Why we stopped pitching 12-month SEO retainers

Long retainers protect agencies, not clients. The default 12-month SEO retainer with 30-day notice exists because agencies want runway, not because clients want commitment.

Our model since 2024: 90-day sprints with a fixed ranking commitment. If we don't hit the commitment, the next 90 are free. We've run this on 60+ engagements; we've owed three free quarters total.

The structure forces honest scoping. We say no to engagements we don't think we can deliver on. Clients sign confident, not coerced.