10/28/2021
Google Maps is a great tool, but that is not what this post is about. I wanted to share the lengths we sometimes go to do the best for our clients. This logo was custom made for a client, using the best color combinations for his goals, and matching it with his promotional materials and office. Now I do not have an artistic bone in my body; I wish I did! But, this person was cash strapped, as most of my clients are, so I did it for free. I made 4 different options, and he loved it, but really never noticed how much work I was doing on noncontract projects. I have come to the conclusion clients don't appreciate it if you just give so much away. I always have. I don't want to do that as much because in the long run it doesn't help them, and it doesn't help me because, at least, in this case, felt very unappreciated and taken advantage of. By the time we "ended" our relationship, which was way too long, since he did not wish to pay me to do the SEO, I did a little and sent him articles that were SEO done, etc. He really didn't have time to learn, and the things I sent him were random. I would guess I put in about 300 hours for free. That's 18,000. Hmm... and no appreciation. I actually brought a beautiful example with me to our last in-person meeting. It was a very large book about his company, all the SEO moves I made and why, the numbers, the potential, etc. I did not give it to him though, and I couldn't imagine ever doing that, but I felt such resentment and honestly, hurt.
He has contacted me a few times since that day, which was probably two years ago, and needed help on something. I did it free. Twice. Now he comes again. I think the pandemic took a chunk out of his life earnings. His website is suspended, his blog is down, his email doesn't work. Really challenging. He wants to start again, anew. We had a nice, exciting discussion. I am thinking, we'll start a new book. He started by asking me to write a couple of SEO articles for the blog each month. No mention of pay or anything. The more we talked though, the more he was on board. I will listen to all your advice he says. He has said that before and not followed through. TERRIBLE COMMUNICATOR!
I admit, since I do all these projects on my own, and often have to learn a whole new system or computer program, etc. to complete the job, and it does not represent my best, like this logo. I won't tell you this didn't take a long time because it did, and it's nice, but it is not a professionally done logo. I have tried doing all the needed things, size-wise, condensed for faster upload, all relevant data for SEO and alt text,, etc. SO it's better than some, but ... So, I mention payment. I don't even want money necessarily upfront. I ran through some specs, and I was willing for him to pay me a percent of what I earned at the time, and I would do each part of the project described, cost, what to expect, time, etc. ONce it's completed, move to the next. I thought we could do some AdSense or he could purchase a good software that helps. I use all free versions of everything. I never got that far. He stopped communicating again. This is what happens. In the past, I would continue working on stuff, send it to him, etc. Not this time. I am working on it already, but I won't be sending him anything. If he truly wants help, he's got to step up.
Just warning folks out there. Breathe, and even if it's your nature to help, because that's wonderful and I think you should IF YOU CAN and TO A POINT.
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