Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging RankForge ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") for SEO strategy, digital marketing, web development, or related services (collectively, the "Services"), you ("Client" or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not proceed with or utilize our Services.

These Terms, along with any applicable Service Agreement, Statement of Work, or Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and RankForge regarding the Services.

2. Services Provided

RankForge provides search engine optimization, digital marketing strategy, content marketing, technical SEO audits, link building, and related digital growth services. All services are delivered in accordance with the scope outlined in the Client's executed engagement agreement or proposal.

We utilize industry-standard tools, platforms, and methodologies. Access to third-party platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, etc.) may be required for service delivery.

3. Client Responsibilities

To ensure successful service delivery, the Client agrees to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information regarding business objectives, target audiences, and existing digital assets.
• Grant necessary access to websites, hosting environments, analytics platforms, and social media accounts as required.
• Appoint a single point of contact for approvals, communications, and feedback.
• Respond to requests for approvals or information within 5 business days to prevent project delays.
• Maintain the security of all shared credentials and notify RankForge immediately if unauthorized access is suspected.

4. Payment & Billing

Compensation for Services shall be as outlined in the Client's signed proposal or Service Agreement. Unless otherwise specified:

• Invoices are issued monthly in advance or upon milestone completion, as agreed.
• Payment is due within 15 days of the invoice date.
• Late payments may incur a 1.5% monthly finance charge or 8% interest, whichever is less.
• Work may be temporarily suspended if payment is overdue by more than 30 days.
• All fees are non-refundable unless explicitly stated in writing by RankForge.

5. Intellectual Property

Client Content: You retain all rights to content, data, and assets you provide to RankForge. By providing such materials, you grant us a limited license to use them solely for the purpose of delivering the Services.

RankForge Materials: All methodologies, frameworks, templates, proprietary tools, reports, and pre-existing intellectual property created or owned by RankForge remain the exclusive property of RankForge. Upon full payment, Client receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use deliverables specifically created for their business.

Content Creation: Any custom content, copy, or creative assets produced by RankForge for Client shall be transferred to Client upon final payment, subject to applicable third-party licenses.

6. Performance & Results Disclaimer

While we strive to optimize performance and maximize ROI, results vary based on competition, industry niche, website history, content quality, and algorithm updates. SEO is a long-term investment, and measurable improvements typically materialize over 3–6 months.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RankForge's total liability arising out of or related to these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client to RankForge in the three (3) months preceding the claim.

In no event shall RankForge be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, revenue, data, business opportunity, or goodwill, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

8. Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless RankForge, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of:

• Client's use of the Services or deliverables
• Breach of these Terms by Client
• Client's violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property or privacy laws
• Content or materials provided by Client that infringe upon or misappropriate the rights of any third party

9. Term & Termination

These Terms commence upon acceptance of a proposal or execution of a Service Agreement and continue until the completion of Services or termination as outlined below.

• By Client: Client may terminate the engagement with 30 days written notice. All outstanding invoices for work completed through the termination date remain payable.
• By RankForge: We may terminate Services with 30 days written notice, or immediately if Client materially breaches these Terms and fails to cure such breach within 15 days of notice.
• Effect of Termination: Upon termination, RankForge will deliver all completed work and return Client-provided assets. License grants for unfinished work will lapse unless paid in full.

10. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary, financial, or strategic information shared during the engagement. Confidential information shall not be disclosed to third parties without prior written consent, except as required by law or to complete the Services. This obligation survives termination for a period of three (3) years.

11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes shall be settled through binding arbitration in San Francisco, CA, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The prevailing party may recover reasonable legal fees.

12. Modifications to Terms

RankForge reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or posted to our website. Continued use of Services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

• Email: legal@rankforge.com
• Address: 123 SEO Boulevard, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94102
• Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567

Thank you for choosing RankForge. We are committed to transparency, ethical SEO practices, and delivering measurable value to your business.