If a potential client asks for an estimated lift, what do you say?

[thwart]

If a potential client asks for an estimated lift in traffic and conversions (in this case, email forms), what can I say? I think it's impossible to gague. But is there a study stat that I could use? What would you say?

[tharmon]

Well...first off, if they are asking you that then you need to really explain what SEO does. SEO is not a magic bullet, and you may not get a lift initially, even though you are doing everything correctly.
But on the other side of the coin, "A fisherman catches more fish with more lines in the water."

[shaneekirk]

Use statistics from Google Analytics (or other software) from your previous clients. I've noticed that when optimizing on the long tail, each new niche page will bring in 5-10 new visits a day.

Then, just do the math. What's their current conversion rate? Multiply it out. Be sure to state clearly that you are just *estimating.* And, be sure to err on the side of conservatism.

[tharmon]

Originally Posted by shaneekirk

Use statistics from Google Analytics (or other software) from your previous clients.

Every client I've ever had has made me sign an NDA. How do you get around that?

[shaneekirk]

Usually, you aren't breaking your NDA to use those statistics for your own modeling. You just don't disclose "who" the client is or exact numbers to other clients. You could show a trend graph (like Google Trends does) without exact numbers.

"In a similar situation, a similar client received a growth trend that looked like this..."

You aren't messing with the NDA unless you mention the company or use it's "secrets" for other customers. Your experience and knowledge is yours.

Anyone have a different viewpoint of this?

[tharmon]

I suppose that makes sense. Albeit, still seems like treading in murky water. All of the ones I have signed have implicitly stated not to share "any statistical data". I would think that could still be construed as statistical data.
I am a little curious what other people think about this as well.

[shaneekirk]

This is very important before signing an NDA. You do have some say in changing the wording before you sign. You need to have the rights to use some things in a portfolio, and stats on an aggregate, while not disclosing confidential information.

[tharmon]

right.
I guess I've just never thought of doing that. I own a website and I just use stats from that to show clients or prospective clients. Never really had to worry about it.

[derick2]

I should probably say that SEO is the best thing to lift or boost your website traffic.
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forums.searchenginewatch.com/showthread.php?t=22967

[billse]

I do know that sometimes to get the client, they need to hear something more specific. I usually say that a 30% lift by 4-6 months (depending on my estimation of the site) is highly possible, but base it off YOUR real best-guess. You want to keep your relationship honest. If you've been at it a while, you have more history to estimate with.

Also, like tharmon said, be vocal about the other realities of SEO around this statement.