Legal

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: June 2026 · Effective: June 2026

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the relationship between SweetReed ("we," "us," or "our") and any person or business ("Client," "you," or "your") that engages SweetReed for SEO and AEO services or uses the sweetreed.com website.

By using our website or engaging our services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

Important: These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement. Please read them carefully before engaging our services.

2. About SweetReed

SweetReed is an SEO and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) agency providing digital marketing services to businesses in the UAE, USA, and internationally. We operate through sweetreed.com and communicate primarily via team@sweetreed.com.

3. Services

3.1 Service description

SweetReed provides the following services as outlined in individual service agreements or proposals:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
  • Technical SEO audits and implementation
  • Content strategy and creation
  • AI visibility audits and tracking
  • Link building and off-page optimization
  • Google Business Profile management
  • Monthly performance reporting

The specific scope, deliverables, and pricing for each engagement are defined in a separate Service Agreement or proposal provided to the Client before work commences.

3.2 Free audit

Our free SEO and AEO audit is a complimentary service offered to prospective clients. It is provided as a goodwill gesture and does not constitute a binding service agreement. The audit report is the property of SweetReed until a paid engagement commences.

3.3 Service modifications

We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any service offering with reasonable notice. We will notify active clients of any material changes to services included in their agreement.

4. Proposals and agreements

4.1 Proposals

Written proposals provided by SweetReed are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Pricing in proposals may be subject to change after the validity period.

4.2 Commencement of services

Services commence upon:

  • Written acceptance of a proposal by the Client
  • Receipt of the first month's payment
  • Signing of any applicable Service Agreement

4.3 Scope changes

Any changes to the agreed scope of work must be agreed in writing by both parties. Additional work outside the original scope may be subject to additional charges.

5. Pricing and payment

5.1 Fees

Service fees are as stated in the agreed proposal or Service Agreement. Current package pricing is published at sweetreed.com/pricing.

5.2 Payment terms

  • Monthly retainer fees are due on the 1st of each month
  • First month's payment is due upon engagement commencement
  • Payments are accepted via bank transfer or Wise
  • Invoices are issued in the agreed currency (AED or USD)

5.3 Late payment

Payments not received within 14 days of the due date may result in suspension of services. We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue amounts at a rate of 5% per annum above the applicable base rate.

5.4 Taxes

Fees quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes. Clients are responsible for any VAT, sales tax, or other applicable taxes in their jurisdiction.

5.5 No refunds on completed work

Monthly retainer fees for work already commenced or completed are non-refundable. If a client terminates mid-month, work for that month has been performed and fees are retained.

6. Contract term and termination

6.1 Contract length

All SweetReed engagements operate on a monthly rolling basis. There is no minimum contract length unless expressly stated otherwise in a specific Service Agreement.

6.2 Termination by client

Clients may terminate services by providing 30 days written notice to team@sweetreed.com. Services and associated fees continue during the notice period.

6.3 Termination by SweetReed

We reserve the right to terminate services with 30 days written notice. In cases of material breach of these Terms by the Client (including non-payment), we may terminate immediately.

6.4 Effect of termination

Upon termination:

  • All content created and paid for by the Client becomes the Client's property
  • Technical changes made to the Client's website remain in place
  • SweetReed will provide a final report covering the period through termination
  • Client access credentials provided to SweetReed will be revoked

7. Client responsibilities

To enable SweetReed to deliver services effectively, clients agree to:

  • Provide read-only access to Google Search Console, Google Analytics (GA4), and any other analytics tools reasonably required
  • Respond to queries and approval requests within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5 business days)
  • Provide accurate information about their business, services, and target audience
  • Inform SweetReed of any significant changes to their business, website, or marketing strategy
  • Not engage multiple SEO agencies simultaneously without disclosure to SweetReed

Delays in client responsiveness that materially impact delivery are not the responsibility of SweetReed and do not entitle the Client to a fee reduction.

