{"id":656158,"date":"2025-03-07T19:35:09","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T16:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/"},"modified":"2025-03-07T19:35:09","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T16:35:09","slug":"12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/","title":{"rendered":"#\u200b12 tips to win more SEO clients"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2a60375b257\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2a60375b257\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#Learn_how_to_build_a_strong_client_pipeline_with_these_practical_strategies_outreach_tips_and_expert_insights\" >Learn how to build a strong client pipeline with these practical strategies, outreach tips, and expert insights.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#1_Start_small\" >1. Start small<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#2_Do_great_work\" >2. Do great work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#3_Get_listed_in_SEO_agency_directory_websites\" >3. Get listed in SEO agency directory websites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#4_Conduct_Linkedin_outreach\" >4. Conduct Linkedin outreach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#5_Do_email_outreach\" >5. Do email outreach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#6_Develop_unique_capabilities_and_differentiators\" >6. Develop unique capabilities and differentiators\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#7_Participate_in_the_community_and_build_thought_leadership\" >7. Participate in the community and build thought leadership<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#8_Perfect_the_pitch\" >8. Perfect the pitch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#9_Offer_a_free_initial_SEO_audit\" >9. Offer a free initial SEO audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#10_Demonstrate_your_plan_for_implementation\" >10. Demonstrate your plan for implementation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#11_Build_a_business_case_with_forecasting\" >11. Build a business case with forecasting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#12_Leverage_competitive_benchmarking\" >12. Leverage competitive benchmarking\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#Ways_to_not_get_SEO_clients\" >Ways to not get SEO clients<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#Making_guarantees\" >Making guarantees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#Getting_%E2%80%98accredited\" >Getting \u2018accredited\u2019<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/12-tips-to-win-more-seo-clients\/#Time_to_go_get_some_clients\" >Time to go get some clients<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"subhead\" itemprop=\"alternativeHeadline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_how_to_build_a_strong_client_pipeline_with_these_practical_strategies_outreach_tips_and_expert_insights\"><\/span>Learn how to build a strong client pipeline with these practical strategies, outreach tips, and expert insights.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"bialty-container\">\n<p>After 12+ years in SEO, selling to hundreds of clients \u2013 from small businesses to global brands \u2013 I\u2019ve learned what works when it comes to landing and retaining SEO clients.<\/p>\n<p>While every client is unique, there are clear strategies that consistently lead to success.<\/p>\n<p>This article tackles my best advice for winning new SEO clients, along with insights from top industry professionals.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re just starting out or looking to scale, these proven tactics will help you build a strong client pipeline.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-start-small\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Start_small\"><\/span>1. Start small<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When building your SEO business, you can go after big clients (\u201cwhales\u201d) or smaller ones (\u201crabbits\u201d).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While whales bring higher revenue, they\u2019re harder to land without a proven track record. Rabbits, on the other hand, are easier to sign and provide quick cash flow.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the best places to find small-business clients include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Freelance platforms:<\/strong> Upwork, Fiverr, Craigslist, Bark.com, GetCredo.com.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Local business groups:<\/strong> Chamber of Commerce, marketing meetups.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social media<\/a> and forums:<\/strong> Reddit, X, LinkedIn.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personal network:<\/strong> Business owners you know, friends, family.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Starting small builds experience, testimonials, and case studies \u2013 helping you land bigger clients over time.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Ensuring quality in your SEO services: A checklist<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-do-great-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Do_great_work\"><\/span>2. Do great work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Delivering outstanding results is one of the most effective ways to grow your SEO business.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Clients are seeking strategic partners who inspire confidence, as Luca Tagliaferro explains:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cClients want a strategic partner but also a doer. With SEO, there is much uncertainty about what works, so you have to come out very confident in your recommendations.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This emphasis on strategy is reinforced by <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carrieroseballoch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Carrie Rose<\/a>, who built a successful agency quickly:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cFocus on strategy, not execution. Clients want strategic partners right now, especially with SEO \u2013 start by selling an SEO strategy project and you\u2019re already positioning yourself as their long-term agency partner.\u201d<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To truly establish a partnership, prioritize client education. