I really can’t claim I’ve “seen it all” in my 5 years or so of Seo, but I have learned the ins and outs surprisingly fast and lately find myself coming across more and more clients who truly believe the late night commercials telling them the internet is “easy money” that takes no effort and anyone can do. Let’s start by debunking this, this is what we in the World of Seo call Bullsh*t.
- “Top Ten Rankings Guaranteed!”
Why is this BullSh*t
One, nobody can guarantee ranking.
Two, your website already has hundreds of page one rankings. I or any other Seo could go through your website and string together similar obscure keywords which have nothing to do with your brand or product. Rankings are not your goal, they’re merely a means to an end; the end is sales/money/popularity or whatever your goal. Rankings mean nothing if it refers no qualified traffic.
- “1st Page of Google in 48 Hours!”
Why is this BullSh*t
Your sales are not coming in and you’re hoping to hire an “expert” to get your site visible in search engines quickly and find yourself a treasure trove of that easy internet money this or that website claims it can get for you. All in GIANT RED LETTERS!
Congratulations, they have a proven method to get you there and keep you there at the top of that ole’ Google Page!
You actually don’t need to hire someone to do this, but if you would like to throw money away please look into some useful charities for children and give it to them.
Google will be very happy with you as you spend your kid’s college fund on establishing yourself atop the internet like the winner of a Battle Royale. Consistent, qualified traffic streams or a positive ROI are another story; in other words, you may (probably won’t) break even.
- “We have an inside man/back door with Google rankings.”
Why is this Bullsh*T
(I Wish!)
When the president of Google retires, it will be because his methods are last week’s news, the standard which will never change or he has more money than-Insert Billionaire Here! You really think he will be selling state SEO secrets so your Pet Shop can be number one on Google…Really?
- “Our methods are a trade secret – we can’t tell you what we’re doing”
Why is this Bullsh*t
There really isn’t much I can’t share about my SEO work so I don’t know How someone would fall for this line of crap. I wouldn’t expect your SEO to tell you everything about their methods, tools and software as long as they fall under “White-Hat” Seo. But, if when asked what methods were used the answer is a mixture of “secret special Seo service” endless advertising money and undocumented services shouldn’t cut it.
- “We’ve studied and cracked Google’s algorithm”
Why is this Bullsh*t
You remember Mathew Broderick in War games?
Or Bill Gates?
Not even Google employees have “cracked” the algorithm. It’s handled by a team of engineers and is updated sometimes several times per week. In other words, a minute after someone “cracked” the algorithm their information would be outdated.
Ask students in the field or some mad scientist and all you will get are empty stares. Not only is the algorithm an ever-changing and constantly evolving algorithm, it takes a team of Google scientists to make any changes so as not to-you know-crash the system.
It makes us sound nerdy and scientific and feeds our egos as an Seo, cause we all would like formula to beat the bank at the casino, make us all some money.
- “We just need to install this link directory/ get you in our network/ mass submit your site”
Sounds simple enough – and they’ll usually offer to do it for a low upfront price.
Why is This Bullsh*t
Your SEO is basically telling you that their link building strategy amounts to nothing more than a link exchange program, putting you in a network of like minded companies or other Seo networks. Run screaming. They might not knowingly be scamming their clients, but they don’t know SEO and again will not help your bottom line.
