New Prospect on New Site that could not be worse WRT SEO

[ukgimp]

I have been asked to look at a new site for a client of the design company with a view to some SEO. The client would like some costs. You may think simple!

Here is the drill. The site is a framed splash page with a fixed width java popup with no location bar to all the inner content. The inner content is utilising a further set of frames with what looks like a java text viewing device, but it looks like the text is in there somewhere. Oh yeah and the sites are mirrored ;(

How can I approach this, short of saying that a major redesign of a good looking brand new site was required. If I could pick and choose my clients (fairly new to real life clients) I would probably walk.

I suppose I could slap some no frames in as the don’t want any seriously competitive top ranking words, but that goes against what I like to do, the best that I can.

Then there is recommending PPC as well I supposed. The client is not web savvy in any way but I don’t wish to rip off, I want a good name for myself.

Cheers

[Travoli]

You aren't alone ukgimp. Lots of SEO's get into this spot.

I have not been in this situation, but I think I would go in and tell them like it is. Something like "Search engines can only read text on a page, blah blah (build up your authority).. and your site, with its flash and frames is not SE friendly. One option is to redesign the site. Another route is PPC, in which we can obtain rankings without modifying the site at all. Pros, Cons.. What do you think?"

Just lay it out, hold nothing back. Either they will appreciate your knowledge, the thought you put into your recommendations, and real-world options for quality SEO, or they will not "get it." If they don't get it, the account will most likely end up being a big hassle.

[Tapolyai]

Suggest both solutions.

If you do not tell them what they really should do, a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend who happens to be a consultant will come in and tell. This ALWAYS happens.

So draw up the proposal and say here is your options, this is option A. best way, but a bit higher price, option B. much lower cost, but definitelly less looker too.

And you always, always have option C. -- Thanks, but no thanks.

Walking away from a consulting engagement is actually can make you stronger and create respect in your prospective clients' eye. And word travels...

[Crazy_Fool]

yep, thell them how it is - "your site is not search engine friendly and needs rebuilding". print a couple of pages from the search engine "webmaster FAQs" to give them (hotbot uk is a good one) - they can hang onto them to have a think about things. be prepared with a quote for the rebuilding as well as the other SEO.

don't be afraid to walk. building a business takes time, especially when you have to prove your abilities. put a little site together based around less used keywords and get it to the top on google, inktomi and fast and you've got your perfect SEO demonstration site. in time, you won't be chasing clients, they'll be chasing you.

[Robert Charlton]

I find the whole area of offering proposals kind of complex. Here's a good thread that lays out several different points of view....

Creating Proposals as a lure
How can I make proposal writing and report generating more time efficient?
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