What are the best ways to give SEO feedback to a client who's resistant?

When communicating with a client who is resistant to SEO feedback, build relationships by sharing success stories that resonate with them and breaking things down into easy-to-understand terms. Make SEO easier to understand by using analogies, like tidying a shelf to attract more customers. Talk about long-term advantages and manage expectations by emphasizing the incremental but significant nature of SEO outcomes. Encourage collaboration by making the client a part of the decision-making process. Make it clear that it’s an investment with long-term growth, not a quick fix. Transform resistance into collaboration, and you’ll be on the same road to online success together.

When dealing with a client resistant to SEO feedback, focus on building relationships by sharing relatable success stories and simplifying explanations into easy-to-understand terms. Use analogies, such as tidying a shelf to attract more customers, to demystify SEO. Discuss the long-term benefits and manage expectations by highlighting the gradual yet substantial nature of SEO results. Encourage collaboration by involving the client in the decision-making process. Emphasize that SEO is an investment for long-term growth, not a quick fix. By transforming resistance into collaboration, you can both work towards online success together.

When talking to a client who's not keen on SEO, show them easy-to-understand results that prove it works and give them simple tips they can easily use.

These points can help: 1. Focus on data and evidence: Back your recommendations with concrete proof. 2. Start small and focus on quick wins: Show them the positive impact quickly. 3. Frame suggestions as opportunities: Avoid criticizing their current efforts. 4. Use clear and concise language: No technical jargon. 5. Be patient and understanding: Change takes time. 6. Offer to help with implementation: Make it easier for them. 7. Build trust and rapport: Show you care. 8. Highlight case studies and success stories: 9. Demonstrate the power of SEO. 10. Use a collaborative approach: Get their input. 11. Be persistent but professional: Don't give up easily, but be respectful.

When talking SEO with a hesitant client, start by praising what's working. Then, gently suggest improvements, focusing on the positive outcomes. Use real examples and connect changes to their business goals. Be open to their concerns, making it a collaborative conversation. Keep it simple and show how SEO can boost their brand success.

Often, resistance from SEO clients comes in two forms: - That you’ve not justified your suggestion sufficiently - That there’s someone internal at the client’s side with a different viewpoint Establish which you’re working with. But in either case, your solution to overcoming resistance is similar. To build trust, you need to use examples. Show your client situations where you’ve rolled out the same solution and it worked. Or even third-party examples of where what you’re suggesting is working for a site with great visibility. Using examples to back up your suggestions goes a long way to building trust, and in turn, this builds a solid working relationship.

Evidence. Prove it. Put the theories to the test and monitor ranking position. If the client still doesn't belive then there is probably no hope and the project futile.

Why are they resistant? Is it budget? - what can be done within the budget they have / have in mind? Is it resource? Often in house marketers, especially for smaller businesses are working solo or have limited support. They probably know the recommendations are worth it but it's hard to figure out where to start. Provide a prioritised breakdown of tasks. Do they just not get it? Or is what your recommending not in line with goals? Too often I've had (particularly SEO) agencies only talk to me about traffic. Traffic doesn't pay the bills. Show me how that converts and how many leads you forecast.

Giving a resistant client a big, gigantic, professional overview of all the SEO work you're going to do will just overwhelm and frustrate them. Break up your proposals into Sprints, with easy-to-understand action points and goals for your client. Present only the first sprint with a summary of the following sprints. Show the value in terms of performance or potential earnings in each sprint. Your client will appreciate the thoughtfulness and it will put your work for them in a much better light.

Take the time to educate the client about the importance of SEO and how it can benefit their business. Help them understand the long-term value of investing in SEO. If a client is resistant to certain strategies, offer alternative approaches that may be more appealing. Trust is built through iteration and results. Once you start delivering results, you can ramp up your efforts; but keep delivering value, value, value, i.e. tangible results.