How To Avoid Local SEO Scams and $99 Cheap Offers
Content and links are the backbones of a solid SEO strategy!
Here's the fact
If you are serious about ranking at the top of Google, you need lots of good-quality backlinks and excellent content on your website.
Recently I had the privilege to consult an agency whose client had received a dirt cheap, SEO offer.
Whenever you come across such "too good to be true cheap SEO offer," it usually is. I urge you to exercise some caution and do some due diligence.
As soon as their client received this incredible offer, they called up this SEO agency, who ended up calling me for consultation. The agency called me up as they did not understand how this SEO link builder can offer their client a ridiculously cheap link-building offer. That, too, on premium guest post links.
After digging through a little bit more, we deduced that this offer was no different than the offers that usually come through Craigslist, Kijiji or through a mass spam email.
In any case, when we looked at the offer, we quickly learned that all the links were part of a PBN and were worthless.
In SEO, it really is true that... you get what you pay for!
Avoid links from low-quality sites and PBN sites
What is a PBN?
PBN is short for Private Blog Network. In essence, a PBN is a collection of low-quality websites built by shady SEOs that provide them with complete control over how to link back to a "money" site. A "money" site could be a specific site that the PBN controller owns, or it could be a client site for whom they would build links over time.
Problems with Low-Quality PBNs
- Most PBNs are made of low quality expired domains that have great backlinks and therefore pass high levels of link equity to "money" site.
- PBN owners mistakenly think that it is a shortcut to get high-quality backlinks. They are trying to avoid the tedious tasks typically required and done for building quality links by honest and reputable SEOs.
- Most PBN site has no traffic coming to the website. These sites have also lost almost all their traffic. Usually, this is due to the Google penalty or due to the domain left expired for an extended period.
Why Does Anyone Build Backlinks?
We all know that the real reason to build backlinks for SEO or marketing is to generate and increase visitor traffic for your website.
Doesn't it make sense to get links from high-quality sites that are already getting lots of traffic?
But, many small businesses don't know that—this how these scammers take advantage of small business owners.
Watch the video below that shows a portion of our audit we did.
The best way to avoid such SEO scammers is by following some simple rules and common sense.
Common Sense Rules To Follow Before Hiring an SEO Company
1. Deal with local SEO or a local SEO company
It is best to deal with local individuals in and around your area and neighborhoods who can meet with you in person or at least do a video call. This one tip will help you avoid 90% of scammers.
2. Ask For References and Verify Them
Once you have selected your local SEO company, ask them for a list of references. Then call and verify that they are legitimate businesses and not their friends or buddies. By adding this extra step, you will now be able to avoid 99% of scammers.
3. Check Online Reviews, Awards & Accolades
Make sure you check their online reviews. Online reviews from their clients will give you a sense of their service and completed work. A good standing from BBB or other online associations will provide you with added peace of mind. If the SEO company has taken good care of their clients in the past, chances are they will continue to do the same in the future as well.
Client Testimonial
"Ace and his Team has helped grow our online presence through SEO and social media. His service has been invaluable to help us accelerate our business. A must have for any enterprise."
- Shafique Karim
Here's the truth
Most good, result-based local SEOs are already busy with enough work and rarely send emails soliciting for business. New business solicitations are generally coming from those that are either new in the industry or from those agencies that have problems retaining their existing clients. Obviously, these firms have no proven track record or experience or are using outdated strategies that their clients are simply not happy with their services.
I am sure that this post may piss some SEOs. But, somebody has to take a stand for the hard-working SEOs who are passionate about helping clients.
If you are a small business, I hope this blog post will help you in avoiding such scams and help you select the right SEO provider for your business.
We have dedicated almost 20 years to serving our clients, both in the USA and Canada and across many industries. Our clients have experienced is that quality work, undoubtedly and without fail, shows results in a massive way!