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mike-ginley-5311a595\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mike Ginley<\/a> provides valuable guidance:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cTeach them like they will no longer need you one day. Helps build trust, helps build knowledge. Both will help overall success of the website and partnership.\u201d<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>roach builds trust without losing clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In practice, when you teach clients thoroughly, they rarely conclude they can handle SEO independently \u2013 they continue to value your expertise.<\/p>\n<p>When you deliver work that clients can\u2019t help but mention to peers, referrals follow naturally.<\/p>\n<p>If you lack confidence in achieving results, invest in training through conferences, meetups, podcasts, and other resources to immerse yourself in SEO.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond passive referrals, implement the simple yet powerful strategy of asking.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Many clients don\u2019t think to refer you \u2013 not because they\u2019re unwilling, but because they assume you\u2019re busy or have other priorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Make it a practice to directly request introductions at least annually.<\/p>\n<p>As <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/erinjones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Erin Jones<\/a> notes:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cDo great work for your existing clients, and they\u2019ll not only stick around, but they\u2019ll sell you to other business owners. There\u2019s no greater sales tool than taking great care of your existing clients and helping them increase their visibility online and revenue as a result.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Building an agency partner network can transform your business.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The standard arrangement pays referrers 10% on the first year of services, creating bidirectional revenue opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, choose these partners carefully, as you\u2019re attaching your reputation to work outside your control.<\/p>\n<p>Some potential partners for SEO agencies include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Web design agencies.<\/li>\n<li>Fractional CMOs.<\/li>\n<li>Paid media agencies.<\/li>\n<li>Creative agencies.<\/li>\n<li>Smaller or larger SEO agencies that don\u2019t serve your ideal clients.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology<\/a>\/tool companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Build a target list and reach out to discuss your capabilities.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-get-listed-in-seo-agency-directory-websites\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Get_listed_in_SEO_agency_directory_websites\"><\/span>3. Get listed in SEO agency directory websites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Listing your agency on one of the many agency directory sites can be an easy way to passively generate some lead flow.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While some of these sites are honestly not worth the time, others can be a powerful tool. When listing your agency on these sites, fill out as much detail as possible.<\/p>\n<p>If you can get some of your clients to leave you reviews on these platforms, it can go a very long way toward helping you land new SEO clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Some of the sites I have used are:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clutch.<\/li>\n<li>Agency Spotter.<\/li>\n<li>Digital Agency Network.<\/li>\n<li>The Manifest.<\/li>\n<li>UpCity.<\/li>\n<li>Credo.<\/li>\n<li>Semrush\u2019s Partner Directory.<\/li>\n<li>Breef.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-conduct-linkedin-outreach\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Conduct_Linkedin_outreach\"><\/span>4. Conduct Linkedin outreach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although I haven\u2019t had great success with it myself, LinkedIn outreach can be an effective way to connect with potential SEO clients and is often recommended by others in my position.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Since many of us have experienced spammy outreach, the key is to be authentic, useful, and non-intrusive.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-do-email-outreach\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Do_email_outreach\"><\/span>5. Do email outreach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some of my most meaningful client relationships started with a cold email.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While this approach can be effective, it can also lead to many unproductive meetings.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To make the most of it, have a strong process for quickly qualifying or disqualifying leads to avoid wasting time.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-develop-unique-capabilities-and-differentiators-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Develop_unique_capabilities_and_differentiators\"><\/span>6. Develop unique capabilities and differentiators\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In 2024, there were 54,216 digital advertising agencies in the U.S., growing at a 14.5% CAGR since 2019, according to <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibisworld.com\/united-states\/industry\/digital-advertising-agencies\/5889\/\">IBIS World<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Globally, 5.22 million people on LinkedIn have SEO in their title or work experience.<\/p>\n<p>Clearly communicating \u201cwhy you\u201d is key to landing clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For instance, my agency leverages technology in client accounts and focuses on organizational and marketing OKRs rather than just SEO metrics.<\/p>\n<p>Build your \u201cWhy us\u201d case with business impact in mind.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Create \u201cindustries we serve\u201d pages on your website to highlight how you help specific businesses. Our beauty SEO page has led to valuable clients and conversations.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>How to keep your SEO clients engaged: 8 communication touchpoints<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- START INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<p><!