This is a problem that happens all-to-often with clients. Over the years, I have experienced similar problems with clients and honestly, there is nothing that we can do.

The problem that arises from this is of course that the client blames you for the lack of results achieved with their marketing program.

I have found it very helpful to put together a few whitepapers that I send to new or potential clients that outlines all of the problems we have when they don't do what is needed. Most people respond well and at the very least, there is documented evidence that was presented to them, which gives us the ability to combat their desire to blame us for the problems.

Thanks for this article!
Trevor Walter

I've had a few of these "dormant" clients in my time and have found the best way to engage them with the campaign is to meet them face to face and convey your enthusiasim about the magnitude of the opportunity they have control over. It's a good feeling hearing them say "I'm excited" ... you know now that if they do nothing you've at least tried everything to help them and it's time to move on to a more receptive client.

I too have had many of these clients over the years and when this happens I meet with them face to face, ask them where they would like to be in a search engine and then ask how they propose we get them there without them listening to my advice?

I also ask them if they would go to swimming pool shop to have their hair cut? They always look at me and say "of course not, don't be silly" which I then reply and say "well why are you employing me as your SEO professional and arguing with me about what I do and how?".

In some cases I have had these discussions and then just let them get on with it, my lasdt client like this just would not take my advice on site wide linking strategies and thought he was a bit of a guru so ignored everything I said, we have now parted company and they have slowly dropped from the SERPs, they didn't pay so I can't say I am sad!