Project Terms of Service

Effective Date: September 1, 2026

Updated: October 15, 2026


Advancement Communications, Inc.
d/b/a Advancement Digital (“Consultant”)


These Terms of Service apply to all offerings provided by Advancement Digital, including but not limited to the Google AI-Ready Setup, Pipeline Protocol, website builds, fractional CMO services, consulting, AI and automation services, system setup, training, and digital products. By purchasing, enrolling, or engaging in any offering, the Client (“Client”) agrees to these Terms of Service. Offerings are sold for business and organizational use only. The individual accepting these Terms represents that they are authorized to bind Client and to grant Consultant access to the accounts and systems Client identifies.


These Terms of Service govern all work unless and to the extent superseded by a signed contract and/or Statement of Work ("SOW") between Consultant and Client. Offer-specific terms in Section 22 apply in addition to these general terms.


1. Scope of Services


Consultant provides professional services that may include:

  • Website design and development
  • AI and automation consulting and system setup
  • CRM, scheduling, proposal, payment, and onboarding systems
  • Strategy, planning, messaging, and customer journey mapping
  • Digital marketing systems and tools
  • Search and AI search visibility, including Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, structured data, and content written to answer customer questions
  • Branding, logos, and graphic design
  • SOPs and documentation
  • Training, consulting, and support


Each offering may have a specific deliverable list described on the sales page, checkout page, or project-specific Statement of Work (SOW).


2. Payment Terms


Payment is required at the time of purchase unless otherwise stated in a custom SOW. Purchasing any product or service confirms acceptance of these Terms of Service. All purchases are non-refundable unless stated otherwise below.


Intake Call Deposit and Non-Refundable Consultation Fee


For website projects and other custom service engagements, a non-refundable fee determined by the Consultant is required at the time of booking the scoping intake call. The deposit will be applied to the total cost of the project if the Client signs a contract and moves forward with the engagement. The scoping intake call deposit does not apply to fixed-scope offerings purchased at checkout, including the Google AI-Ready Setup. A complimentary fit call of up to fifteen (15) minutes, when Consultant offers one, is an informal conversation to confirm fit and is not a consultation or advisory service.


If the Client chooses not to move forward after the intake call, the deposit is retained by the Consultant as a paid consultation fee. The Client acknowledges that the intake call is a professional, billable service that includes review of project requirements, recommendations, scoping, and advisory support. No refunds will be issued.


Please arrive on time for your scheduled call. Sessions will begin and end at the scheduled time, and late arrivals will not extend the length of the meeting.


Clients may cancel or reschedule an intake call with at least forty-eight (48) hours notice. If the Client cancels or reschedules with less than forty-eight (48) hours notice, or if the Client does not attend the meeting, the deposit is forfeited and will not be applied to any future project. A new deposit will be required to rebook.


72-Hour Cancellation Window for Large Projects


For consulting services, strategy sessions, website builds, the Pipeline Protocol, or any project that includes implementation work or scheduled time, the Client may cancel within seventy two (72) hours of purchase for a full refund provided no work has begun and no sessions have been scheduled or delivered. After seventy-two (72) hours, or once work has begun, all fees are non-refundable. Refund terms for the Google AI-Ready Setup are in Section 22.


Consultant-Initiated Cancellation


Consultant reserves the right to cancel an engagement at any time if the project is not a good fit, if Client behavior or communication interferes with the successful completion of work, if Client fails to meet obligations, or for any other reason determined at Consultant’s discretion.


If Consultant initiates cancellation, Consultant will provide a pro-rated refund based on work completed as of the cancellation date. Consultant has sole discretion in determining the appropriate refund amount and calculation methodology.


Digital Products and Toolkits


Digital products, downloadable materials, skills or tools access, templates, and training materials are non-refundable due to immediate delivery of intellectual property.


Payment Plans


If a payment plan is offered, the Client must complete all installments. Consultant may pause work, access, or support for non-payment.


