Some clients approach us and naturally ask for our services and how much do we charge for them. We often say we don't know until we get a good feel of the scope of work. This is very natural in the business of customization and personalization like web design and marketing. We didn't build a product whose price doesn't necessarily change frequently so that explains why it's difficult to answer a question like "how much do you charge for a website design?".

So how much does SEO service cost? 5k or 50k? The question can only be answered after a answering back a series of counter questions. Who are your competitors? what makes your site different from others, who are your target audience?

When we tell you the price, you fall from your seat and ask, "why are your prices so expensive while the quote I got from someone else is barely half of what you offer?". 

Starting Out Low

It is common for start up companies to offer low rates because the main purpose isn't focused on making money:

* They need to get something rolling; it is easier to convince price-conscious clients to get on board

* They haven't established reputation that distinguish themselves from the competition

* They can perform the job really well and gain positive feedback from happy clients

Why Low Cost SEO Is Warning Sign

I mentioned in my presentation a few weeks ago that it is a warning signal to hear folks offering services way below the market. They could be charging very little because they don't spend considerable amount of time to attend to these clients. While discounting fees doesn't necessarily mean a bad sign, it shouldn't be offered on extended period.

Low-cost SEO services can be offered as promotions or as rewards for clients for acting immediately after the promotion. Prolonged low cost offering brings negative impression of our brand, our service and reputation. Instead of getting the impression of a value-for-money service, it gets perceived as low quality and cheap. Clients might also think that we don't do enough to add value to the service we offer and so they become more demanding.

Paying the Price of Being Cheap

Assuming we get a lot of clients because we offer the cheapest services in town. We:

* work longer hours to serve a larger stream of clients

* become overworked and unable to find time for other things

* tend to miss deadlines or even respond to simple emails

* start feeling the effect of extended hours through failing health

While the last section is more intended for service providers and expose the perils of discounted SEO or other services, it is also an eye opener for clients who are about to enlist for services of these low cost providers. In short, you get what you pay for. Hopefully this answers the question why are we more expensive than others.

Photo credit: _saturnine