Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve tried to cover most questions clients ask us, but if there’s anything else you want to know about, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We love to hear from you! Give me a call on 01603 697761 or fill in the contact form.
What will it cost?
We offer a range of fee models to suit your needs, including flat monthly payments and (in selected cases) ‘pay for performance’ deals.
Every client is different, with different marketing aims, so do get in touch to discuss what we can offer within your individual budgeting requirements.
Will my website need to be redesigned?
Sometimes, everything can be done ‘under the bonnet’, without touching your website’s existing design and structure. Where necessary, however, we will recommend certain changes so you build SEO values in at build stage. For example, it’s crucial that visitors can find what they want once they arrive.
Whatever we suggest, we’ll preserve a balance between SEO requirements and the priorities of your customers.
Can you redesign my website?
Although we’re happy to suggest suitable web developers, or work with your chosen partner, we don’t carry out web development ourselves. This helps to preserve our focus on search marketing and means that everyone involved does what they’re best at.
I’m having my website built/rebuilt at the moment. When should I involve you?
As soon as possible. The structure and content of your website will benefit from an SEO perspective at the earliest stage.
Web developers are usually happy to work with an SEO consultant, since it allows them to concentrate on creating the website rather than promoting it.
I’ve found an Asian company offering SEO for a fraction of your price. Why shouldn’t I just use them instead? Can you match their price?
You can’t compare apples and oranges. It’s important to understand that SEO companies in emerging economies do business in a way that suits their location, skills base and cost profile. Rather than buying the same service more cheaply, you may be buying something very different – and it may not represent such good value.
Typically, low-cost SEO companies will promise exceptional results, such as number-one position in search results, incredibly quickly and cheaply. However, even if the goal is achieved, it probably won’t last. And because such dramatic results almost certainly rely on unethical ‘black hat’ techniques, your website’s reputation could be damaged, perhaps permanently.
By then, of course, your supplier will have moved on to the next client.
What results can I expect from PPC?
It’s important to remember that people buy different things in different ways. For example, nobody browses for groceries. They go to the supermarket, buy what they need and leave. In contrast, if they need a washing machine they might visit five different shops in an afternoon – and still not make a purchase. Many people choose a current account in early adulthood and never reconsider the decision for the rest of their lives.
It’s exactly the same in online ‘shops’. You have to be realistic about how many ‘browsers’ (website visitors) you can expect, and how many of those might be expected to make a purchase. For a grocer, 1000 new customers gained at a cost of 25p apiece could be good business. For a solicitor, gaining one lifelong client for a £500 investment might be equally profitable.
We will work with you to determine what expectations are realistic for your sector and your business, and keep you informed of progress against targets.
How much should I spend on PPC?
This is an important question, because there is almost no limit to the amount you can spend on PPC. However, there is no right or wrong answer – it depends on your circumstances. Some trial and error may be required to establish your optimum spending level.
In the first instance, you need to decide how much you’re willing to pay for each lead or sale, in the context of your overall marketing budget and the situation of your business. This will help you arrive at a provisional figure for your daily or monthly PPC spend.
You may also need to consider what volumes of sales or leads you can actually handle. For example, if you prepare free quotations for potential clients, there may be a limit to the number of enquiries you can handle each day. Your ability to fulfil orders from an e-commerce operation may have similar limits. These are nice problems to have, but they still require pre-planning or your reputation may suffer.
Do your charges for PPC include advertising costs?
Yes, we normally invoice you for our own fees plus the cost of running any PPC advertisements. However, you can deal direct with the advertising channel (usually Google AdWords) if you wish.
Can I manage my own PPC account?
You’re welcome to inspect the statistics for your PPC campaign. However, we do ask that clients do not make changes to campaigns that we have set up, as this can adversely affect results.
Can I write my own PPC ads?
Yes, you can write your own ads if you wish. We will advise you on appropriate phrasing, keyword use and structure as required.
