How to Avoid Being Missold SEO Services: Spotting Red Flags and Dodgy Experts
So, the other day I was a guest on this brilliant podcast called Podcasting Amplified. They’re all about helping podcasters grow their audience and, you know, make the most out of their content. Naturally, the conversation drifted towards SEO for podcasters – how to rank higher in search results, get your podcast noticed, optimising show notes, all that good stuff.
But there was this one question they asked me that really struck a chord. They wanted to know what advice I’d give to people to help them avoid being missold SEO services. Or, put another way, how to dodge the dodgy SEO “experts” out there who might scam you or get your site penalised by Google.
Now, we all know SEO can sometimes feel like the Wild West, especially if you’re not deep into the industry. You hear horror stories all the time – businesses shelling out thousands for SEO packages that promise they’ll get you to number one on Google in no time. Or agencies that build hundreds of spammy backlinks, which might give you a temporary boost but eventually lead to penalties and your traffic tanking.
So, if you’ve ever worried about that sketchy SEO proposal in your inbox, trust me, you’re not alone. It’s something I see all too often, and it’s really frustrating. But there are some red flags you can watch out for.
First off, beware of anyone guaranteeing number one rankings. No one can promise you the top spot on Google for competitive terms, especially not in a short time frame. Even less competitive terms aren’t a sure bet. If someone tells you they can guarantee that, it’s a big red flag.
Secondly, watch out for vague or secretive tactics. If they can’t clearly explain what they’re going to do for you, it’s often because they’re planning something dodgy – like black hat techniques or spammy tricks that violate Google’s guidelines.
Third, be cautious of super cheap deals. Quality SEO takes time and expertise. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap pricing often means they’re cutting corners or using automated spam tools.
During the interview, I emphasised that the best thing anyone can do is educate themselves on the basics of SEO. You don’t need to become an expert overnight, but understanding the fundamental rules can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
This is where Google’s Search Essentials come into play. You might know them as the old Google Webmaster Guidelines. I accidentally called them that on the podcast myself – old habits die hard! But if you search for Google Webmaster Guidelines, it’ll point you to the Search Essentials.
Why are these so important? Well, they outline exactly what Google expects from websites. They’re not overly technical and are aimed at the average person. Reading through them, you’ll get a clear idea of what’s considered valuable content versus what’s deemed spammy. They cover things like ensuring Google can crawl and index your pages, why user-first content matters, and how sneaky tactics can get you penalised.
If an SEO agency is pushing you to do things that blatantly violate these guidelines, you’ll spot it straight away. And if you still decide to go ahead, at least you’re doing so with full knowledge of the risks involved. The key is making informed decisions rather than stumbling into a penalty without realising it.
So, let’s break down Google’s Search Essentials a bit. They’re divided into three main areas:
1. Technical Requirements: This includes ensuring Google can crawl your site, not blocking important resources, optimising for mobile – the nuts and bolts that help search engines access and understand your site.
2. Spam Policies: These are crucial if you’re looking to avoid dodgy services. They cover things like link schemes, cloaking, hidden text, and keyword stuffing. Basically, all the tactics that Google frowns upon and can get your site penalised.
3. Key Best Practices: This is about creating original, helpful content, providing a great user experience, and being transparent about who you are and what your site offers.
If you read nothing else, at least familiarise yourself with these. It doesn’t take long – maybe less than an hour – but it can save you a world of pain later on.
Armed with this knowledge, you can ask the right questions when you’re evaluating an SEO agency or consultant. You’ll be better equipped to spot any dodgy dealings and ensure that whoever you work with is following best practices.
Now, if you’re on the hunt for SEO help, here’s what I’d suggest:
1. Ask for Transparency: Any legit SEO consultant or agency should be able to tell you exactly what they’re going to do. They should outline their processes, the techniques they’ll use, and provide a roadmap of their strategy.
2. Look for Realistic Goals: Be wary of anyone promising you the moon on a stick. SEO is a long game, not a quick fix. If someone promises immediate, dramatic results, that should set off alarm bells.
3. Check Previous Work: Ask for case studies, client testimonials, or references. See what kind of results they’ve delivered for others and whether those results are sustainable.
4. Stay Involved: Even if you’re not an SEO whiz, you should stay in the loop. Regular updates, reports, and open communication are vital. You don’t want to hand over your hard-earned cash and then hear nothing for months.
5. Compare Multiple Providers: Don’t just go with the first agency that comes along. Talk to a few, compare their offerings, and see who’s the most transparent and realistic.
I get that there’s a lot of confusion out there about SEO. And it’s tempting to go for quick wins, especially if someone dangles the prospect of rapid growth in front of you. But in my experience, it’s better to build for the long term. Understanding the rules of the game puts you in a much stronger position.
Remember, Google’s Search Essentials are free and accessible to everyone. Taking a bit of time to read through them can empower you to make better decisions and avoid getting burned by unscrupulous providers.
At the end of the day, it’s all about being informed and vigilant. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, demand transparency, and walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
So, there you have it. By educating yourself and staying engaged, you can navigate the SEO landscape without falling prey to scams or dodgy tactics. Keep learning, stay curious, and remember – SEO isn’t that hard when you understand the basics.