-- END INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-css-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-participate-in-the-community-and-build-thought-leadership\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Participate_in_the_community_and_build_thought_leadership\"><\/span>7. Participate in the community and build thought leadership<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Being seen as a thought leader can be a valuable source of new leads.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, you don\u2019t need to be at the forefront of the industry to establish credibility. I\u2019m not, yet I still generate leads this way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>You should do it, too. There\u2019s always room for more voices.<\/p>\n<p>Engaging on Reddit and other forums can also help build credibility and a reputation for being helpful \u2013 qualities potential clients look for.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Many top SEO experts, like <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/marie-haynes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marie Haynes<\/a>, started by simply answering questions in forums.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Places to engage in thought leadership and community participation include<strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>X.<\/li>\n<li>Reddit.<\/li>\n<li>Conferences.<\/li>\n<li>Medium.<\/li>\n<li>LinkedIn.<\/li>\n<li>Your agency blog.<\/li>\n<li>Guest posting on industry blogs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-perfect-the-pitch\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Perfect_the_pitch\"><\/span>8. Perfect the pitch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A strong pitch process is essential for winning clients, yet many agencies and contractors miss the mark.<\/p>\n<p>A strong pitch should:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish authority by introducing yourself or your agency.<\/li>\n<li>Present a clear SEO approach with a roadmap of activities.<\/li>\n<li>Define your capabilities and the specific work you\u2019ll be doing.<\/li>\n<li>Set expectations for results, including a timeline for impact (without overpromising exact metrics).<\/li>\n<li>Outline your SEO implementation plan. Unimplemented optimizations will not drive results. For clients with difficult CMS setups or limited dev resources, use edge SEO tools or JavaScript implementation.<\/li>\n<li>Showcase your work with case studies that speak to your target audience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your pitch process should typically include two or three calls. The first should be a discovery call, focused on gathering information rather than selling.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carolina-posma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caroline Posma<\/a> offers great advice for this stage:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cBe genuinely interested in their business and genuinely motivated to help them grow organically. A sales call is about them, not you. Don\u2019t just pitch. Do your best to understand their business, their problems. Already provide value, for example by doing a quick site audit.\u201d<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>During this call, ask about their broader marketing efforts.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do they have dev resources?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Use a PR agency?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Invest in paid media?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Understanding these areas can help you make a bigger impact.<\/p>\n<p>The second call is where you present your capabilities and findings, especially if you\u2019ve provided a free audit.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Mastering SEO account management: The recipe for success<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-offer-a-free-initial-seo-audit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Offer_a_free_initial_SEO_audit\"><\/span>9. Offer a free initial SEO audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some SEOs and agency leaders refuse to offer free work, but this can be a missed opportunity \u2013 especially for those just starting out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Clients need to see the value before committing, which is why free audits are so effective.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A mentor once told me, \u201cMake them sick, then make them better.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Show clients what\u2019s wrong, then clearly explain how you\u2019ll fix it.<\/p>\n<p>SEO expert <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tammywood\/\">Tammy Wood<\/a> supports offering quick wins upfront:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cQuick wins \u2013 immediate gratification prior to charging. Why? Because I\u2019ve obviously looked through the site, and the knowledge may help them \u2013 whether hired or not.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A free audit also demonstrates your expertise in ways a generic capabilities deck cannot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A well-executed audit in just two hours can highlight your depth of knowledge.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you can explain findings in a way clients understand, you build trust and set the stage for a strong partnership.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After all, if they don\u2019t buy into necessary changes, showing SEO impact becomes difficult.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chrisgreenseo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chris Green<\/a> suggests using audits to teach prospects something new about their market:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cTeach them something about their market they\u2019re not aware of. Be generous with your time and speak with confidence.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t offer full audits, you can still be generous with insights. Ryan Huser recommends transparency:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cShow them how you work. If they have a question about a SERP, query data, or backlinks, I\u2019ll frequently just pull up Ahrefs or another tool on screen share and let them see the process. Don\u2019t worry about giving away the \u2018secret sauce.\u2019 They\u2019re trying to hire help for a reason.