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Terms & Condtions

 

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 15 March 2026

 

Service provider:  James Baker, trading as James Baker SEO

Website:  jamesbakerseo.co.uk

Contact:  [email protected]

Location:  Brighton, United Kingdom

 

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the relationship between James Baker, trading as James Baker SEO (“I”, “me”, “my”, “the Consultant”), and any individual or business (“you”, “the Client”) who engages my SEO services. By instructing me to carry out work, you agree to these Terms.

 

1. Services

I provide freelance SEO consultancy services including, but not limited to:

  • Technical SEO audits and implementation guidance

  • On-page and off-page SEO strategy

  • Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimisation

  • eCommerce SEO

  • SEO consultancy and training

  • AI-informed SEO strategy

The specific scope of services for each engagement will be agreed in writing before work commences, either via a project proposal, statement of work, or email confirmation.

 

2. Engagement and proposals

A contract between us is formed when:

  • I issue a written proposal or statement of work, and

  • You confirm acceptance in writing (including by email)

No work will commence until both parties have agreed on scope and fees. I reserve the right to decline any engagement at my discretion.

 

3. Fees and payment

3.1 Fee structure

Fees will be as agreed in the project proposal. I offer services on a:

  • Monthly retainer basis (invoiced on the 1st of each month)

  • Fixed-project basis (invoiced as agreed — typically 50% upfront, 50% on completion)

  • Day or hourly rate basis (invoiced at the end of each month or project)

 

3.2 Invoicing and payment terms

Invoices are issued electronically. Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing. Late payment interest may be charged in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

 

3.3 Expenses

Any third-party costs agreed in advance (such as tool subscriptions, paid backlink placements, or similar) will be billed at cost with prior written approval.

 

3.4 VAT

I am not currently VAT registered. [Where applicable, VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate and itemised on invoices.] [Note: update this clause accordingly.]

 

4. Client responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Provide timely access to any accounts, platforms, or information reasonably required (e.g. Google Search Console, Google Analytics, website CMS)

  • Review and respond to deliverables within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5 working days unless otherwise agreed)

  • Ensure the accuracy of information and content you supply

  • Obtain any third-party permissions necessary for me to carry out agreed work

Delays caused by your failure to provide required access or feedback may result in revised timelines at my sole discretion.

 

5. Intellectual property

5.1 Ownership of deliverables

Upon receipt of full payment, ownership of all original deliverables created specifically for you (such as content, audits, and strategy documents) transfers to you.

 

5.2 My pre-existing IP

Any methodologies, tools, templates, or processes that I use or develop independently remain my intellectual property. Nothing in these Terms grants you a licence to these beyond their use in connection with the project.

 

5.3 Portfolio use

I may reference your business name and describe the nature of the work in my portfolio or case studies unless you specifically request otherwise in writing.

 

6. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public information received from the other party in connection with the engagement. This obligation continues for two years after the conclusion of the project. This does not apply to information that is publicly available, independently developed, or required to be disclosed by law.

 

7. Results and performance disclaimer

SEO results depend on many factors outside my control, including search engine algorithm changes, competitor activity, and the quality of your website. I cannot and do not guarantee specific rankings, traffic levels, or commercial outcomes. Any projections or forecasts I provide are estimates only and are not contractually binding.

All SEO work is carried out in accordance with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines and accepted industry best practices. I will not knowingly implement techniques that violate search engine guidelines (“black hat SEO”).

 

8. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • My total liability to you in connection with any project shall not exceed the total fees paid by you for that specific project

  • I shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or economic losses, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of business, or reputational damage

  • I am not liable for any losses arising from changes to search engine algorithms, actions of third parties, or your failure to implement agreed recommendations

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by negligence.

 

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by either party

Either party may terminate a monthly retainer arrangement by giving 30 days’ written notice. Either party may terminate a fixed-project engagement by mutual written agreement.

 

9.2 Termination for cause

I may terminate the engagement immediately if:

  • You fail to make payment within 30 days of the due date

  • You act in a manner that is abusive, unlawful, or harmful

  • You request that I carry out work that would breach search engine guidelines or applicable law

 

9.3 Effect of termination

On termination, you agree to pay for all work completed up to the date of termination. Any deliverables completed and paid for remain yours. Deliverables not yet paid for remain my property.

 

10. Data protection

Both parties agree to comply with applicable data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Where I process personal data on your behalf (for example, accessing website analytics data), I act as a data processor and will do so only in accordance with your instructions. Please refer to my Privacy Policy for further information.

 

11. Independent contractor

I provide services as an independent contractor. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, partnership, or agency between us. I retain the right to provide similar services to other clients during our engagement, unless a separate exclusivity agreement has been signed.

 

12. Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the law of England and Wales. Any disputes that cannot be resolved amicably will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

I am committed to resolving disagreements informally in the first instance. If you have a concern, please contact me at the email address above.

 

13. Entire agreement

These Terms, together with any signed proposal or statement of work, constitute the entire agreement between us in relation to the services. They supersede all previous agreements, representations, or understandings.

 

14. Changes to these Terms

I may update these Terms from time to time. The current version will always be available on the Website. For ongoing engagements, any material changes will be communicated by email with at least 14 days’ notice.

 

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact me before instructing any work.

James Baker  |  James Baker SEO  |  [email protected]  |  jamesbakerseo.co.uk