Google remains king when it comes to search engines, currently owning over 70% of the market share pie (netmarketshare.com). With that in mind, it's understandable why so many business owners want to be listed on the first page of Google's search results. Google SEO scams are on the increase, what do you need to know about protecting your business? Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a widely used term, but what does it actually mean? According to RedEvolution, Search Engine Optimisation is the simple activity of ensuring a website can be found in search engines for words and phrases relevant to what the site is offering.
Sounds like something your business could probably benefit from, right? So, when an email lands in your inbox, promising to improve your search rankings, of course you may be tempted to click. However, before you do, it's important to know that SEO scams are on the rise. Scammers claiming to be "experts" or "gurus" could in fact be trying to take you for a ride.
Understanding more about the topic, will ensure your business won't be subject to fraud.
Types of SEO scams
Guaranteeing top/first page rankings
The majority of SEO scammers will claim "first page results" (or near) in a search. For example, if your business sells pet food in Melbourne, the scammer is suggesting that if a customer were to type: pet food supplier in Melbourne, into Google, your company will appear on the very first page of the search results.
What you need to know
Even Google admits that no one can guarantee first page rankings! That's straight from the horse's mouth. While you can definitely improve your rankings on Google, know that no one can guarantee you the first page. If you receive an email claiming someone can – beware.
SEO expert claiming they have a contact at Google
You may receive an email or phone call from a SEO company or person, claiming they have a contact at Google. They may say they know the Google algorithm, and that they can work with their Google contact to get your company on page one of the search results.
What you need to know
Google does not have alliances with any SEO companies or individuals. This is simply false and an attempt to lure you in, and most likely take your money. In some cases, the scammer will be trying to steal sensitive information, such as bank details and passwords. In other cases, they will charge you for their services and not deliver results.
Offering free SEO trial services
You may come across an email offering a free SEO trail. It will most likely include a time period such as, one month, where you will receive SEO on your website, at no cost. On the surface this might sound like a fair deal, but the scammer may also be trying to access sensitive information as part of that "deal". Always remember that information such as passwords, bank or credit card details or any other passcodes, should never be given to someone who has sent you an unsolicited email.
What you need to know
SEO experts of course do exist. They are professionals who are trained and skilled in Search Engine Optimisation. They will spend a lot of time and resources to bring in results. It's highly unlikely that a legitimate company or individual, will offer SEO services free of charge. If someone is offering you free services, this should ring alarm bells. The old adage, "sounds too good to be true', should be kept in mind in this instance.
Backlinks
There are several SEO metrics, but a crucial one is backlinks. It's one of the key ways Google will determine the popularity of your site. Sort of like a voting system. Quality links from other reputable sites that link back to yours, will assist Google in determining where your site should be placed in the search results.
What you need to know
The relevance and quality of content on the site, that is linking back to yours, is important. A dodgy SEO "expert" may claim that they can link you to hundreds of websites that will land you on page one of Google. What they won't tell you, is that will be sending your company's URL to spam and low quality websites! This means your business can be associated with other companies that are not reputable, have nothing to do with your industry or are not even legal. The process of rectifying this can expensive and time consuming.
Other things to remember
Being tech savvy is as much about using technology as it is, maintaining IT security. Be wary of unsolicited emails offering SEO services. Yahoo and Bing are other popular search engines. Scams are not limited to Google – but all search engine providers.
Quick email scam checklist.
It may be a scam if:
- The email is not addressed to you personally
- The "sender" address is from a free account such as Gmail or Yahoo
- The links within the email look unusual (hover your mouse where you are being asked to click to see the full URL – never click on the link)
- The email does not include authentic contact details such as phone number and address
- The email is asking for confidential information such as bank details, credit card and passwords
How to engage a real SEO expert
- Where possible, try to use a referral. Another business colleague may be able to recommend someone they know or have used themselves.
- Ask for references, experience and work history. You may even be able to contact other clients they have worked with. If you can do this, ask that company what their experience was like, and the results.
- Ask the SEO expert if they can get you on the first page of search engine results. If they say yes, get out of there!
- Ask plenty of questions. Meet in person, talk on the phone. You should have full understanding of how the process works.
- Know exactly where your money is going. How much you are paying, ask about time periods and if there are any other costs to consider.
- Be clear on the agreement. Ask for it in writing.
Another good SEO practice is to have your business listed on a reputable business listing Australia.
Originally published on Jul 21, 2016
