Gavin DuffI got another e-mail today offering SEO services. And yesterday, too. And the day before that.
They usually offer: SEO services, guest blogging, ‘high Domain Authority links’, an SEO ‘Partnership’, Super Ranking Services (yes, I’ve seen this) and a multitude of other things.
You probably know the ones, and I hope that you’ve deleted them. Here’s a recent one. It’s just great:
Please just make it stop!
This sort of activity is useless at best and usually pretty harmful.
But it’s not stopping. And unfortunately, these e-mails are only a part of the problem…
After just a few random Google searches, I’m still seeing it everywhere. I’m seeing the problem with SEO that has been around for quite some time and seems to be going nowhere.
What problem, you might ask?
The fact that most of them don’t have any idea what they’re talking about.
A few minutes of research will uncover bizarre claims even from Ireland-based companies who could otherwise appear as reputable and might even draw you in because, hey, they’re local!
Statements That Make No Sense
There are claims that cannot be backed up, statements that make no sense… all designed to make you part with your cash to pay for SEO services that will do NOTHING. And if they do anything, they’ll do damage.
“We are the number one company for link building.”
Em, says who?
“The more websites that link back to your website, the higher your website ranks on search engines.”
You’ve got to be kidding me…
“Pick the best link building packages to expand your business and increase your ROI.”
A package? Really? What year is this??
“Our link building campaign packages start at €1000 per month.”
Great, take my credit card.
Always remember: In the wrong hands, most marketing disciplines are just a wasted investment. In the wrong hands, SEO can be dangerous.
They’ll Try To Confuse You
SEO is a discipline that can require a lot of technical knowledge to get it right, and a lot of experience to make it work.
It’s also quite complicated, and that’s why it’s very easy for so-called practitioners to hide behind things that they can talk about, and sound knowledgeable in, but they do not truly understand it or even have the aptitude for it.
They’ll try to confuse you into believing that they’re the experts, and that you need them.
Let’s Talk Some Sense
I could go on and on about this, but let’s talk some sense instead. If you missed it, then give my Podcast a listen below. It’s on this very topic and discusses the multitude of SEO b*llshitters out there – and how not to get burned by one.
And once you’re done listening, delete those SEO e-mails. Then consider getting in touch, and getting it done right.
For two decades, Gavin has defined effective digital marketing strategy, SEO, PPC, display, content, e-commerce, data analytics, conversion rate optimisation, and social media direction for businesses multinationally and across all sectors. He is also an author, conference speaker, lecturer for Trinity College Dublin, podcast guest, media source, guest blogger and many other things in the area of digital marketing. He also holds a Dip. in Cyberpsychology, as well as AI and Machine Learning, and is a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
Tim O' Sullivan