7 Simple Steps To Avoid SEO Scams
Using a little common sense together with learning more about search engine optimization will help you understand what constitutes most SEO scams and the steps you can take to avoid them.
It’s interesting to note how the recent rise in online scams seems to parallel the current economic woes. Desperate for employment, people are coming to the Internet to make some fast cash - any way they can.
If you’re seeking an SEO expert to help position your website in the search engines and you’re unsure of what questions to ask them or even exactly what you need, here are a few general tips to guide you.
Money / Time / Stress Saving Suggestions:
1) look for an SEO specialist in your particular industry niche
2) ask the person or SEO company for references
3) request to see current, or recent examples of their work
4) determine ranking goals and a campaign strategy to get there
5) establish keyword benchmark positions to gauge progress
6) expect a flat-rate fee, or a single cost with a monthly payment option
7) insist on a guarantee and only pay once your goals have been reached
A professional SEO will provide you with both a well-laid plan and assurances to indicate their abilities and intentions. At all times you should know the final destination of your campaign and what it will cost.
Finally, it is always recommended you weigh the total costs against projected sales and profits to decide whether an SEO campaign is even justified.
For The Visible Dentist, I’m John Barremore
May 7th, 2009 at 2:24 am
While you make some very good points.
1) Great idea, industries vary so do strategies.
2) Experience is always important, but sometimes a novice can perform a fair job.
3) Another great idea - more so than number 2, as you can get a feel as whether they are the kind of SEO that you want to work with.
4) SEO is pointless without goals which by nature require a strategy.
5) Keyword benchmarks are subjective. I’m not a big fan of rankings but rather of results. We all know that “cars” is unlikely to drive good targeted traffic, “used cars for sale in ” is a much better match and so are the other related keyphrases.
6) I’m not sure about payment as this varies from project to project. But key here is make costs clear from the beginning of the project.
7) I’d say never trust anyone who offers a guarantee… nothing is guaranteed, but if you obviously don’t come close then something is wrong.
May 7th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Most SEO’s rely upon Google’s warning - “no one can guarantee search engine positions” to justify their doing very little to help a client and to warrant keeping their client’s money. I think these SEOs are scams.
Sure no person can give absolute assurances for ranking, however, an SEO could certainly provide a performance guarantee for keyword positions and unless they achieve success, the client doesn’t pay.
A guarantee is part of our business model — it’s a selling point that sets us apart from the competition and engenders trust from the project’s outset. While other SEOs argue this point, our office is flooded with new biz.
John
May 7th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
While I agree with the sentiment. I would still argue the keyword placement. This changes on a constant basis. However, I believe that there should be a benchmark set on traffic increase (say doubled in x time) which then should ultimately translate into a better ROI. The end of the day, keyword placement is worth nothing unless it’s actually translating into a transaction.
For me the selling point isn’t a guarantee on better placement, but rather the generation of more and better leads at the best possible marketing cost.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:26 am
Keyword positions and incoming traffic have little to do with website conversions. Inspiring a visitor to take action is dependent upon design configuration of the site, establishing trust with the prospect along with other purchasing incentives.
The number of visitors received only presents a potential for sales which can be tracked and further improved by tweaking page design.
John
June 10th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I couldn’t pass by your post without commenting on some of the major ethical violations that you have mentioned.
1) look for an SEO specialist in your particular industry niche
In SEO you should avoid hiring an seo firm who has more than 3 clients in th same industry and niche because that will create a conflict of interest. Otherwise how can you get 20 clients in the same niche on the first 10 spots of Google?
2) insist on a guarantee and only pay once your goals have been reached
No ethical seo firm can give a guarantee. actually it is unethical to give it. A good SEO will show you a long list of success, great testimonials from existing and still active clients and repeat business.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Fadi,
Your comments are contradictory at best.
1 - If the SEO is general in scope and services any number of industries, they may be less knowledgable in a particular niche. Further, there are 10 positions in search results pages; plenty of room for every US city. Also, had you taken time to look at our SEO guarantee, you’d notice we have regional exclusivity limits in place to avoid conflict of interest.
2 - A guarantee is a no-brainer - and I consider it UNethical for any company not to provide one to their client. I’ve been in the SEO industry for 10+ years and have a long list of satisfied clients; I think any one of them would disagree with you.
Most guys who play the “Google says no one can guarantee SEO” card simply seek to use it as justification for their failure. The client shouldn’t bear the burden for incompetency, or pay for an inferior service.
John
August 17th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Wish I read this earlier. I was burned at SEO and site development. Fell for local dudes with a spiffy song and dance instead of looking to proven industry experience.
Joe
June 6th, 2011 at 7:56 am
If it sounds too good to be true, then it is probably a scam.