The client posted a project with a short description for conducting an SEO audit. I placed a bid and was ultimately selected as the performer. Then difficulties began. Instead of clearly stating what he wanted before the start of the project, the client set additional requirements after the launch, which implied extra work beyond the SEO audit, in the form of creating a technical specification based on the actual found errors.
I told the client that this goes beyond the scope of the audit and I will not do it. If he disagrees, he can cancel the project. The client agreed with me and said to continue the project.
I completed the SEO audit. The site is complex, about 50,000 links, custom engine, as I understood, on React technology or similar. Many serious errors were found, screenshots, brief descriptions, and additional files were provided.
After sending the finished document with additional files, the client began demanding what I initially refused to do. For each problem, he started asking "How to do this," which essentially implies creating a technical specification. I told the client that this goes beyond the scope of the audit. An audit does not include creating specific solutions, as this is a lengthy complex process, what is called SEO optimization.
The client started writing that someone had already done audits for him, and my audit is not like that, that he already knows the website errors. Then why order an SEO audit if the errors are already known? Why not immediately create a project to perform the audit? Rhetorical questions.
I was ready to fulfill all my points listed in the bid. I even offered the client to discuss the audit by voice for 1 hour before closing the project. But the client refused.
The client turned to arbitration. Began to argue that I do not answer his questions, which is a lie. For the questions that were within the scope of the audit, I gave answers. After lengthy disputes, I had to go along with the arbitration's recommendation and give more detailed answers to several of the client's questions. The client closed the project himself.
If I had known in advance, I would never have taken on this project. Extra time and nerves were wasted.
My opinion about the client - do not get involved with him. The client is from a category of people with their own special vision and there is a good chance of ending up with extra unpaid work. Or if you accept the order, work out all the details before launching the project and only for good pay. Beware of unpaid test tasks. The client likes to manipulate information and present technical details as facts, which do not work as he thinks. The client is not competent in technical aspects, so beware of arguing with an incompetent client.
I have screenshots of the correspondence, kept for memory.