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/cbrodzky\/\">Christina LeVasseur<\/a> uses an interactive approach by showing clients a SERP and asking them to pick the listing they would click.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1190\" height=\"1042\" alt=\"Christina LeVasseur (Brodzky) via X\" class=\"wp-image-453038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X.png.webp 1190w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-386x338.png.webp 386w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-685x600.png.webp 685w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-129x113.png.webp 129w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-768x672.png.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1190px) 100vw, 1190px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X.png.webp\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1190\" height=\"1042\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X.png.webp\" alt=\"Christina LeVasseur (Brodzky) via X\" class=\"wp-image-453038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X.png.webp 1190w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-386x338.png.webp 386w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-685x600.png.webp 685w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-129x113.png.webp 129w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Christina-LeVasseur-Brodzky-via-X-768x672.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1190px) 100vw, 1190px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>It\u2019s no surprise here that most of the time, clients do not pick their own page! <\/p>\n<p>This highlights the importance of the work we do which clients often misunderstand.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcCQFqnM7ZpPa6nvuD3zkCqUG9AABkbU4c_5DpxZPKZmglXWeQTVMPjLXvbexS3poXw4QqOCWtDGifVqpiAsZGLpPFqlpjfbk9UpHZPOkyPkZBVitmT-TvnjQC9KiaRGY1T294vdQ?key=SCFhQzLxM4t_VY1oxcd7C5-2\" alt=\"Click and drag to move\"><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/simmonet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grant Simmons<\/a> emphasizes leveraging competitive insights:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<strong>Closing<\/strong>: Highlight where competition is eating their lunch aligned with low-hanging fruit. Give reasonable expectation of expected outcomes.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u201cRetaining<\/strong>: Demonstrate effort and that you met or exceeded outcomes you predicted. Strategically rinse and repeat where opportunities exist.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/oliver-sissons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oliver Sissons<\/a> offers three key tips for presenting audits effectively:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cDon\u2019t step on toes. They\u2019ve haven\u2019t come to an agency to be put down. Likely they\u2019ve done a lot right, and just need new ideas.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cAvoid jargon. No need to know every title\/canonical tag you\u2019ll check.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cTie previous results to real business growth (sales, revenue and leads).\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Lastly, tap into the psychological principle of fear of loss, which is often a stronger motivator than the promise of gains.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If a client is engaging in risky SEO practices, highlight the dangers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jpsherman\/\">JP Sherman<\/a> puts it:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cFear will keep them in line!\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In a good way, of course!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-demonstrate-your-plan-for-implementation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Demonstrate_your_plan_for_implementation\"><\/span>10. Demonstrate your plan for implementation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Audits and optimizations can transform a business, but without a solid implementation plan, nothing happens.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why we always discuss how we support implementation. It\u2019s a key factor in delivering faster SEO results.<\/p>\n<p>Some clients may grant direct access to their CMS, but others may have custom-built or complex proprietary systems that make even basic changes difficult.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Often, implementation is dependent on a development team or technical marketer with a long backlog, delaying progress for months.<\/p>\n<p>This is where edge SEO tools like SearchPilot, RankSense, and Sloth.cloud can be <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a>-changers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Not only do they help you win business by offering a practical implementation solution, but they also improve client retention by enabling you to execute changes yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Other tools, such as SEOScout, Ahrefs, and seoClarity, offer similar solutions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-build-a-business-case-with-forecasting\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Build_a_business_case_with_forecasting\"><\/span>11. Build a business case with forecasting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SEO forecasting is a powerful way to justify investment in SEO.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/martin-mcgarry-76829129\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Martin McGarry<\/a> emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cGive them an estimate of growth, where you think you can take them if they partner with you and follow your plan and suggestions. You don\u2019t have to make bold claims of number 1 rankings, but at least target some kind of tangible growth in the areas you\u2019re focusing on.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>How to build lasting relationships with SEO clients<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-leverage-competitive-benchmarking-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Leverage_competitive_benchmarking\"><\/span>12. Leverage competitive benchmarking\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Different stakeholders within a company have different motivators.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>C-suite executives and directors are often driven by competitive insights, making competitive benchmarking a valuable tool.