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Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Company: Sequoia GEO (“Sequoia GEO,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)
Website: https://www.sequoiageo.com (the “Site”)
 

These Terms & Conditions include:
(A) Website Terms of Use (apply to all visitors to the Site) and
(B) Service Terms / Master Services Agreement (apply to clients who purchase services from Sequoia GEO).
Your use of the Site and our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy and Accessibility Statement.
 

A) Website Terms of Use

1) Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not use the Site.
 

2) Permitted Use

You may use the Site for informational purposes and to inquire about our services. You may not: (a) copy, distribute, or modify the Site without permission; (b) use any scraper, spider, or automated means to access the Site; (c) introduce malware or attempt to gain unauthorized access.
 

3) Intellectual Property

All content on the Site (text, graphics, logos, videos, and layouts) is owned by or licensed to Sequoia GEO and protected by law. You receive a limited, revocable, non-transferable license to view the Site for personal/business review only. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.
 

4) Third-Party Links & Tools

The Site may link to third-party sites or embed third-party tools (e.g., calendars, forms, analytics). We are not responsible for third-party content, availability, or practices.
 

5) No Professional Advice

Content on the Site is for general information and marketing education. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice.
 

6) Disclaimers

The Site is provided “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE.” We disclaim all warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
 

7) Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sequoia GEO will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages arising from or related to your use of the Site. Our total liability for any claim related to the Site will not exceed $100.
 

8) DMCA / Copyright

If you believe content on the Site infringes your copyright, send a notice to legal@sequoiageo.com with: (i) your contact info, (ii) identification of the copyrighted work, (iii) the URL of the allegedly infringing material, (iv) a statement of good-faith belief, (v) a statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act, and (vi) your physical or electronic signature.
 

9) Governing Law; Venue

These Website Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Courts in Fresno County, California have exclusive jurisdiction, except as otherwise stated in the Arbitration section below (if elected in the Service Terms).
 

B) Service Terms / Master Services Agreement (MSA)

These Service Terms apply when you purchase services from Sequoia GEO via a signed proposal, order form, email acceptance, or online checkout (each an “SOW” or “Order”). The SOW describes scope, deliverables, pricing, term, and milestones; these Service Terms fill in everything else.
 

1) Services; Changes

1.1 Scope. We provide marketing and growth services such as SEO, PPC/Google Ads, LSAs, landing page optimization, analytics, CRO, content, and related consulting (the “Services”).
1.2 SOWs. Each SOW will specify the Services, fees, and timeline. If there is a conflict, the SOW controls.
1.3 Change Requests. Out-of-scope work requires mutual written approval and may be billed at our then-current rate of $200/hour or a separate fixed fee.
 

2) Client Responsibilities

2.1 Access & Assets. You will promptly provide accurate information, approvals, and access (e.g., Google Ads/Analytics, Google Business Profile, website/CMS, CRM, call tracking, review tools).
2.2 Compliance. You are responsible for laws governing your business, including: CAN-SPAM, TCPA, CCPA/CPRA, GDPR (if applicable), platform advertising policies, endorsements/testimonials rules, and industry-specific regulations.
2.3 Content & Claims. You represent that all content, testimonials, claims, and materials you provide are truthful, not misleading, and you own or have rights to use them.
2.4 Approvals. Your approvals (including via email) authorize us to proceed and incur associated costs within the approved scope.

3) Fees; Payments; Ads Funding 

3.1 Pricing Models. Services are purchased under one of the following models (as stated in the SOW/Order):

  • Fixed-Fee Project. A defined scope with milestones/deliverables for a fixed price of $[amount]. Unless stated otherwise, [50%] is due at signing and [50%] at the earlier of (i) final delivery, or (ii) [30] days after kickoff if delays are caused by Client approvals/assets. Minor enhancements/edits (≤ [2] rounds per deliverable) are included; material scope changes require a Change Order (Section 1.3).

  • Monthly Retainer. An ongoing bundle of services for $[amount]/month covering up to [N] hours/units of work per month focused on the outcomes in the SOW (e.g., SEO, PPC, LSAs, CRO, reporting). Work is planned in monthly sprints.

