Terms and Conditions for Slate Development Group
These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") are entered into by and between Slate Development Group, a digital agency (referred to herein as "Slate Development Group," "Agency," "we," "us," "our") and the client ("Client," "you," "your") engaging with Slate Development Group for digital marketing services. By engaging the services of Slate Development Group, the Client agrees to abide by the terms outlined in this Agreement.
1. Scope of Work
Slate Development Group will provide the digital services specifically outlined in the project proposal or any communication between the Client and the Agency. These services may include but are not limited to:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising (e.g., Google Ads)
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Creation & Strategy
- Website Design and Development
- Campaign Tracking and Analytics
- Other Digital Marketing Solutions
Each of the services will have defined deliverables, tasks, timelines, and performance metrics specified in writing in the agreement or proposal. Slate Development Group reserves the right to modify the scope of work as necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or evolving project needs, but such modifications will only occur after written agreement by both parties.
2. Payment Terms
- Payment Schedule: The payment terms, including due dates, will be as specified in communication between the Client and Slate Development Group, or as outlined in the Quote, Sales Order, or Invoice.
- Immediate Payment: Any payments marked "Immediate Payment" must be made immediately upon the issuance of the invoice.
- Late Payment: If payment is not received by the due date or renewal date stated in the invoice, Slate Development Group has the right to immediately pause any ongoing services until full payment is received.
- Service Suspension: If payment is not received within 15 days following the due or renewal date, Slate Development Group will officially suspend services. To reinstate service the full outstanding balance and a 5% reinstatement fee of the remaining invoice balance will be required to reinstate services after suspension.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Payment may be made via bank transfer, credit card, or other methods as stated in the proposal or communication.
- Late Fees: Overdue payments will incur a late fee of 1.5% per month or the maximum amount allowed by law, whichever is less. The Client is responsible for paying any late fees in addition to the outstanding balance.
3. Intellectual Property
- Ownership: Slate Development Group retains full ownership of all intellectual property rights related to the work produced, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and proprietary assets, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
- Client Usage Rights: Upon full payment, the Client is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the deliverables for their intended purpose. Any further use or modifications of the work by the Client must be approved in writing by Slate Development Group.
4. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to uphold the confidentiality of any sensitive and proprietary information shared during the course of this project. This includes, but is not limited to, business strategies, marketing plans, financial information, customer databases, and any other confidential information. Slate Development Group agrees not to disclose such information to third parties, except as required by law or with the prior written consent of the Client.
5. No Guarantee of Results
Slate Development Group does not provide any guarantees or promises regarding specific results from our services, including SEO, PPC, or other digital marketing efforts. While Slate Development Group utilizes proven strategies, the outcomes of digital marketing can be influenced by factors outside of our control, such as competition, industry changes, or the Client’s involvement. Therefore, the Client acknowledges that Slate Development Group cannot guarantee specific results such as rankings, traffic, conversions, or revenue increases.
6. Termination Clauses
- By the Client: The Client may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to Slate Development Group. However, termination by the Client does not relieve the Client of the obligation to pay for all work completed up to the termination date.
- By Slate Development Group: Slate Development Group reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to the Client. If Slate Development Group terminates, the Client will be refunded for any work not yet performed.
- Notice Period: Both parties agree to provide a minimum of 15 days' written notice before terminating the Agreement, unless otherwise specified in the project proposal or communication.
7. Liability Limitations
Slate Development Group will make every reasonable effort to provide high-quality services and to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of its work. However, Slate Development Group will not be held liable for any damages, losses, or other negative consequences resulting from the use or inability to use the services provided, including but not limited to:
- Indirect, Incidental, Special, or Consequential Damages: Slate Development Group is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including but not limited to lost profits, loss of business, business interruption, loss of data, or loss of goodwill, arising from the services rendered under this Agreement, even if Slate Development Group has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
- Third-Party Services: Slate Development Group is not liable for any issues or problems that arise from third-party services, tools, or platforms (e.g., search engines, social media platforms, payment gateways, etc.) that are integrated with or used in conjunction with the services provided. These third-party platforms operate under their own terms and conditions, and Slate Development Group cannot be held responsible for any changes to their operations, policies, or service interruptions.