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In some audits, we create competitive scorecards that assess competing websites across key SEO factors like technical health, on-page optimization, off-site authority, and performance.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ways-to-not-get-seo-clients\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ways_to_not_get_SEO_clients\"><\/span>Ways to <em>not<\/em> get SEO clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While researching this article, I came across some of the worst advice on landing SEO clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Here are two major mistakes to avoid:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-guarantees\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Making_guarantees\"><\/span>Making guarantees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Never make promises you can\u2019t keep.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>SEO is unpredictable. Algorithm updates, client implementation delays, and competitor strategies all impact results.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Making bold guarantees damages trust and sets unrealistic expectations, leading to unhappy clients and a damaged reputation.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-accredited\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_%E2%80%98accredited\"><\/span>Getting \u2018accredited\u2019<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some sources suggest getting a Google Partners badge to attract SEO clients, but this is misleading.<\/p>\n<p>Google Partners is for PPC, not SEO.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Trying to pass it off as an SEO credential may deceive uninformed clients, but those who understand the industry will see right through it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you want to build lasting relationships, avoid misleading tactics.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-time-to-go-get-some-clients\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Time_to_go_get_some_clients\"><\/span>Time to go get some clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Winning SEO clients isn\u2019t easy, but the right approach can significantly improve your close rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>From doing great work and starting small to developing differentiation and partnering with other agencies, these strategies set you up for success.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Now, go land some clients!<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>12 tips for better SEO client meetings<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"about-author\">\n<p>About the author<\/p>\n<div class=\"information\">\n<div class=\"author-module\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-3 text-center\">\n<div class=\"avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle avatar-border\" alt=\"John Morabito\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2023\/08\/John-Morabito.jpeg.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle avatar-border\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2023\/08\/John-Morabito.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"John Morabito\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-9\">\n<div class=\"about\">\n<div class=\"name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>John Morabito<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"row g-2 pt-2\">\n<div class=\"col-auto twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/follow?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fsearchengineland.com%2F&amp;region=follow_link&amp;screen_name=JohnMorabitoSEO&amp;tw_p=followbutton&amp;variant=2.0\" rel=\"me\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"opens in a new tab\"><i class=\"fab fa-x-twitter\"><\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/john-morabito-29459655\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"opens in a new tab\"><i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\"><\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Morabito is the VP of SEO at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stellarising.com\/agency-seo-services\">Stella Rising<\/a> where he leads strategy and business development. With early experience in fine art photography, music, and graphic design, John brings a multidisciplinary, creative approach to building high-performance SEO programs and teams. John began his SEO career in 2010 on the brand side before shifting to Stella Rising, where he quickly started leading strategy for stellar brands in the consumer middle market. Currently, the Stella Rising SEO team serves medium-sized and enterprise clients, driving transformational growth in the beauty, CPG, retail, and real estate markets. John\u2019s primary focus is to help ecommerce and lead generation-focused businesses reach their potential from search, while growing an engaged and talented team. Over the last five years, John and the Stella Rising SEO team have received over 30 award wins and nominations, including a win from the Search Engine Land Awards for Best SEO Agency.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/category\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Technology<\/a><\/span> category.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/win-more-seo-clients-453037\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to build a strong client pipeline with these practical strategies, outreach tips, and expert insights. After 12+ years in SEO, selling to hundreds of clients \u2013 from small businesses to global brands \u2013 I\u2019ve learned what works when it comes to landing and retaining SEO clients. While every client is unique, there are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":656159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/\u200b12-tips-to-win-more-SEO-clients-800x450.png","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[148094,148407,78070],"class_list":["post-656158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-advance-your-career","tag-leadership-and-management","tag-seo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/656158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=656158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/656158\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/656159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=656158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=656158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=656158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}