    • Utilization/Rollover. Unused retainer capacity does not roll over unless the SOW states otherwise. If rollover is allowed, it is capped at [30%] of a month’s allotment and must be used within [30] days.

    • Overages. Pre-approved overages are billed at $250/hour or a flat change fee.

    • Minimum Term. Retainers have a [3/6/12]-month initial term, then renew month-to-month unless terminated per Section 4.

  • Hybrid. A retainer plus a fixed-fee add-on (e.g., site build, audit). Each is governed by its respective rules above.

3.2 Ads Spend. Client funds advertising directly (Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn, LSA, etc.) and remains responsible for all third-party charges. If Sequoia GEO advances spend (only if expressly agreed), Client will reimburse within 7 days of invoice.

3.3 Invoicing & Due Dates.

  • Fixed-fee deposits invoice at acceptance; balances invoice on delivery/milestone or time trigger stated in 3.1.

  • Retainers invoice [monthly in advance on the 1st].

  • All invoices are NET [10/15/30] days from issue unless the SOW states otherwise.

3.4 Late Fees; Collections. Amounts not received by the due date accrue the greater of (a) 1.5% per month (18% APR) or (b) $25 per month, beginning the day after the due date, plus reasonable costs of collection (including attorneys’ fees). Returned/NSF payments incur a $35 fee. After 10 days past due, Sequoia GEO may pause work and revoke access until the account is current; after 30 days past due, Sequoia GEO may place the account in collections and/or terminate for cause (Section 4.3). A reinstatement fee of $250 may apply to resume paused services.

3.5 Taxes. Fees exclude applicable taxes; Client is responsible for all taxes except Sequoia GEO’s income taxes.

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4) Term; Termination; Suspension

4.1 Term. The SOW specifies the initial term. Unless stated otherwise, monthly engagements renew month-to-month.
4.2 Termination for Convenience. Either party may terminate with [30] days’ written notice (effective at the end of the then-current billing cycle).
4.3 Termination for Cause. Either party may terminate for material breach if not cured within 10 business days after written notice.
4.4 Effect. Upon termination, you will pay for Services performed and committed costs through the effective date. We may provide a reasonable wind-down plan at our discretion. Access granted by you (accounts, domains) should remain active through wind-down.

4.5 Fixed-Fee Wind-Down. Upon termination for convenience by Client, Sequoia GEO will invoice the greater of (a) work performed to date on a percent-complete basis plus committed third-party costs, or (b) a [25%] early termination charge (not to exceed the remaining fixed-fee balance).

4.6 Retainer Cancellation. Retainers may be cancelled with [30] days’ written notice, effective at the end of the current billing cycle. Fees already paid are non-refundable.

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5) No Guarantees; Platform Risk

5.1 Performance Variables. Marketing results depend on many factors beyond our control (budget, competition, seasonality, inventory, pricing, reputation, reviews, product/market fit, platform changes).
5.2 No Guarantee. We do not guarantee rankings, impressions, clicks, conversions, revenue, or specific outcomes.
5.3 Third-Party Platforms. We are not responsible for outages, suspensions, policy enforcement, or changes by Google, Meta, LinkedIn, Wix, or other third parties.

5.4 Ethical & Policy-Compliant Marketing. Sequoia GEO operates under a strict prohibited-tactics policy across all channels; see Schedule A (incorporated by reference). If Client requests disallowed tactics, Sequoia GEO will refuse and may terminate for cause under Section 4.3.

6) Confidentiality; Publicity

6.1 Mutual Confidentiality. Each party will keep the other’s non-public information confidential and use it only as necessary to perform under the SOW/MSA.
6.2 Portfolio Use. Unless you opt out in writing, you grant us a non-exclusive right to use your name, logo, non-sensitive results (e.g., % improvements, anonymized screenshots), and testimonial quotes for marketing/portfolio. We will remove upon reasonable written request.

7) Intellectual Property; Licenses

7.1 Pre-Existing IP. Each party retains ownership of its pre-existing IP and tools (e.g., frameworks, scripts, ad templates).
7.2 Deliverables. Upon full payment, you receive a worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to use deliverables we create for you in your own business. Our internal methods, source files, and reusable components remain our IP unless the SOW states a transfer.
7.3 Client Materials. You grant us a license to use your content, trademarks, and data solely to perform the Services.

