Schedule 7: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Terms

EFFECTIVE DATE: 13th April 2026

This Service Schedule ("Schedule") governs the provision of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) services by BatchHeader Ltd t/a EncodeDotHost ("EncodeDotHost"). This Schedule is an addendum to and is incorporated into the Master Services Agreement (MSA). Any specific project deliverables, target keywords, timelines, and fees will be detailed in a separate, signed Statement of Work (SOW) or online Order. In the event of any conflict between this Schedule and a SOW/Order, the terms of the specific SOW/Order shall prevail.

1. Service Provision & Scope

1. Nature of SEO: SEO is an ongoing, dynamic process of optimising a website's technical foundation, content, and external authority to improve its visibility in organic search engine results.

2. Standard Deliverables: Unless otherwise specified in an SOW, standard SEO campaigns may include website audits, keyword research, on-page optimisation (meta tags, headings, content structure), technical SEO improvements (site speed, mobile responsiveness), and standard reporting.

3. Best Practices: EncodeDotHost strictly adheres to industry-standard "White Hat" SEO techniques and webmaster guidelines as published by major search engines (such as Google). We do not employ "Black Hat" tactics that risk search engine penalties.

2. Disclaimers & Lack of Guarantees (Important)

Due to the external, proprietary, and highly secretive nature of search engine algorithms, EncodeDotHost explicitly disclaims the following:

1. No Specific Ranking Guarantees: EncodeDotHost cannot and does not guarantee any specific search engine rankings, including but not limited to "Page 1 on Google," "Number 1 positions," or consistent placement for specific search phrases.

2. Algorithm Volatility: Search engines (such as Google and Bing) continuously update their ranking algorithms and policies. EncodeDotHost has no control over these changes. Consequently, search rankings and organic traffic can fluctuate daily.

3. No Liability for Drops: EncodeDotHost shall not be held liable for any sudden drops in search engine rankings, loss of organic traffic, or subsequent loss of business revenue or profits resulting from third-party algorithm updates, competitor actions, or search engine penalties applied for issues outside of EncodeDotHost's direct control or actions.

4. Third-Party Discretion: Search engines retain sole and absolute discretion over what websites they crawl, index, and how they rank them. EncodeDotHost acts only as a facilitator and optimiser.

3. Customer Responsibilities

EncodeDotHost's ability to perform effective SEO relies heavily on the Customer's cooperation. The Customer agrees to provide:

1. Access: Administrative access to the website's Content Management System (CMS), web hosting environment, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and any other relevant third-party tracking tools.

2. Timely Approvals: Prompt review and approval of any proposed content changes, keyword strategies, or technical modifications. Delays in Customer feedback will directly delay the implementation and results of the SEO campaign.

3. Exclusive Agency: During the term of the SEO campaign, the Customer agrees not to engage third-party SEO agencies or independently attempt structural SEO changes without consulting EncodeDotHost, as conflicting strategies can severely damage search rankings.

4. Website Changes & Third-Party Actions

1. Overwriting Work: If the Customer, or a third party acting on behalf of the Customer, alters the website (e.g., changing meta tags, deleting optimised text, changing URL structures) and overwrites the SEO work performed by EncodeDotHost, the Customer assumes full responsibility for any resulting drop in search rankings.

2. Correction Fees: EncodeDotHost reserves the right to charge its standard hourly rate to diagnose and repair SEO damage caused by unauthorised Customer or third-party website edits.

5. Term and Cancellation

1. Timeframe for Results: The Customer acknowledges that SEO is a long-term strategy. It typically takes a minimum of three (3) to six (6) months for measurable improvements in organic traffic and rankings to become apparent.

2. Minimum Term: Unless otherwise stated in the applicable SOW or Order, ongoing SEO campaigns are subject to a minimum initial term of three (3) months to allow sufficient time for strategy implementation and indexation.

3. Cancellation: Following any initial minimum term, the Customer may cancel the ongoing SEO Services by providing thirty (30) days' written notice, subject to the general termination clauses set out in the MSA.

6. Intellectual Property & Content

Any original articles, blog posts, or website copy created by EncodeDotHost specifically for the Customer's SEO campaign shall become the property of the Customer upon full payment of the related invoices, subject to the Intellectual Property clauses outlined in the MSA.