8. Intellectual property

8.1 Content ownership

All content created by SweetReed specifically for a Client — including blog posts, page copy, and reports — becomes the property of the Client upon full payment for the relevant period.

8.2 SweetReed proprietary materials

Our processes, methodologies, templates, frameworks, and any tools developed by SweetReed remain our intellectual property. These are licensed to clients for use within the scope of the engagement but are not transferred.

8.3 Client materials

Clients retain ownership of all materials, data, and assets they provide to SweetReed. Clients grant SweetReed a licence to use these materials solely for the purpose of delivering agreed services.

8.4 Case studies and portfolio

Unless expressly prohibited in writing by the Client, SweetReed reserves the right to reference the engagement in our portfolio and case studies. We will not disclose confidential business information or specific metrics without written client consent.

9. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any information designated as confidential or that is reasonably understood to be confidential given the nature of the disclosure. This includes business strategies, client lists, financial information, and proprietary processes.

This confidentiality obligation survives termination of the engagement for a period of 2 years.

Confidentiality does not apply to information that:

  • Is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party
  • Was already known to the receiving party before disclosure
  • Is required to be disclosed by law or court order

10. Results and performance

10.1 No guarantee of specific rankings

SweetReed does not guarantee specific keyword rankings, traffic volumes, or AI citation rates. Search engine and AI platform algorithms are outside our control and change frequently. We commit to applying best practices and reasonable professional effort toward agreed objectives.

10.2 Realistic expectations

We will provide realistic expectations at the outset of each engagement based on your current position, competitive landscape, and agreed scope. Typical timelines are indicative based on industry averages and not contractual guarantees.

10.3 Third-party platform changes

We are not responsible for ranking or visibility changes resulting from changes to Google's algorithm, AI platform policies, or other third-party platform updates beyond our control.

11. Limitation of liability

11.1 General limitation

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, SweetReed's total liability to a Client for any claim arising from the provision of services shall not exceed the total fees paid by that Client in the 3 months preceding the claim.

11.2 Exclusion of indirect losses

SweetReed shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, loss of business, or loss of revenue, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

11.3 Exceptions

Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for fraud, wilful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded by law.

12. Indemnification

Clients agree to indemnify and hold SweetReed harmless from any claims, losses, or damages arising from:

  • The Client's breach of these Terms
  • Content or information provided by the Client that infringes third-party rights
  • The Client's use of deliverables in a manner not authorised by SweetReed

13. Acceptable use of our website

When using sweetreed.com, you agree not to:

  • Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of our website or systems
  • Use automated tools to scrape, copy, or harvest content from our website
  • Transmit malware, viruses, or any harmful code
  • Use our website for any unlawful purpose
  • Impersonate SweetReed or any member of our team

14. Third-party tools and platforms

Our services may involve use of third-party tools including Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Semrush, Ubersuggest, and others. Clients are responsible for ensuring their accounts on such platforms comply with the relevant terms of service. SweetReed is not responsible for changes, outages, or policy changes by third-party platforms.

15. Governing law and disputes

15.1 Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. For clients based in the USA, disputes may also be subject to applicable federal and state laws.

15.2 Dispute resolution

In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation. If a resolution cannot be reached within 30 days, disputes shall be referred to mediation before any legal proceedings are commenced.

15.3 Jurisdiction

For UAE-based clients, disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the UAE courts. For USA-based clients, disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the relevant US state.

16. Force majeure

Neither party shall be in breach of these Terms or liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, civil unrest, pandemic, government actions, or internet infrastructure failures. The affected party must notify the other promptly of such circumstances.

17. Entire agreement

These Terms, together with any Service Agreement or proposal accepted by the Client, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions, representations, and agreements.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed if modification is not possible. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force.

19. Changes to these Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients by email at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of our services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

20. Contact

For questions about these Terms:

Email: team@sweetreed.com
Website: sweetreed.com/terms

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 5 business days.