How To Avoid Local SEO Scams and $99 Cheap Offers
Most reputable SEO
companies would agree that they have gained more clients from local businesses by doing quality work and providing tangible and measurable results.
But, Marketing and SEO, just like any other industry, is filled with con artists trying to make quick bucks from gullible and naïve small businesses. I have been in the SEO and marketing industry for almost 20 years, and it still pains me to see a small business fall prey to these tactics.
As some of you may be aware that besides providing Local SEO services, I also provide SEO consultations
to other SEO and marketing firms; and, I also provide SEO training. Educating people is my passion, always has been and always will be.
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!
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The 5 Local SEO Strategies That Have Been Proven To Actually Work in 2023 is a set of well researched SEO strategies from reputable SEO Companies tactics that local businesses can use to improve their online presence and visibility in search results. These SEO strategies include optimizing Google My Business listing, creating high-quality content, building backlinks from authoritative websites, getting listed in local directories, and using social media to engage with customers. By implementing these tactics, local businesses can improve their website and web pages search engine rankings, attract more website visitors, and ultimately drive more traffic and sales to their business.
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, achieving visibility and relevance on search engines is paramount for businesses. This is where ACE SEO Consulting shines. With our innovative strategies and dedication to excellence, we've emerged as a trusted partner for companies seeking to enhance their online presence. Setting the Standard for Digital Marketing Excellence Discover how ACE SEO Consulting has become a leading force in digital marketing , earning the prestigious 2022 Consumer Choice Award in Southern Alberta for our exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to client success. 1. The Importance of SEO A strong online presence is crucial for success in today's competitive landscape. With countless websites competing for attention, businesses must ensure their desired audience easily finds them. This is where SEO becomes invaluable. By optimizing their websites for search engines, companies can enhance their visibility, attract visitors, and drive increased leads and sales. 2. Why Choose ACE SEO Consulting? Our unwavering commitment to delivering results differentiates us from other digital marketing agencies . With a team of experienced professionals and a proven track record of success, we've earned clients' trust across various industries. Whether it's increasing website traffic, improving conversion rates, or boosting online sales, we have the expertise to help businesses achieve their goals. 3. Consumer Choice Award In recognition of our outstanding achievements, ACE SEO Consulting was awarded the prestigious Consumer Choice Award in 2022. This accolade is a testament to our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. By consistently delivering exceptional results, we've earned the admiration and respect of our peers and clients. 4. How ACE SEO Consulting Stands Out Our innovative approach and customer-centric philosophy distinguish us from other digital marketing agencies. We take the time to understand each client's needs and tailor our strategies accordingly. Whether developing custom SEO campaigns or providing ongoing support and guidance, we go above and beyond to ensure client success. 5. Client Testimonials The accurate measure of a company's success is in the satisfaction of its clients. ACE SEO Consulting has garnered positive reviews from clients who have directly experienced the benefits of our services. Whether small enterprises or multinational corporations, our clients consistently applaud our professionalism, expertise, and results-oriented methodology. 6. Expert Team At the heart of our success is our team of dedicated professionals. Comprising seasoned SEO experts , content creators, web developers, and digital marketers, our team brings knowledge and experience to every project. With our combined expertise and collaborative spirit, we deliver tailored solutions that drive tangible results. 7. Local Impact As a proud member of the Southern Alberta community, ACE SEO Consulting is committed to making a positive impact both locally and globally. Through our work with local businesses and organizations, we strive to foster growth, innovation, and prosperity in the region. By supporting community initiatives and giving back to those in need, we demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility and corporate citizenship. 8. Future Plans and Expansion Looking ahead, ACE SEO Consulting has ambitious plans for growth and expansion. With a commitment to innovation and ongoing refinement, our goal is to elevate our services and capabilities to address our clients' ever-changing requirements. By broadening our scope and diversifying our solutions, we are poised to strengthen our standing as a frontrunner in digital marketing. Conclusion ACE SEO Consulting is a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and achieve digital marketing goals. With our innovative strategies, experienced team, and proven track record of success, we've earned a reputation as a leader in the industry. ACE SEO Consulting has the expertise to deliver results, whether it's increasing website traffic, improving search engine rankings, or driving online sales.