Payment Failures and Insufficient Funds


If any credit card payment, ACH payment, or other form of electronic payment is declined, reversed, returned for insufficient funds, or otherwise fails, the Client remains responsible for the full amount due. Consultant may pause all work, access, or support until payment is successfully processed. Consultant may charge a reasonable administrative fee for failed transactions or bank returns. If payment is not resolved within seven (7) days, Consultant may terminate the engagement at its discretion. Any resumed work may require a new schedule, updated pricing, or a reinstatement fee.


Before initiating a chargeback or payment dispute for services that have been delivered or are in progress, Client agrees to notify Consultant in writing and allow ten (10) business days to resolve the issue.


3. Third Party Licenses and Accounts


Consultant may recommend or require specific third-party tools as part of the project.


Client is responsible for purchasing or granting Consultant secure access to all third-party tools required for project work, including but not limited to:


  • Domain registration and hosting
  • Website content management systems (for example, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, or Duda)
  • CRM systems
  • Scheduling and calendar tools
  • Project management platforms
  • Google Workspace
  • Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, and Google Analytics
  • Email marketing and SMS tools
  • Privacy, cookie, and accessibility tools
  • Stock photos, video, or licensed creative assets


Client must comply with each third-party provider’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.


Consultant is not responsible for third-party pricing changes, outages, breaches, feature changes, performance, or decisions, including account suspensions, verification requirements, review removals, or changes to how search results and AI-generated answers are displayed.


These third-party tools are selected because they support the systems Consultant builds, have been tested for reliability, and allow Consultant to deliver consistent results. Consultant may receive small partnership commissions or affiliate compensation from certain providers at no additional cost to the Client. The Client acknowledges that alternative tools may not be compatible with the systems Consultant implements and that using non-approved tools may limit Consultant’s ability to perform work or deliver expected outcomes.


Account Access and Security


Client will grant Consultant access through each platform’s user, manager, or administrator roles rather than by sharing passwords, wherever the platform allows it. Client retains primary ownership of all of its accounts, and Consultant will not request or accept primary ownership of any Client account. Client may remove Consultant’s access at any time and should do so when the engagement ends; Consultant will remove its own access on request. Client is responsible for keeping a current backup of its website before work begins.


4. Deliverables and Ownership


Upon full payment for each offering or SOW:


Client Ownership


Client owns the final deliverables including plans, strategies, native design files, website content, structured data markup, readiness reports, written materials, and other assets developed specifically for the Client.


Consultant Retained Rights


Consultant retains the right to use general skills, knowledge, concepts, methods, workflows, strategic frameworks, or techniques developed during the engagement, including the criteria and methodology behind any readiness assessment or score, for other clients, internal training, future engagements, templates, publications, and educational materials. Consultant may also retain non-confidential samples of creative work for portfolio use unless the Client requests exclusion in writing.


Use of AI Tools


The Client acknowledges that Consultant may use artificial intelligence tools or machine learning systems to create or support Deliverables. Consultant represents that such use will not knowingly violate third-party intellectual property rights and that final Deliverables will be tailored to Client and, where third-party materials are used, properly licensed. Client acknowledges that AI-generated components may not be entirely unique.


Use of Shared or AI-Generated Elements


Client acknowledges that some non-custom elements such as icons, templates, or AI-assisted outputs may be derived from tools available to other users and are not guaranteed to be unique. Consultant will not knowingly use infringing material and will ensure all licenses are valid for commercial use.


Website Hosting and Transfer


Websites built on Consultant’s branded agency platform remain hosted on that platform unless transferred. If Consultant cannot continue service, Consultant will either:


  • Transfer the site to a recommended provider at current provider pricing, or
  • Export a .zip archive of content. Compatibility outside the platform cannot be guaranteed.

For third-party platforms such as HubSpot, Givebutter, WordPress, Squarespace, Google Workspace, Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, or Google Analytics, all work occurs in Client-owned accounts.


5. Branding, Logos, and Intellectual Property


If Consultant creates logos, brand elements, or other creative assets:


  • Ownership transfers to Client upon full payment.
  • Consultant does not guarantee trademark availability or non-infringement.
  • Client is responsible for trademark searches, registration, and legal compliance.
  • Consultant may offer referrals to trademark professionals.


