10 Questions To Ask In Your Next Client Meeting (Preferably First) To Avoid SEO Project Disaster

If you are reading this, possibly you are preparing yourself for a brand new SEO project. Good for you! You deserve to start as organized as possible.

You certainly do not want to take any uninformed decision and work without any objective. As you’re managing the project, make sure you ask these 10 crucial questions to get to the bottom of the client’s expectations from you.

If the meeting is direct with your client:

1. How would you measure the success of the project? Whatever they say take a note and make sure you genuinely can deliver what s/he is looking for.

2. How do you like to give your feedback/comment/approval when required? Make sure s/he not only does give feedback on time as and when required but also happily connect to develop a mutual care and concern. This in return not only helps make your job easier (less oversight needed) but also helps you understand the client’s mind.

3. What’s the process for reviewing and evaluating progress? Related to the one above: is there a proper review cycle in place? Does it seem like the client often evaluates resource performance? And, do they mind helping hired resources achieve project goals?

4. How long has your current team been in place and why replacing them? Check for any signs of unhappiness or conflict. Are there legitimate reasons?

5. How would you like to receive progress reports? This is a self-awareness check for you and your team. You should prove to him/her that reports are properly managed and everything is transparent.

6. Who are your business role models? Asking about competitors is quite common and expected. Ask why they chose this industry – this gives you an idea of what they value and want to try to be like.

7. How do you celebrate success? This is a great way to transmit a sense of how confident you are to bring success with modesty and value work-life balance.

If the meeting with someone who knows the client:

8. What’s his/her style of work? Do s/he supportive or a micromanager? Chase unrealistic goals or value work ethics?

9. What’s your experience working with him/her? Watch out for the response. Take note. Any additional information about the client’s nature and business will give you an edge later.

10. How about the teamwork culture? Many people still think, hiring an agency means they are obliged to work for money. In reality, how your client is involved in your work culture or vice versa, will define the project’s future largely.

Two other points keep in your mind -

One is timing - do not offend by your questions if the client seems disgusted. Always wait for the right time to ask the right questions to the right people.

And the other is your own SEO principles and ethics. To win the client’s confidence, do not promise anything which is beyond your capacity.

So, before you enter any client meeting, make sure you did your best to gather information about the client and project so you can ask genuine questions only.

Finally, if you do sense something going against your will during your meeting with a client, consider reaching out to superiors in your department who have more experience and request their honest opinion.

No matter if it feels awkward or not, since you are the project manager, so the more you know, the more informed your decision will be.