8) Data; Privacy; Tracking

8.1 Tracking. You authorize us to configure analytics, pixels, tags, and call tracking to measure performance, subject to your privacy disclosures and consent mechanisms.
8.2 Data Processing. If processing personal data on your behalf, we will act as a “service provider/processor.” Upon request, we will execute a Data Processing Addendum (DPA) aligned with CCPA/CPRA and, where applicable, GDPR SCCs.
8.3 Sensitive/Prohibited Data. You will not transmit to us any sensitive personal data (e.g., health, financial account numbers, children’s data) unless expressly agreed in writing.

9) Warranties; Disclaimers

9.1 Mutual Warranties. Each party represents it has the right and authority to enter into the SOW/MSA.
9.2 Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED, THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE,” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

10) Indemnification

10.1 By Client. You will defend, indemnify, and hold Sequoia GEO and its personnel harmless from claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from: (a) your content, products/services, statements, or omissions; (b) your violation of law or platform policies; (c) your breach of these Terms; or (d) alleged infringement by materials you supply.
10.2 By Sequoia GEO. We will defend and indemnify you for claims alleging that our deliverables, as provided by us and used according to the SOW, infringe third-party IP rights, except to the extent caused by your materials, modifications, or combinations not supplied by us.

11) Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW: (A) NEITHER PARTY WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, REVENUE, OR GOODWILL) EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY; AND (B) EACH PARTY’S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SERVICES WILL NOT EXCEED THE FEES PAID OR PAYABLE BY CLIENT TO SEQUOIA GEO IN THE THREE (3) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM. THESE LIMITATIONS APPLY REGARDLESS OF THEORY OF LIABILITY.

12) Non-Solicitation (Optional)

During the engagement and for 12 months thereafter, you will not directly solicit for employment any Sequoia GEO employee who materially worked on your account, except in response to a general public job posting.

13) Independent Contractor; Subcontractors

We are an independent contractor. We may use vetted subcontractors and third-party service providers; we remain responsible for our obligations.

14) Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delays or failures due to events beyond reasonable control (e.g., acts of God, labor disputes, supplier failures, platform outages, government actions).

15) Dispute Resolution; Arbitration

15.1 Good-Faith Resolution. The parties will first attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith discussions between senior representatives.
15.2 Arbitration. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes will be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by JAMS in Fresno County, California, before a single arbitrator, under the JAMS Streamlined Rules. The arbitrator may award money damages only (no injunctions against third-party platforms) and must honor the liability limitations herein.
15.3 Exceptions. Either party may seek temporary injunctive relief in court to protect IP or confidentiality, or bring individual claims in small-claims court.
15.4 Class Action Waiver. Disputes must be brought on an individual basis; class/representative actions are waived.

16) Notices

Legal notices must be in writing and sent to the addresses below (or updated by notice):

  • To Sequoia GEO: legal@sequoiageo.com; [Street, City, State, ZIP]

  • To Client: the email and/or physical address listed in the SOW or Client’s last written notice.

17) Electronic Signatures; Counterparts

Quotes, SOWs, and approvals may be executed via e-signature (e.g., DocuSign, Adobe Sign) or email acceptance and in counterparts. Electronic records are enforceable as originals.

18) Entire Agreement; Order of Precedence; Updates

These Terms together with any SOW constitute the entire agreement and supersede prior proposals and communications. If there is a conflict, SOW → these Service Terms → Website Terms (in that order). We may update these Terms prospectively by posting a revised version with a new Effective Date.

19) Assignment

Neither party may assign the agreement without the other’s consent, except either party may assign to a successor in interest in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets, with notice.

20) Severability; Waiver

If any provision is unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to be enforceable; the remainder remains in effect. Failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver.