At ACE SEO Consulting , we are thrilled to announce our recognition for excellence in the digital marketing industry in 2022. Our commitment to delivering excellent results has been acknowledged by reputable platforms, solidifying our position as a leader in the field. Recognitions and Accolades in 2022 In 2022, ACE SEO Consulting proudly received the following prestigious recognitions and accolades in the digital marketing industry: 1. Clutch Recognition: Top Calgary SEO Company in Canada We are honoured to have been named one of the Top Calgary SEO Companies in Canada by Clutch. This prestigious recognition underscores our expertise in enhancing online visibility and driving organic business traffic, showcasing our dedication to achieving tangible results for our clients. 2. UpCity Marketplace Accolade: Top Local SEO Agency Additionally, we are proud to have received recognition as a Top Local SEO Agency on UpCity Marketplace. This accolade highlights our focus on serving local businesses and assisting them in succeeding in the competitive digital landscape, further reinforcing our commitment to client success. 3. Top Website Developer Recognition Furthermore, we are delighted to be featured as a Top Website Developer on UpCity. This acknowledgment demonstrates our proficiency in providing comprehensive digital marketing solutions , including creating engaging websites that effectively convey our clients' brand messages and drive results. 4. The Benefits of Awards: A Testament to Excellence The awards we have received serve as a testament to our ability to deliver impactful strategies for our clients. They recognize our achievements and validate the effectiveness of our approaches and their positive impact on our clients' businesses. 5. Impact on Reputation: Building Trust and Credibility Receiving awards from esteemed platforms enhances our reputation and credibility in the industry. It showcases to potential clients that we are a trusted partner capable of achieving tangible outcomes and fostering business development. 6. Client Testimonials: Real Results, Real Satisfaction Our success is mirrored in the testimonials of contented clients who have directly experienced the advantages of our services. Fahad, a pleased client, remarks, " Our experience with Ace and Ace SEO Consulting's whole team was terrific. They were detailed and attentive to our website design and provided the best local Calgary SEO solutions . With this new web design, we can do more fundraising, and our non-profit organization is reaching more people than ever." 7. Continued Commitment to Excellence As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence. These awards recognize our past achievements and motivate us to strive for even greater success in the future. Conclusion The awards we received in 2022 speak volumes about our dedication, expertise, and steadfast commitment to client success. From being recognized as one of the Top Calgary SEO Companies in Canada by Clutch to earning accolades as a Top Local SEO Agency and Top Website Developer by UpCity, these achievements highlight our excellence in digital marketing. As we look towards the future, ACE SEO Consulting remains committed to leading the way in helping businesses achieve their online marketing goals.
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Standing out is crucial in today's digital age, where the online landscape is crowded and ever-changing. ACE SEO Consulting has stood out and excelled, clinching the prestigious 2021 Consumer Choice Award in Southern Alberta. This recognition highlights ACE's dedication to excellence and its ability to deliver outstanding client results. ACE SEO Consulting: Leading the Way in Digital Excellence Discover why ACE SEO Consulting stood out and received the Consumer Choice Award 2021 in Southern Alberta. 1. Why ACE SEO Consulting Stands Out At ACE SEO Consulting, we've earned our reputation as a trailblazer in search engine optimization through our unwavering dedication to client success. With a team of seasoned experts, we go above and beyond to ensure our clients' online visibility and growth. We consistently deliver outstanding outcomes by staying ahead of the curve and leveraging the latest SEO techniques. 2. The Importance of SEO in Today's Market In today's digital age, where consumers rely on search engines for everything from product evaluations to discovering local businesses, the importance of SEO cannot be emphasized enough. It's not solely about securing a higher rank in search results; it's about establishing connections with your intended audience and fostering meaningful engagement. At ACE SEO Consulting , we understand this fundamental truth and work tirelessly to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital landscape. 3. Holistic SEO Strategies for Maximum Impact What sets ACE SEO Consulting apart is our holistic approach to SEO. It's not just about optimizing keywords or tweaking meta tags; it's about crafting comprehensive strategies, including every aspect of a client's online presence. From conducting thorough audits to identify areas for improvement to developing tailored solutions that align with each client's unique goals, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence. 4. The Consumer Choice Award: A Testament to Excellence Receiving the Consumer Choice Award is no small feat—it's a testament to a company's unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our win reflects our dedication to going above and beyond for our clients, ensuring they meet and exceed their digital marketing objectives. It's a testament to our pursuit of excellence and ability to deliver results that make a real difference. 5. Comparative Analysis ACE SEO Consulting stands out from its competitors due to our personalized approach, proven track record, and commitment to client satisfaction. Our innovative strategies consistently outperform industry standards, making us the preferred choice for businesses looking for digital marketing solutions . Conclusion ACE SEO Consulting remains a beacon of excellence and innovation in a constantly evolving digital landscape. Our recent accolade as the 2021 Consumer Choice Award winner in Southern Alberta reaffirms our position as a leader in search engine optimization. By prioritizing client success and staying ahead of the curve, we continue to set the standard for excellence in the industry.
