Casino Site

[web_t]

This some guy named @#$#@$ contacted me and showed his interest in search engine positioning services. To my reply he started talking about their current spending on search engine positioning [US$ 120,000.00/month] and showed good interest in our services. However, when we started talking about service plan [on the phone] he mentioned that he would like to make the payment once he sees the results. He wanted me to work on a specific domain so it will be easy for him to see the results. Secondary after couple minutes he said that he will pay me US$ 180.00 per person who would join from that web site. He wanted to work on his domain and server for free of charge.

To be on a safe side, I politely requested a deposit of atleast US$ 1000.00, but he kept on saying that money is not a issue and he wont mind paying once he sees the results, so I thought he might be one of those @@##%^$^%@%$#@ and I said, well it all sounds great, and I am willing to work, at terms you want me to work, however, I will host the domain on my server and once you see the results and I receive the payment, I will transfer the site to his server - He said sounds great -

2 days passed

Not heard from him back.
------------------------

I was wondering if the experts here would be able to help me out on my decision. Well I have never charged any client more than 5k a month, so this offer was looking tooo good, but I wanted to be "Safe than Sorry".

Anybody any Suggestions?

Do you think I was rude?

Do you think I made a mistake?

Do you think I should have worked for him?

What would you have done if you were me?

[rcjordan]

>Do you think I made a mistake?

Short answer: No.

About I year ago, a casino site made the rounds of the pro SEO community. I can't recall the detail, but the above has a vaguely familiar ring.

[web_t]

Opppppppssssssss.

Day 4,

Can you please send me IP and DNSs where you want the domain pointed?

any suggestions?

[theperlyking]

Speaking as someone who is in the process of being cheated out of the money for a web site I designed I would recommend you ALWAYS demand a deposit.
I know I will from now on, in the past I have relied on trust but there are crooks out there who will take advantage of someone willing to work without any down payment :(

[Mike_Mackin]

web_t

see your StickyMail

[WebGuerrilla]

>I can't recall the detail, but the above has a vaguely familiar ring.

I'm sure it's the same guy. He called me last summer. Based on past experiences, I would strongly suggest to never take on SEO jobs connected to any type of sales commission. Our jobs as SEO proffesionals is to bring the horse to the water. Whether or not they drink, has far too much to do with items completely out of your control.

Regarding gambling in general, I would also suggest that even if you find a "cash on the barrel head" client, you would probablly be better off turning it down. From a client management standpoint, the gambling crowd is tough. They compete in the second most competitive (and second most cloaked) niche on the web, yet they still expect you to have them ranked #1 for the term gambling by next thursday.

There is just too much other business out there. Why get locked into a relationship with someone who's cup is always half empty?

[paynt]

WebGuerrilla,

What a shame but you are probably right. I’ve had this most terrific idea for a casino, for almost a year now. I’ve pitched it a few times but the thing with this industry is the strings they want to attach. Like, listen up casino guys, it’s ok to buy something and then let go. I haven’t sold this idea yet because I want to do it and go. It’ll cost lots up front and I can offer all the solutions for ongoing maintenance but I want to just do it as a project in itself and then let it go. Haven’t found a casino operation that can deal with that. Sometimes it’s just the pits to get a great idea and not be able to run with it. Adapting to the industry I suppose.

Casino, here’s an example of one of the most difficult of industries to convince that feeding the drug may work but there are other marketing opportunities available. These may require establishing a foundation. Maybe it’s a good idea to try both. Dig in the old roots.

I empathize web_t. Don’t ever sell yourself short, give too much away, or compromise your principles. If you are the best that you can be, offer your services in an honest manner, and make sure that you communications are very clear and that you agree to every step along the way, you will have a lot better chance at success.

[Spearmaster]

I don't think this is the second most competitive industry - but even if it is, it will be the most competitive by the end of the year.

It is also an industry where advertising can command $50/CPM for 0.01% clickthroughs - I kid you not.

But WG is right - I know I have tried to get SEO for my site (a portal) - and been quoted outrageous amounts from SEOs as well - so the knife cuts both ways.

If you can guarantee the results - charge them 5x what you would normally charge. If you don't think you can do it, don't - you'll be wasting your time.

[startup]

This may sound odd to alot of you, but the most successful casinos do not compete with their affiliates.
"search engine positioning [US$ 120,000.00/month]" = advertising not SEO.

For some reason you have encountered a casino that either does not have affiliates or can't keep them. Something is wrong here. Targeted traffic converts to sign-up at a rate over 5%. I am affiliated with more that 1 that converts at over 10%(are we surprised?).

$5000 a month upfront for quality SEO work is cheap for a casino.

Please read Sticky Mail.