I regularly run into clients who are stuck on the META TAG syndrome. Thy sometimes even think to know better what to do then myself.

It's tricky talking to clients because they don't know what they are talking about.

I would not spend too much time on 'convincing' them but rather would be direct.

TIP: I've told clients to do what they want and come back to me after they see it won't work. However if they do so, they should take into account that repairing the damage will take more time and will cost them more money.

In the end it's their choice and when the word cost come into the picture, that's when they start thinking...

Lex G - www.newmediatype.com

I have been doing business/sales/marketing consulting off & on for over 15 years. Clients can get hung up on the darnedest things, especially when they read it from some authority. One client wanted to send newsletters out every 3 weeks because some former internet executive had said that was optimal. I am sure we all have encountered this often enough. All you can do is pick your battles, and if the client becomes too much, well then they have to go.

John

Spamming Meta tags will not produce results, short or long term and also that is black-hat terrain; venture at your own peril.

Being a SEO expert/specialist, the Clients you SEO are your victory flags to wave at your prospective new Clients and demonstrate we know a thing or two about SEO.

I refuse to work with Client’s that will not listen to reason and to proven tried-and-tested techniques. Every Client that I SEO experiences success. I do not want a Client to ruin that. Some things are more important than money, reputation and passion for the job for example. Clients, they soon return with their tails between their legs so to speak.

Two years freelancing and I can feel his pain!

It's a tough one to crack as it depends on the need for business, opportunities for the site, etc...but I would take a case studies approach - talking about previous experience and also those sites that are ranking in the first few positions, explaining why...

Rather than talking concepts, a better approach seems to be to talk about their competitors I feel - something they can understand and relate to.

A full competitor analysis is called for, I think!