Legal

Terms of Service

The core terms that govern LocalCatalyst deliverables and platform use.

Last Updated: February 28, 2026

Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the LocalCatalyst.ai website (https://localcatalyst.ai) and all services provided by LocalCatalyst ("LocalCatalyst," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing our website, purchasing services, creating an account, or otherwise engaging with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully. If you do not agree, do not use our website or services.

Definitions

  • "Client," "you," or "your" refers to the individual or business entity purchasing or using our services.
  • "Services" refers to all SEO, digital marketing, and related services provided by LocalCatalyst, including but not limited to topical maps, SEO audits, content creation, Google Business Profile optimization, citation building, schema markup implementation, and any SaaS platform access.
  • "Agreement" refers to any service agreement, proposal, order form, or invoice that outlines the specific scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and pricing for your engagement.
  • "Deliverables" refers to the specific work products, reports, content, or other materials produced by LocalCatalyst as part of the Services.
  • "Website" refers to https://localcatalyst.ai and any associated subdomains, client dashboards, or platforms.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our Website, submitting a contact form, purchasing a service, signing an Agreement, or using our Services in any way, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a business or organization, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms. In such cases, "you" and "your" refer to that entity.

Services Provided

LocalCatalyst provides AI-powered local SEO and digital marketing services, including but not limited to:

  • Topical map development and keyword strategy
  • Comprehensive SEO audits (technical, on-page, and local)
  • Content creation (service pages, location pages, blog posts, supporting content)
  • Google Business Profile optimization and management
  • Local citation building and cleanup
  • Schema markup implementation (LocalBusiness, FAQ, Review, etc.)
  • Technical SEO (Core Web Vitals, site speed, crawlability, indexation)
  • Ongoing SEO strategy and performance reporting

The specific services, deliverables, timeline, and pricing for your engagement will be defined in a separate Agreement. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and an Agreement, the Agreement shall control with respect to the specific services covered.

Service Terms

Scope of Work

The scope of work is defined in the applicable Agreement. Work requested outside the agreed scope constitutes a change order and may be subject to additional fees and revised timelines. Change orders must be agreed upon in writing by both parties before work begins.

Use of AI and Automation

LocalCatalyst utilizes artificial intelligence tools, automated systems, and proprietary technology in the delivery of its Services. This includes AI-assisted content creation, automated SEO analysis, and AI-powered optimization recommendations. All AI-generated content undergoes quality review processes before delivery. By engaging our Services, you acknowledge and consent to the use of AI and automation tools in the production of Deliverables.

Timeline and Deliverables

We will use commercially reasonable efforts to meet any timelines outlined in the Agreement. However, all timelines are estimates and may be affected by factors including:

  • Client delays in providing required information, access, approvals, or feedback
  • Third-party platform timelines (e.g., Google Business Profile verification, directory approval, DNS propagation)
  • Search engine algorithm changes or policy updates
  • Force majeure events

Delays caused by the Client may result in extended timelines without penalty to LocalCatalyst.

Client Obligations

To ensure the success of your engagement, you agree to:

  • Provide timely access to all necessary accounts and platforms (website admin, Google Business Profile, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, hosting, etc.) within 5 business days of our request.
  • Respond to requests for information, feedback, or approvals within 5 business days.
  • Provide accurate and complete information about your business, services, service areas, and competitive landscape.
  • Notify us promptly of any changes to your business information (name, address, phone number, hours, service areas, etc.).
  • Refrain from making changes to SEO-related elements of your website (titles, meta descriptions, headings, content, schema, redirects) without consulting us first, as unauthorized changes may negatively impact campaign performance.
  • Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and third-party platform policies.

Failure to fulfill these obligations may delay Deliverables, diminish campaign results, or otherwise impair our ability to perform the Services. LocalCatalyst shall not be liable for any negative outcomes resulting from Client's failure to meet these obligations.

No Guarantee of Results

We do not and cannot guarantee specific search engine rankings, traffic levels, lead volumes, or revenue outcomes. Search engine optimization is influenced by numerous factors beyond our control, including search engine algorithm changes, competitor activity, market conditions, and user behavior.

