Let’s face it—agencies are in the business of making clients happy. But if we’re being honest, not every client is the kind that agencies dream of working with. The real question is: could you be the problem? Could you be the "toxic client" agencies dread dealing with?
In today’s competitive world of local SEO and digital marketing, you need to work with your agency, not against them. So, how do you know if you’re the kind of client that’s making everyone pull their hair out? Let’s dive into the tell-tale signs of a toxic client and, more importantly, how to avoid being one.
1. The Yard Sale Haggler
Ever been in the market for a new SEO agency and found yourself haggling like you're at a yard sale? Negotiating price is one thing, but if you’re constantly trying to whittle down costs without adjusting the scope, you’re playing a dangerous game.
Here’s the golden rule: if the price changes, so does the service. You can’t expect the same level of work for less money. When agencies make price cuts without changing the deliverables, something's fishy. Either they’re cutting corners, or worse, they’re desperate for work.
So, next time you want to renegotiate the price, focus on adjusting the services instead. If there’s a part of the package you don’t need, cut that rather than asking for a blanket discount. You’ll get what you pay for—and that’s what you want, right?
"Remember the golden rule: if the price changes, then the product or service changes, too." Tweet this.
2. The “Can You Just…” Client
We’ve all been there—sign the contract, get started, and then suddenly realize you need more. But slipping in a “Can you just…?” at the end of every email or call without factoring in the cost? That’s a surefire way to annoy your agency.
Geoff McQueen, founder of AffinityLive, nails it:
“A client that’s consistently asking to do more and taking advantage of you and your team, prevents you from adding more paying clients to your roster...”
What’s the solution? If you need more, be upfront. Set up a transparent conversation with your agency, explain your needs, and be prepared to pay for the extra work. Agencies don’t mind doing more, but they need to be compensated for their time and effort. After all, would you work for free?
"If you find yourself asking your agency if they 'could just…', know you’re exhibiting symptoms of being a toxic client." Tweet this.
3. The Needy Partner
Do you find yourself sending more emails to your agency than you do to your spouse? If so, you might be the “Needy Partner.” Constant communication and micromanaging doesn’t just slow down progress—it’s expensive. The more time an agency spends fielding your questions, the less time they have to actually do the work.
Trust the process. You hired the agency for a reason, right? So, let them do their thing. Instead of bombarding them with emails, agree on a regular check-in schedule. That way, you can get the updates you need without interrupting their workflow.
"Agree on a schedule of calls and meetings so that you’re in regular contact without being a hindrance to your campaign’s progress." Tweet this.
4. The SEO Ranking Report Fiend
You’re not #1 on Google yet, and you’re freaking out. Sound familiar? If your SEO ranking reports send you into a tailspin every month, it’s time to take a step back.
SEO isn’t about instant gratification. It’s a long game that focuses on building traffic, not just rankings. Being #1 on Google doesn’t matter if you’re not converting traffic into sales. So instead of obsessing over one keyword, look at the bigger picture: How’s your overall traffic? Are you seeing growth month after month? That’s where the magic happens.
"Look collectively at how much organic traffic you’re receiving month-on-month rather than looking at the ranking stats one-dimensionally." Tweet this.
Final Thoughts
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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