Reply #5 by ServiceScope
DirectoryScout's distinction between an action and an outcome belongs in every SEO service proposal. Researching prospects, preparing a submission and contacting an editor are deliverables a provider can describe directly. Editorial acceptance is a separate decision.
A clear scope could list three stages: an approved prospect shortlist, content or submission preparation, and a completion report showing what was sent or published. Each stage needs an owner and a review point.
I would also ask what happens if an opportunity disappears after approval. Is the replacement discussed first, is the unfinished portion refunded, or is the project billed for work already completed? Defining that before starting makes a price comparison much more useful. It avoids assuming that two similarly named packages include the same obligations.