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Contact

Sequoia GEO
Legal & Contract Inquiries: legal@sequoiageo.com
Privacy & Data Requests: privacy@sequoiageo.com
Accessibility: accessibility@sequoiageo.com

Schedule A — Prohibited Tactics & Platform Policies

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Sequoia GEO will not perform or knowingly facilitate the following tactics. These rules apply to Google Ads (Search/Display/YouTube), Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Local Services Ads (LSA), LinkedIn/TikTok, and organic social media unless a platform-specific note below says otherwise.

A1. Universal Prohibitions (apply to all platforms)

  1. Deceptive/Misleading Content

    • False availability (“limited slots today” without proof), fake scarcity/urgency, unsubstantiated claims, fabricated before/after results, or unverifiable “#1 in city” statements.

  2. Policy Evasion / System Circumvention

    • Cloaking, shadow/bridge domains, deliberate mismatch between ad/final URL, repeated resubmissions to bypass disapprovals, or prohibited geo-workarounds (e.g., masking location to access restricted categories).

  3. Prohibited Data & Targeting

    • Collection or use of sensitive personal data (health, financial account numbers, SSNs, children’s data) without explicit written agreement; lookalikes or custom audiences built from such data.

    • Targeting or discrimination that violates law (e.g., HEC—Housing, Employment, Credit—rules, or protected-class targeting).

  4. Fraud/Manipulation

    • Click fraud, engagement pods, buying followers/likes/reviews, fake testimonials, or incentivized reviews in violation of platform or FTC rules.

  5. Brand & IP Infringement

    • Unauthorized use of trademarks in ad text or display URLs; impersonation of competitors, vendors, or government entities.

  6. Spam & Unsolicited Messaging

    • Bulk cold DMs/comments, automated spamming, misleading opt-ins, or ignoring opt-out/“stop” requests.

  7. Unlawful/Unsafe Verticals

    • Promotion of illegal products/services, dangerous acts, or content violating local/state/federal law.

A2. Google Ads (Search/Display/YouTube)

  1. Restricted Claims & Proof

    • No “guaranteed #1 ranking,” “approved by Google,” or “Google-affiliated” language.

  2. Policy-Compliant Ad & Site Pairing

    • Final URL must match the promoted business/site and remain accessible to Google; no doorway pages solely for ad approval.

  3. Data & Tagging

    • No deployment of tags that capture sensitive categories; consent mode and privacy disclosures must be in place before remarketing.

  4. Brand Bidding Rules

    • We will not bid on a competitor’s trademarked brand in ad text. Bidding on competitor brand keywords as broad/phrase may be allowed only if lawful, permitted by platform, and approved in writing by Client; ad copy must be comparative and factual (no deception).

A3. Meta (Facebook/Instagram)

  1. Special Ad Categories (HEC).

    • If Client is in Housing/Employment/Credit or similar regulated niches, we will enable Special Ad Category, restrict targeting accordingly, and will not use lookalikes or sensitive attributes.

  2. Creative Standards.

    • No before/after imagery that violates Meta’s policies, no sensational body shaming, fear-mongering, or medical claims without substantiation.

  3. Data Sources.

    • Custom audiences must come from users who provided appropriate consent; no scraped/brokered lists without proof of consent.

A4. Local Services Ads (LSA)

  1. Business Integrity.

    • We will not misrepresent service areas, categories, or background-check status; no fake reviews or review gating.

  2. Lead Handling.

    • No abuse of lead dispute mechanisms; no instructing call-handlers to manipulate LSA attribution.

  3. Profile Accuracy.

    • Licenses, insurance, and hours must be accurate; we will not submit fabricated credentials.

A5. Organic Social Media (All Networks)

  1. Engagement Manipulation.

    • No purchased followers/likes/comments, engagement exchanges, or undisclosed influencer compensation.

  2. User Safety & IP.

    • No posting user content without rights or required permissions/releases.

  3. Auto-DM/Comment Spam.

    • No high-volume automation that violates platform rate limits or spam policies.

A6. Disclosure & Cooperation

  • If a platform flags/limits an account, Client authorizes Sequoia GEO to cooperate with that platform to remediate. If remediation requires eliminating a tactic listed above, Client agrees to discontinue it. Refusal permits Sequoia GEO to pause or terminate for cause.

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