- Service Outcomes: Slate Development Group does not guarantee specific results or outcomes from its digital marketing efforts, such as increased website traffic, improved search rankings, or higher conversion rates. While Slate Development Group uses industry best practices and proven strategies, the results of digital marketing efforts may vary based on a range of factors beyond the Agency's control, including but not limited to changes in market conditions, search engine algorithms, customer behavior, and competition.
- Performance of Client's Own Content or Materials: Slate Development Group will not be held liable for any performance issues, damages, or losses resulting from the use of the Client's content, materials, or assets provided for the project. The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that any materials they provide comply with applicable laws and regulations, and are free from infringement on third-party intellectual property rights.
- Client-Provided Information: Slate Development Group is not liable for any inaccuracies or errors in any information, data, or content that is provided by the Client. The Client is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to the Agency.
In no event shall the total liability of Slate Development Group, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, exceed the amount paid by the Client for the specific service or product giving rise to the liability.
The Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the limitations of liability as outlined in this clause, and agree that Slate Development Group will not be responsible for any claims, losses, or damages arising from the provision of services.
8. Dispute Resolution
In the event that a dispute arises between the Client and Slate Development Group, both parties must first provide written notice to the other party specifying the nature of the dispute. Once written notice is provided, both parties agree to engage in at least two informal discussions to attempt to resolve the issue amicably. The informal discussions must occur before pursuing any formal mediation or arbitration process.
If the dispute cannot be resolved through informal discussions, both parties agree to pursue mediation to resolve the matter. If a mediation method cannot be mutually agreed upon, or if mediation fails, both parties agree that Marlborough District Court or, if appropriate, the Superior Court of Massachusetts shall be the sole and exclusive jurisdiction for any legal actions or claims arising from this Agreement. Both parties consent to the jurisdiction and venue of these courts.
9. Monthly Services
Slate Development Group offers ongoing monthly digital marketing services, such as SEO, PPC Management, Social Media Marketing, and other recurring services. These services are non-refundable, and payments made for these monthly services are final. Services will auto-renew, with payment charged to the client's on-file payment method on the renewal date. The Client may cancel future monthly services at any time, provided the following process is followed:
Cancellation of Future Services:
To cancel future services and payments, the Client may:
- Utilize the Slate Development Group Client Portal: The Client can access the cancellation option directly through Slate Development Group's Portal.
- Email Slate Development Group: Alternatively, the Client may cancel by emailing info@slatedevgroup.com with a written notice of cancellation.
The Client acknowledges that cancellation of services will only be effective for future services after the cancellation request is processed. Any payments made for services already rendered are non-refundable and cannot be returned.
10. Client Obligations
- Access and Cooperation: The Client agrees to provide Slate Development Group with access to the necessary information, systems, tools, and any other resources needed for the successful completion of the project.
- Approval of Deliverables: The Client agrees to review and provide approval for deliverables in a timely manner. Delays in providing feedback or approvals may result in project delays.
- Communication: The Client agrees to maintain regular communication with Slate Development Group and designate a primary point of contact for project coordination and decision-making.
11. Deliverables
Slate Development Group will provide the Client with agreed-upon deliverables, which may include, but are not limited to, websites, marketing materials, reports, analytics, or other items outlined in the project scope. The deliverables will be provided within the timeline set forth in the project proposal or as agreed upon. Slate Development Group will make every effort to deliver the agreed-upon work on time, though delays may occur if the Client fails to meet their obligations.
12. Timeline
The estimated timeline for project completion will be provided in the project proposal. Slate Development Group will use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the work in accordance with this timeline. However, delays resulting from the Client’s failure to provide required information or approvals may extend the timeline. Both parties agree to cooperate to meet the established project milestones.
13. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Massachusetts. The parties agree that Massachusetts law will apply, and the jurisdiction for any legal action will be the Marlborough District Court or, if necessary, the Superior Court of Massachusetts.
13. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Client and Slate Development Group and supersedes all prior agreements, communications, and understandings. Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing by Slate Development Group, making a reasonable effort to ensure the client is notified.
By engaging the services of Slate Development Group, the Client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms and Conditions.
Slate Development Group may offer Digital Services that include, but are not limited to, a range of options determined at its sole discretion. Clients may select from these services based on their specific needs. The availability of Digital Services is subject to change and may be modified by Slate Development Group and its affiliated parties as necessary.
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is the foundation of a successful online presence, focusing on improving a website’s visibility in organic search results. This service includes:
- Keyword Research & Strategy – Identifying the most relevant keywords and phrases that potential customers use to find businesses like yours.
