls, wasting time, money and resources. As long as you do the easy stuff consistently, the hard stuff will not be as hard, and you are almost always guaranteed to keep clients happy and successful.

If you are looking for an internet marketing company that can help you build a new website, create a web or mobile app, or help you climb the ranks of the search engines, contact us at Neon Rain Interactive today.