6. Marketing Use


Client grants Consultant permission to reference the project in Consultant’s marketing materials, portfolio, and case studies. No confidential information will be shared. Client may opt-out by submitting a written request. Consultant may also use anonymized or aggregated results, such as before-and-after readiness scores, in marketing and educational materials.


7. Confidentiality


Both parties agree to protect confidential information shared during the engagement.


Client agrees not to share Consultant’s internal methods, pricing, templates, proprietary processes, or non-public materials.

Consultant agrees not to share Client’s internal data, documents, lists, credentials, analytics and search performance data, or sensitive information, except as required to perform work.


8. Compliance and Legal Responsibility


Client is solely responsible for complying with all laws and regulations relevant to their industry and operations, including but not limited to:


  • FTC advertising and disclosures
  • Website privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and new laws where applicable)
  • Accessibility standards (WCAG)
  • Email and SMS marketing compliance
  • Data protection and consent requirements
  • Industry-specific regulations (for example, legal, financial, or medical fields)


Consultant may offer suggestions but does not guarantee compliance.


Client is responsible for reviewing and approving all content before it is published, including business profile descriptions and any page Consultant drafts to answer customer questions. For regulated professions, including law, accounting, and financial advisory firms, Client is responsible for confirming that published content and any use of reviews or testimonials meet the advertising and communication rules that apply to Client. Consultant does not create, purchase, or post reviews on Client’s behalf.


Client agrees to release and hold Consultant harmless for any liability for compliance-related issues.


9. AI Tools, Automations, and Limitations


Consultant may develop AI-based tools, prompts, GPTs, skills, or automations that support Client communications and workflows.


Client acknowledges that:


  • AI outputs must be reviewed by a human before use.
  • AI platforms may change features, performance, or policies without notice.
  • Consultant cannot guarantee long-term behavior of third-party AI tools.
  • Search engines and AI assistants decide what they display, cite, or recommend, and Consultant cannot control those decisions.
  • Client remains responsible for compliance in regulated industries.
  • Automations must be monitored to ensure proper functioning.


10. Changes and Additional Work


Changes to scope or deliverables require written approval (email is sufficient) and may incur additional fees. Additional work can be added through a new SOW or written amendment.


11. Independent Contractor Status


Consultant is an independent contractor. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, joint venture, or partnership. Consultant is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business obligations.


12. Limitation of Liability


Except for Client’s payment and indemnification obligations, neither party will be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages. Consultant’s total liability for direct damages is limited to the amount paid by Client for the specific offering or under the applicable SOW giving rise to the claim.


13. Indemnification and Release


Client agrees to indemnify and hold Consultant harmless from claims arising out of:


  1. Client’s breach of this Agreement

  2. Client’s use or modification of deliverables

  3. Intellectual property violations tied to Client-provided or approved content

  4. Actions or omissions by Client that result in penalties or legal action

  5. Client’s non-compliance with laws or regulations

  6. Client’s failure to achieve or maintain compliance with privacy or accessibility standards

  7. Information Client provides or approves for publication, including business profile details, service descriptions, and answers to customer questions


14. No Guarantees


Consultant does not guarantee specific financial results, outcomes, or performance metrics. Marketing and operational effectiveness depend on factors outside Consultant’s control including Client’s audience, product, pricing, sales process, messaging, and execution. Consultant does not guarantee search rankings, Google Business Profile verification or reinstatement, recovery of accounts controlled by third parties, the appearance of rich results, or inclusion or citation in Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, or any other AI-generated answer. Any readiness score Consultant provides is Consultant’s own diagnostic measure, not a Google metric or a prediction of results.


15. Force Majeure


Neither party is liable for failure to perform due to causes beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of war, labor strikes, system outages, or third-party platform failures.


16. Non-Solicitation


Client agrees not to solicit or hire Consultant’s employees or contractors for a period of twenty four (24) months following completion of the engagement unless prohibited by applicable law.