- On-Page Optimization – Enhancing website elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and content structure to align with search engine best practices.
- Technical SEO – Improving website speed, mobile-friendliness, security (SSL), structured data, and overall site architecture to ensure search engines can crawl and index pages effectively.
- Content Development – Creating high-quality, engaging, and informative content that resonates with both users and search engines, including blog posts, articles, and landing pages.
- Link Building & Authority Building – Acquiring high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites to improve credibility and ranking potential.
2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising – Google Ads
PPC advertising is a highly targeted marketing strategy where businesses pay for clicks on their ads, driving immediate traffic and leads. Our PPC services include:
- Google Search Ads – Text-based ads that appear at the top of Google’s search results when users search for relevant keywords.
- Google Display Ads – Visual banner ads placed on a network of websites to increase brand awareness and reach a broader audience.
- Retargeting & Remarketing – Serving ads to users who have previously visited your website, keeping your brand top-of-mind and increasing conversion chances.
- Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) – Ensuring ads lead to high-quality landing pages designed to convert visitors into customers.
- Performance Tracking & Optimization – Monitoring click-through rates (CTR), cost-per-click (CPC), and return on ad spend (ROAS) to continuously refine and improve campaign results.
3. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing focuses on creating a strong brand presence across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok to engage audiences and drive conversions. Our services include:
- Content Strategy & Creation – Developing compelling visuals, videos, and text-based posts tailored to each platform.
- Paid Social Advertising – Running targeted ad campaigns to attract followers, increase engagement, and generate leads.
- Community Management – Engaging with users through comments, messages, and discussions to build relationships and brand loyalty.
- Influencer & Partnership Campaigns – Collaborating with industry influencers and content creators to expand reach and credibility.
- Social Media Analytics & Reporting – Tracking performance metrics such as engagement rates, follower growth, and ad effectiveness to refine strategies.
4. Organic SEO
Organic SEO focuses on sustainable, long-term growth in search rankings without relying on paid advertising. It involves:
- Comprehensive Website Audit – Analyzing site performance, identifying issues, and implementing improvements.
- Content Optimization – Creating and optimizing blog posts, service pages, and product descriptions with targeted keywords.
- Schema Markup & Rich Snippets – Enhancing search results with structured data to improve click-through rates.
- User Experience (UX) & Mobile Optimization – Ensuring a seamless and engaging browsing experience across all devices.
- Earning High-Quality Backlinks – Building authority through guest posts, directory submissions, and PR outreach.
5. Local SEO
For businesses that rely on local customers, Local SEO improves visibility in Google Maps, Google Business Profile (GBP), and local search results. Services include:
- Google Business Profile Optimization – Enhancing your Google listing with accurate business information, images, and reviews.
- Local Citation Building – Listing your business on high-authority directories such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific platforms.
- Location-Based Keyword Targeting – Incorporating geo-specific keywords like "best [service] in [city]" to attract local customers.
- Online Reviews & Reputation Management – Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews while addressing negative feedback professionally.
- Local Link Building – Securing partnerships and backlinks from locally relevant websites to improve local search rankings.
6. Social and Video SEO
Social and video SEO enhances visibility on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, ensuring your content reaches the right audience. Services include:
- Video Content Optimization – Creating keyword-rich titles, descriptions, and tags to rank higher on video platforms.
- Thumbnails & Click-Through Optimization – Designing eye-catching video thumbnails that encourage clicks and engagement.
- Hashtag & Trend Research – Identifying trending topics and relevant hashtags to increase video discoverability.
- YouTube & TikTok SEO Strategies – Improving watch time, engagement, and retention rates to boost rankings.
- Cross-Platform Video Marketing – Repurposing video content for multiple social media platforms to maximize reach.
7. Campaign Tracking and Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is crucial to any successful digital marketing campaign. Our tracking and analytics services include:
- Google Analytics & Tag Manager Implementation – Setting up tools to track website traffic, user behavior, and conversion data.
- Goal & Conversion Tracking – Measuring form submissions, phone calls, purchases, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Heatmaps & User Behavior Analysis – Using tools like Hotjar to understand how visitors interact with your site and optimize accordingly.
- Performance Dashboards – Custom reports that provide real-time insights into campaign effectiveness and ROI.
A/B Testing & Optimization – Testing different ad creatives, landing pages, and messaging to identify the most effective approach.
