1. Introduction

These Terms of Service govern your access to and use of the website located at https://seolab.co.za (“the Website”) and any services supplied by SEO LAB.

In these Terms:

  • “SEO LAB”, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to SEO LAB.
  • “You”, “your” or “client” refers to any visitor, prospective client, customer or organisation using the Website or engaging SEO LAB.
  • “Services” includes search engine optimisation, local SEO, Google Business Profile services, website design and development, technical SEO, content services, AI search optimisation, application development, consulting, audits, hosting, maintenance and related digital services.

By using the Website, submitting an enquiry, accepting a proposal, paying an invoice or instructing SEO LAB to begin work, you agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use the Website or engage our Services.

2. Application of these Terms

These Terms apply to:

  • your use of the Website;
  • information, tools and resources provided through the Website;
  • enquiries and consultation requests;
  • proposals, quotations and invoices issued by SEO LAB; and
  • Services performed by SEO LAB.

A signed agreement, accepted proposal, statement of work or quotation may contain additional or project-specific terms. If there is a direct conflict, the project-specific agreement will take precedence for that particular engagement.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any right that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable South African law.

3. Website information

The information published on the Website is provided for general informational and marketing purposes.

We take reasonable care to keep the Website accurate and current, but we do not warrant that every page, service description, price, statistic, result, availability statement or other item will always be complete, current or error-free.

Website content does not constitute legal, financial, tax or other regulated professional advice.

SEO LAB may update, remove or change Website content, service descriptions and availability without prior notice.

4. Service enquiries and proposals

Submitting an enquiry does not create a binding service agreement.

A binding engagement begins when one or more of the following occurs:

  • you accept a proposal or quotation in writing;
  • you sign a service agreement;
  • you pay a required deposit or invoice;
  • you provide written authority for work to begin; or
  • SEO LAB begins work at your request and with your knowledge.

Unless otherwise stated, quotations and proposals remain valid for the period shown in the relevant document.

The project scope, deliverables, fees, estimated timeline and payment schedule will be described in the applicable proposal, quotation, invoice or service agreement.

5. Client responsibilities

You agree to provide SEO LAB with accurate, complete and timely information reasonably required to perform the Services.

Depending on the engagement, this may include:

  • access to websites, hosting accounts and domain settings;
  • access to analytics, advertising and search-platform accounts;
  • access to Google Business Profiles and other business listings;
  • brand assets, content, photographs and business information;
  • approvals and feedback;
  • information about your products, services, locations and legal requirements; and
  • any authorisation required for SEO LAB to work on third-party platforms.

You confirm that you have the authority to provide all information, content, credentials and materials supplied to SEO LAB.

You are responsible for reviewing and approving content and factual business information before publication. You remain responsible for ensuring that your business, claims, advertising, products and services comply with applicable laws and industry requirements.

Delays in providing information, access, feedback, payment or approval may affect project deadlines and delivery dates.

6. Fees and payment

Fees are set out in the relevant proposal, quotation, invoice or service agreement.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

  • invoices must be paid by their stated due date;
  • deposits are required before project work begins;
  • recurring services are payable in advance;
  • fees exclude third-party costs unless expressly included;
  • additional work outside the agreed scope may be quoted separately; and
  • SEO LAB may pause work or withhold delivery while an undisputed payment is overdue.

Third-party expenses may include domain registration, hosting, premium software, licences, advertising spend, stock media, platform subscriptions, payment-processing fees and external specialist services.

The client is responsible for third-party expenses approved by the client or identified in the accepted proposal.

Interest, collection charges or legal costs may only be recovered to the extent permitted by law or agreed in the applicable service agreement.

7. Scope changes and additional work

Requests that materially change the approved scope, deliverables, functionality, content volume or timeline may require a revised quotation or written change approval.

SEO LAB is not required to perform out-of-scope work until the additional scope, cost and timeline have been agreed.

Minor refinements included in a proposal do not amount to an unlimited revision service. Revision limits, where applicable, will be stated in the proposal or project agreement.

8. Project timelines

Any completion date or performance timeline is an estimate unless expressly identified as a guaranteed deadline in writing.

Timelines may be affected by:

  • delayed client feedback or approvals;
  • missing content or access credentials;
  • scope changes;
  • third-party platform delays;
  • hosting or infrastructure failures;
  • search-engine updates;
  • software or API changes;
  • circumstances beyond SEO LAB’s reasonable control; or
  • an event of force majeure.

SEO LAB will take reasonable steps to communicate material delays.

9. Search engine and marketing results

SEO LAB applies professional methods intended to improve a client’s digital presence, technical performance, search visibility and business opportunities. However, search engines and third-party platforms are independently controlled and frequently change their algorithms, policies and interfaces.

SEO LAB does not guarantee:

  • a specific search-engine ranking;
  • a permanent first-page or number-one position;
  • a particular volume of traffic, leads or sales;
  • inclusion in AI-generated answers or search features;
  • approval or continued a