If you’re new to the world of search engine optimization (SEO) or have been doing it for a while, it’s likely that you’ve come across a number of so-called “experts” who offer to help you increase your website’s search engine ranking and drive more traffic to your site. Unfortunately, many of these so-called experts are nothing more than scam artists who are looking to make a quick buck by selling you false promises and services that don’t deliver.
If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for the money that you’re investing in search engine optimization, it’s important to be able to identify SEO scams and empty promises when you see them. To help you avoid falling victim to these scams, here are some tips for spotting them.
Look for Unrealistic Promises
One of the main things that you should avoid is working with an SEO expert who promises you unrealistic results. While there are some legitimate services out there that can help you improve your site’s search engine ranking over time, it’s unlikely that anyone is going to be able to get you to the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs) for the most competitive keywords overnight. If an SEO expert is making claims that sound too good to be true, it’s likely that they are.
Avoid Cut-Rate Services
Another tell-tale sign of an SEO scam is if the service that is being offered is extremely cheap. While it’s certainly possible to get a good deal on SEO services, be extremely wary of anyone who is offering to do a substantial amount of work for a fraction of what other SEO experts are charging. In most cases, if you’re only paying a few dollars, you’re likely to get what you pay for – which is usually nothing.
Check for a Solid Track Record
Before you agree to work with an SEO expert or a company, it’s important to make sure that they have a solid track record. Ask them for references and client testimonials, and have a look at what they have to say about the work that was done for them. If the SEO expert in question is unable to provide proof of their past work or client testimonials, it’s likely that they are not a legitimate company.
Be Wary of Link Building Schemes
One of the most common SEO scams that you’re likely to come across is link building schemes. While it is true that having a lot of backlinks to your site can help increase your site’s search engine ranking, many of these schemes are nothing more than a waste of time and money. If an SEO expert is offering to build thousands of backlinks for your site for a low price, it’s best to avoid their services.
Insist on Transparency
If you decide to go ahead and hire an SEO expert or a company to help improve your site’s search engine ranking, make sure that they are completely transparent with you. Any legitimate SEO company will be able to provide you with regular updates on the work that is being done, including what types of links are being built and where they are coming from. If an SEO company is unwilling to be transparent with you, it’s likely that they are trying to hide something.
Conclusion
If you want to avoid falling victim to SEO scams and empty promises, it’s important to be able to spot them when you see them. Look for unrealistic promises, avoid cut-rate services, check for a solid track record, be wary of link building schemes, and insist on transparency. By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money and not falling victim to an SEO scam.