In the world of SEO and digital marketing, the 6-month, or even better, 12-month contract, has been the industry standard for decades.
After 15+ years in this industry, I’ve seen exactly what happens when the ink dries on a long-term deal: the urgency disappears. When a client is “locked in,” the incentive to innovate and push for results every single day starts to fade into a maintenance mindset.
I don’t do long-term contracts and only work month-to-month. Here’s why:
Trust is earned, not contracted. If I can’t prove my value to a business in the first 30 to 90 days, I don’t deserve to be on their payroll for a year.
Performance-based models keep us sharp. I only want to work with businesses that want to work with me, and a business should only want to work with me if I am delivering for them day in and day out.
Google has algorithm updates every day. New tools and features roll out constantly. A contract written in January might be irrelevant by June. A partnership based on ongoing value can pivot instantly.
I’ve built my business in Lexington, NC on the idea that a track record of results should mean more than a 20-page legal document designed to punish someone for breaking up with me. If you’re doing the work and the ROI is there, the client won’t want to leave. It’s that simple.
This is a real email I got earlier today from one of our clients that almost made me cry:
“Hi Eric, I just sent the following to Brandon in regards to the Monthly report and Googe ads report, but I should share the same with you. Also, the Contact Us form from the website is working perfect now, no more merged emails. Yay!!
Robert is very busy, replying to emails, texts and calls, so the website and Google advertising are definitely working. He meets with at least two customers every night after work and several on the weekends. And the meetings are producing results with work coming in steady. Thank you again for all the work you do for us, we are very happy with the results.”
It feels so good to know that we’re making a difference. That’s why I want to hear from you!
Have you ever been trapped in a long-term marketing contract that stopped delivering? What are your thoughts on contracts in general? Feel free to email your thoughts to info@secmarketing.group and we might update this article with your thoughts.
I would like to give a special shout out to Anne Wildenhoff-Henrion for that incredible testimony and to Brandon Giordano for his incredible work as Director of SEO at our company, SEC Marketing Group!
– Eric