SEO project takes me to unfamiliar terrain....

In need of some good advice.

[edit_g]

Previously I've been in full control of the sites which I have optimised for (or I've designed them from scratch) but now I've taken on optimising an existing site.

It is a huge site and it's a real SEO nightmare. Lots of variables in each URL and lots of images with text instead of just text. I can optimise it, no problems, it will just take some changes, hard work and time.

The problem is - the client has contracted the web design/dev out to a different company... I can tell that the web dev company know jack about SEO but how do I get them to work with me? Do I take control and tell them what to do? Do I get access and just do it myself? Do I get the client to tell them what to do?

Does anyone have any advice for a situation like this?

[DaveN]

Get the client to give you full control of the project and make sure that he tell's the web development company that your say is final.

Dave

[DrCool]

My past experiences with situations like this have shown me that it is very difficult to effectively work in situatuions like this. Go for full control if possible.

I have had a few projects in the past where I had to "just tell the web design people what they need to change and they will do it". It usually took about 3-4 tries before they got it right and usually took a few days to do something that should have takes a few minutes.

The more control you can get the better.

[edit_g]

Thanks for the advice guys.

It usually took about 3-4 tries before they got it right and usually took a few days to do something that should have takes a few minutes.

This is exactly what I am worried about. If I say "these will need to be h1 tags" it will take them two days to change one tag in one ASP page. The other thing is that it will incurr more cost for the client (web dev time) and I'm sure going to bill for it!

I guess I'll have to make full control a condition from the very outset. I'll get to feel like a dictator! :)

<edit>quote fixed

[Hawkgirl]

I agree with the "full control" thing.

I've been struggling with this same problem from the get-go with a site (several years now) and it's extremely frustrating.

If I knew then what I know now, I would've ditched the site a long time ago and done something more productive and fulfilling.

:) Good luck. Godspeed.

[ukgimp]

Had the exact same scenario myself. Bit of a nausea really. What I did was write a big fat report for my client that they could pass on to the developer. I put a section at the end detailing how difficult each aspect was and how important it was (removal of mirrors = do now, external css = not as important).

Although it is not the best, it is easy-ish work, just a different way of approaching it. Still got paid.

Good luck

[edit_g]

Thanks guys - this is what I did: in my preliminary report I outlined the project and explained that I would write a report first and then they could take that to their web dev company. At that point (when I've already been paid for the report) they could pay me more if they wanted me to supervise the web dev company.

I also mentioned that I needed to be in complete control of any work which I was supervising.

[aravindgp]

edit_g

Thanks for bringing it up.I am in a similar situation,I suggest something then it goes through a series of approvals ,somethings are ok somethings are not approved, this specifically happens due to appearance on the site.

It simply takes a lot out of my time,
for example
when my simple sugestion of h1 tag ,they say is pretty difficult to go through since it will not be good on the site.I end up saying, hey you can use CSS for the same to control font size,then I need to tell web design about how to do, after a while, web design team guy comes back says I am unable to do it.Then I end up giving him exact code.

All this for one h1 tag, no I am not complaining just that it's terms and conditions thing, we need to be straight and clear about our advice and say that we need complete control.
i.e "If you hire me , you need to follow what I am going to say and I will implement this."Take it or Leave it."

I rather invest my time in productive work.Then go on in this circle of administrative politics.

I have decided not to take up a project unless the company is willing to give full control,I like edit_g appraoch though.Might try this one as well.

Lastly ,I initially did for more keywords than I agreed for, just thought it will good for the company, but the hassle of getting approved just kept me away from doing it more keywords.

Aravind

[Hawkgirl]

I put a section at the end detailing how difficult each aspect was and how important it was (removal of mirrors = do now, external css = not as important).

VERY good idea. Make sure the biggies get the highest visibility and priority.

Unfortunately, my experience was that once the biggies are done, they'll balk at doing much else. "Well you said X was most important and we did that. The site is better than it was, right? So we're going to do Y the way we want to."

It's a never-ending fight. :) But depending on how clunky the site is to start with ... if you can get those biggies knocked out of the way, you'll get the site further ahead than it was, for sure.

[ukgimp]

HK

I did this so that the people I did the report for would not get any BS from the company. You know what I mean:

"that’s really difficult to do, it will cost loads"

I built up a relationship with my client and I told them I was not in it to appease the company but to do the very best for them. If they followed all of what I suggested they would be flying.

I also put a warning that I cannot be held responsible for changes in search engines ranking or methods. Additionally I warned that I cannot be responsible for methods not detailed in this specific report that might subsequently be used by anyone else and balls up the listings.

Cheers

[aravindgp]

I was wondering why don't we consolidate and make formal points to be noted to be in contract.
1.Full Control/payment for the report upfront.

I would love everybodies points about things that should be told upfront.

2?

Looking forward to hear from others.

Aravind

[grnidone]

Don't waste your time on the project. If you don't have full control, you will be expected to get results and not allowed to do anything.

Unfortunately, I am too stupid to realize a lost cause when I see one and stayed in a similiar situation for 3 years.