Ian will be speaking about “Analytics” at Searchfest 2009 which will be held March 10th in Portland, Oregon. Get your tickets now.

1) Please give me your background and tell us what you do for a living.

I run an internet marketing agency, Portent Interactive (www.portentinteractive.com ). I’ve spend the last 15 years writing copy, helping folks move up in the search engines and generally making a pest of myself. I also write an internet marketing blog, Conversation Marketing, at https://www.conversationmarketing.com.

2) I wrote a post a while back arguing for “Tough Love” in SEM Client Relationships
(https://www.sempdx.org/announcements/spare-the-rod-spoil-the-client/). As somebody who isn’t afraid to blog your true feelings on issues, what’s your take on the “Tough Love” concept for clients?

As marketers and consultants we are obligated to provide good advice. We must take that very seriously, to the point where clients may not want to hear what we have to say. Doing less is unethical, irresponsible and a disservice to our clients.

3) In an agency/client relationship, how do you know when it’s time “to start seeing other people?”

When trust breaks down. Trust is the one thing that I find totally essential in 100% of client relationships. I always tell my clients “You may not always like me, but you will ALWAYS trust me”.

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