What we do guarantee:

  • Professional and competent execution of the agreed-upon scope of work
  • Use of proven, white-hat SEO methodologies that comply with search engine guidelines
  • Transparent reporting on campaign activities and measurable performance metrics
  • Strategic adjustments based on performance data and industry best practices

Any projections, estimates, or case study results shared by LocalCatalyst are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute guarantees of future performance.

Payment Terms

Pricing

All pricing is set forth in the applicable Agreement or as listed on our Website at the time of purchase. Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified. We reserve the right to update pricing at any time, but price changes will not affect services already under an active Agreement unless mutually agreed upon in writing.

Payment Schedule

  • One-Time Services: Payment is due in full at the time of purchase unless the Agreement specifies otherwise (e.g., 50% upfront and 50% upon completion).
  • Monthly Retainers / Subscriptions: Payment is due on the billing date each month. The first payment is due upon signing the Agreement or completing checkout.
  • Setup or Onboarding Fees: Due upon signing the Agreement or completing checkout.

Payment Methods

We accept payment via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), ACH bank transfer, and other methods as made available through our payment processors. Payment is processed securely through third-party providers such as Stripe and WooCommerce Payments.

Late Payments

If payment is not received within 10 days of the due date:

  • We may pause all work on your campaign until payment is received in full.
  • A late fee of 1.5% per month (or the maximum permitted by applicable law, whichever is less) will accrue on the outstanding balance.
  • We may terminate the Agreement and discontinue Services if payment remains outstanding for more than 30 days.
  • We may engage collection efforts or assign the debt to a collection agency for severely delinquent accounts.

Refund Policy

  • One-Time Services: If you cancel a one-time project after work has begun, you will be invoiced for work completed to date based on a reasonable estimate of the percentage of completion. Refunds for unused portions will be issued within 30 days.
  • Monthly Retainers / Subscriptions: Monthly payments are non-refundable. If you cancel mid-cycle, you will continue to receive Services through the end of the current billing period.
  • Setup and Onboarding Fees: Non-refundable once work has commenced.
  • Digital Products (Topical Maps, Audits, Reports): Due to the nature of digital deliverables, all sales of completed digital products are final. If a Deliverable contains material errors or does not substantially conform to the agreed-upon scope, we will revise it at no additional cost.

Term and Termination

Term

The term of your engagement is specified in the applicable Agreement. For monthly retainer or subscription services without a defined term, the Agreement continues on a month-to-month basis until terminated by either party.

Termination by Client

You may terminate the Agreement at any time by providing 30 days' written notice via email to support@localcatalyst.ai. Termination takes effect at the end of the 30-day notice period. You are responsible for all fees incurred through the end of the notice period.

Termination by LocalCatalyst

We may terminate the Agreement immediately, without prior notice, if:

  • You fail to pay any invoice more than 30 days past due.
  • You materially breach these Terms or the Agreement and fail to cure such breach within 15 days of written notice.
  • You engage in abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior toward our team.
  • You use our Services for illegal, fraudulent, or deceptive purposes.
  • You violate third-party platform policies (e.g., Google's guidelines) in a manner that jeopardizes our accounts, reputation, or other clients.

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • We will deliver any Deliverables that are substantially complete at the time of termination.
  • You will receive final access credentials and any files or assets that belong to you.
  • Any outstanding balances become immediately due and payable.
  • Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including Intellectual Property, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, and Governing Law) will remain in effect.

Intellectual Property

Client-Owned Content

You retain ownership of all pre-existing materials, brand assets, logos, trademarks, and business information that you provide to us. You grant LocalCatalyst a non-exclusive, revocable license to use these materials solely for the purpose of performing the Services during the term of the Agreement.

Deliverables

Upon full payment, you own the Deliverables created specifically for you, including website content, blog posts, and other custom materials produced as part of the Services. This ownership transfer does not include our proprietary methodologies, tools, frameworks, templates, or systems (see below).

LocalCatalyst Proprietary Property

LocalCatalyst retains all rights, title, and interest in and to our proprietary tools, methodologies, processes, software, templates, frameworks, and systems, including but not limited to our CATALYST SEO methodology, AI agent systems, audit templates, and reporting dashboards. These remain the exclusive property of LocalCatalyst regardless of their use in delivering your Services.