17. Client Delays


If Client does not provide necessary approvals, materials, or access within required timeframes, Consultant may adjust delivery dates. Client delays do not alter payment obligations or extend timelines unless agreed in writing.


18. Arbitration


Any dispute arising under these Terms will be resolved through binding arbitration in Ulster County, New York, before the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Either party may instead bring an individual claim in small claims court if the claim qualifies. Claims may be brought only on an individual basis, not as a class or representative action.


19. Governing Law


These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York.


20. Entire Agreement and Order of Precedence


These Terms of Service, together with the description of the offering at checkout, represent the complete agreement between Client and Consultant unless superseded by a signed contract or SOW. If documents conflict, a signed contract or SOW controls first, then the offer-specific terms in Section 22, then these general terms, then any sales page description.


21. General Provisions


  1. Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, it will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted, and the remaining provisions stay in effect.

  2. Notices. Notices under these Terms may be sent by email to support@advancementdigital.com for Consultant and to the email address Client used at purchase for Client.

  3. Updates. Consultant may update these Terms by posting a revised version with a new effective date. The version in effect on the date of purchase governs that purchase.

  4. Survival. The sections on payment, ownership, confidentiality, limitation of liability, indemnification, no guarantees, arbitration, and governing law survive the end of any engagement.


22. Offer-Specific Terms: Google AI-Ready Setup


The following terms apply to the Google AI-Ready Setup (the “Setup”) in addition to the rest of these Terms.


  1. Scope. The Standard Setup is a fixed-scope engagement for one business location and one website. It includes: a review of Client’s current Google presence; claiming or correcting Client’s Google Business Profile; verifying Google Search Console and Google Analytics; adding or repairing structured data on up to five (5) pages of Client’s website; a before-and-after readiness score; recommendations for next steps; and one scheduled working session with Client (the “Setup Session”) of up to 30 minutes.

  2. Not Included. Unless added in writing by Consultant: additional pages, locations, profiles, or websites; website redesign, migration, or repair of issues unrelated to structured data; ongoing posting, photo, or review management; paid advertising; reinstatement of suspended profiles; additional content or pages; and recovery of accounts held by former vendors or employees, beyond submitting Google’s standard ownership request on Client’s behalf.

  3. Client Responsibilities. Client will provide the access described in Section 3 at least forty-eight (48) hours before the Setup Session. If access is not in place by then, Consultant will reschedule the Setup Session, and that counts as Client’s one reschedule under Section 22(e). Client is responsible for creating its own Google accounts. If Client does not have them yet, Client should notify Consultant promptly, and Consultant will provide directions for setting them up. Client may need to complete verification steps Google requires of the business owner (which may include a phone call, postcard, or video). Client will respond to Consultant's questions within five (5) business days.

  4. Refunds. The Setup fee is non-refundable once the Setup Session is booked, and the seventy-two (72) hour cancellation window in Section 2 does not apply. There are two exceptions. First, if Consultant’s review before or at the start of the Setup Session shows that Client’s needs go beyond the standard Setup, and Client chooses not to proceed with the higher-level engagement Consultant recommends, Consultant will refund the Setup fee in full. Second, if Consultant determines before beginning work that the Setup cannot be delivered for reasons outside either party’s control, such as a business that is not eligible for a Google Business Profile under Google’s guidelines, Consultant will refund the fee in full.

  5. Cancellations and Rescheduling. If Client misses the Setup Session or cancels with less than forty-eight (48) hours’ notice, Client forfeits the fee paid, and a new payment is required to rebook. Client may reschedule once with at least forty-eight (48) hours’ notice. Any further rescheduling is at Consultant’s discretion.

  6. No Affiliation. Advancement Digital is an independent consultant and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google LLC. Google, Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, and Google Analytics are trademarks of Google LLC. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.


23. Acceptance


By purchasing or using any products or services from Advancement Digital, Client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms of Service. When Consultant’s checkout asks Client to confirm agreement to these Terms, that confirmation is Client’s acceptance.