Mediaboss Marketing

We often think of contracts as crucial for limiting risk and protecting our companies in business transactions. They are good for that, its true. This narrow definition can lead us to believe we dont need one, when outsourcing to someone we know or have worked with before, for example.

A written work agreement serves a number of purposes and no SEOproject should start without one. In addition to offering protection, it clarifies expectations, eases communication throughout the project, and helps to keep the project on track. Email history and a handshake just arent enough to get a project off the ground, regardless of how well you think you know someone.

Disclaimer: Im not a lawyer. This isn't legal advice. You should seek the opinion of a qualified legal professional before entering into any business relationship or contract. This is based on my own experience having bought and sold services online for a number of years.

With that out of the way, lets have a look at the key components of a SEO Work Agreement and why you need to include them in your contract before starting any new project. These are the bare bones for any work agreement; yours may require additional information based on the project.

Basic contact information seems like a no-brainer, yet many work agreements lack one important piece: an emergency contact. This isnt so much a concern if youre working with a large company (on either side). Individual service providers can often do the job just as well as large companies, but who do you contact if they are unavailable?

Its just good business for SEOs (and all other types of companies) to have measures in place to ensure work continues if a key person on the project cant complete the work, for any reason. Even if they were to become completely incapacitated, you need to get in touch with someone to kill the project and close it out. Who is that person and how do you reach them?

When I did outsource services, I was fortunate enough to have a trusted family member work with me on occasion. This person had access to a file with all current projects, contact information, and instructions in case of emergency. As a buyer, you need to know your service provider has this type of plan in place.

Include the start and end dates, as well as any stipulations on canceling the project before the end date. This should include any notice required and penalties applicable if either party is unable to continue until completion.

This is the nitty gritty of the project. Hammering out the scope of the project and actually putting it to paper allows both parties to foresee the unforeseen and ask questions. Consider, at the very least:

Read more:
SEO Services Buyer’s Guide: Key Components of a Work Agreement