Portfolio and Case Study Rights

Unless you notify us otherwise in writing, we may reference your business name, industry, and anonymized or aggregated campaign results in our portfolio, case studies, and marketing materials. We will not disclose confidential business information without your prior written consent.

Confidentiality

Each party agrees to keep confidential all non-public information received from the other party in connection with the Services ("Confidential Information"). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, business plans, financial data, customer lists, marketing strategies, login credentials, analytics data, and proprietary methodologies.

Neither party will disclose the other party's Confidential Information to any third party without prior written consent, except:

  • To employees, contractors, or service providers who need access to perform the Services and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
  • As required by law, regulation, or court order (with reasonable prior notice to the other party where permitted).

Confidentiality obligations survive termination of the Agreement for a period of two (2) years.

Third-Party Platforms and Access

Our Services may require access to third-party platforms and accounts that you own or control, including but not limited to Google Business Profile, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, WordPress, hosting providers, and domain registrars.

  • You are responsible for maintaining ownership of your own accounts. We will never claim ownership of your accounts or profiles.
  • We will use account access solely for the purpose of delivering the agreed-upon Services.
  • We are not responsible for changes, outages, policy updates, or actions taken by third-party platforms that may affect your accounts or campaign performance.
  • Upon termination, we will promptly return or relinquish access to all your accounts and credentials.

Website Use and User Accounts

Acceptable Use

When using our Website, you agree not to:

  • Use the Website for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems, servers, or other users' accounts.
  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Website or any connected networks.
  • Scrape, crawl, or use automated tools to extract data from the Website without our written permission.
  • Upload or transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code.
  • Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation.

User Accounts

If you create an account on our Website or client dashboard, you are responsible for maintaining the security of your login credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account credentials.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

  • LocalCatalyst's total aggregate liability arising out of or related to these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to LocalCatalyst during the six (6) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
  • In no event shall LocalCatalyst be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, revenue, data, business opportunities, or goodwill, regardless of the cause of action or theory of liability, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
  • LocalCatalyst shall not be liable for damages resulting from: search engine algorithm changes or penalties; third-party platform actions, outages, or policy changes; Client's failure to follow our recommendations or fulfill Client obligations; unauthorized modifications to Client's website or accounts; or any force majeure event.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LocalCatalyst and its owners, officers, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

  • Your breach of these Terms or any Agreement.
  • Your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or third-party rights.
  • Content, materials, or information you provide to us that infringes on any third-party intellectual property, privacy, or other rights.
  • Your use of the Services in a manner not authorized by these Terms.

Disclaimer of Warranties

Our Website and Services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory. To the fullest extent permitted by law, LocalCatalyst disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and any warranties arising from course of dealing or usage of trade.

Without limiting the foregoing, we do not warrant that:

  • The Website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or harmful components.
  • The Services will achieve any specific results, rankings, traffic, or revenue.
  • Any information provided through the Website or Services is complete, accurate, or current.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution, both parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute informally by contacting the other party in writing and negotiating in good faith for at least thirty (30) days.

Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator in Fort Bend County, Texas. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Class Action Waiver

You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted on an individual basis and not as part of any class, consolidated, or representative action. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement, misappropriation, or violation of intellectual property rights or confidentiality obligations.

Governing Law

These Terms and any disputes arising hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. To the extent that any legal proceeding is permitted outside of arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Fort Bend County, Texas.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond the party's reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, wars, terrorism, labor disputes, power failures, internet or telecommunications outages, cyberattacks, or third-party platform outages. The affected party shall provide prompt notice and use reasonable efforts to mitigate the impact.

Modifications to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you by email or by posting a prominent notice on our Website. Your continued use of our Website or Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you must stop using our Website and Services and may terminate your Agreement in accordance with the termination provisions above.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving its original intent.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any applicable Agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and LocalCatalyst with respect to the subject matter hereof. These Terms supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, proposals, and agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties relating to the same subject matter.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. LocalCatalyst may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganization, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, without your consent.

Waiver

The failure of either party to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the waiving party.

Contact Us

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

LocalCatalyst.ai
Email: support@localcatalyst.ai
Phone: +1 (281) 674-5311
Website: https://localcatalyst.ai/contact/