I talked with a potential client about improving SEO for a large business. The client worked with the company for a year, and I noticed his background did not include any website development, UX, or online content writing experience.

Client: We need someone to improve the SEO for this business. We have worked on the website, but we still have a long way to go. What would you do to improve the SEO?

At this point, I was starting to suspect he was trying to get free advice out of me. Still, I wanted the job.

Me: There are lots of factors that impact SEO. I would look at adding more quality website content, working on the imagery, improving page titles and meta descriptions, and improving the overall design and UX of the sites.

Client: I see. Yeah, we need to improve all those things.

He proceeded to ask me various other detailed questions about ways I would improve the website and SEO. My responses were detailed and helpful. I discussed everything from social media to the value of business listing sites.

Client: Well, we’ll let you know if we want to bring you on board. IF.

That “IF” was delivered in a snide tone.

That red flag made me look at the project more critically. It was much larger than one person could reasonably do by oneself, probably requiring a studio to take it on. 

At the same time, the pay was average (at best) and did not reflect the scope of work. I sent him an e-mail the next day stating I wasn’t interested in the job.

That was three months ago. The job listing remains open, in a large city with lots of talent. I wonder why they had a hard time filling it…