How To Find Your First SEO Client

Embarking on the journey of starting your own SEO agency can be as daunting as it is exciting.

The field of Search Engine Optimization, with its blend of technical jargon and strategic creativity, attracts a particular kind of individual – one who sees the allure in solving the complex puzzle of Google’s mysterious algorithms.

I’m going to share insights and actionable steps on how you can land your first SEO client and set the foundation for a prosperous career in SEO.

Understanding SEO: More Than Just Jargon

At its core, SEO is about enhancing a website’s visibility on Google, ensuring it appears among the top results for relevant searches. The stakes are high; as the saying goes, “the best place to hide a dead body is the second page of Google search,” because barely anyone ventures past the first. This grim joke underscores the zero-sum nature of SEO – only the top spots, typically the first ten or three for local SEO, garner significant traffic. (1)

But here’s the catch: You don’t need to be an SEO savant from the get-go. A foundational understanding of SEO principles is sufficient to start making a difference for your clients. It’s about being just a notch above the competition in your specific niche, much like outrunning your slowest friend when a bear attacks, not necessarily outrunning the bear itself.

The Journey to Your First SEO Client

Step 1: Crafting Your Pitch

Your pitch is your first opportunity to make an impression. It should aim to demystify SEO for business owners who are likely not experts in the field. Conveying the essence of SEO and how it can benefit their business is more critical than delving into the nitty-gritty technical details.

Step 2: Where to Find Your First Client

There are two main avenues to find your first client: your personal network and online platforms like Upwork. While your personal network might seem like the obvious first choice, starting with strangers on platforms like Upwork can offer valuable practice without the risk of souring personal relationships.

Step 3: Navigating Objections

Price is a common objection you’ll face. Address this by emphasizing the value and potential ROI of SEO services. Offering tiered packages can also help, providing options that make the investment seem more palatable by comparison.

Step 4: Setting Clear Expectations

It’s crucial to be transparent about what you will deliver, including the scope of work, timeline, and expected outcomes. This clarity helps manage expectations and builds trust with your client.

Step 5: Delivering Quick Wins

Early successes are key to retaining your client. Focus on strategies that offer visible improvements, such as boosting rankings for keywords already on the second page of Google. This approach demonstrates value and can secure a long-term commitment from your client.

Embrace the Challenge

Starting your SEO journey will push you out of your comfort zone. Prepare to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep pushing forward. Remember, the first client is always the hardest to land. But with each subsequent client, your confidence and skills will grow.

As you take these first steps, remember that SEO is as much about understanding Google’s algorithms as it is about understanding your client’s needs and objectives. Tailor your approach, be patient, and the results will come.

For those embarking on this exciting journey, I encourage you to dive in, reach out to potential clients, and start making your mark in the SEO world. And for more insights and tips on navigating the SEO landscape, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for future posts. Your adventure in SEO starts now.

References:

  1. What Is SEO, Searchengineland.com, https://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-seo

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Caleb Ulku

Author

In 2005, Caleb earned his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union in New York City. Being accepted to Cooper Union’s selective engineering program and receiving a full scholarship laid a strong foundation for his career trajectory working for a major oil company in Houston, until 2015 when he began working from home due to a hip injury. Leveraging his years of corporate experience and entrepreneurial success, Caleb founded a new company dedicated to coaching consultants to reach the top on Upwork, many following in his footsteps of having made the platform work from him. His strategies have since transformed the careers of over 3,300 students. Today, Caleb continues to empower professionals to launch or grow successful Upwork businesses utilizing the power of SEO and AI. His comprehensive videos teach the mindsets, skills and techniques to achieve ambitious goals.