The world is rife with SEO scams and unethical SEO practices designed to exploit the unassuming. Investing time, money, and trust into these scams can not only drain your resources but can also harm your business' reputation in the long run.
I made this guide to shine a light on the most notorious SEO scams of the year, equipping you with the tools to spot and avoid them.
Is SEO A Scam?
So, you've heard the whispers and maybe even had a few spammy emails land in your inbox: "Skyrocket your rankings!" or "Be #1 on Google overnight!" And now you're wondering, "Is SEO just a big old scam?"
Here's the deal: genuine SEO isn't about tricks or overnight miracles. It's a real, valuable strategy that works when done right.
You know Google Analytics? It's a free tool provided by Google themselves to help website owners track data from their websites. Think of it as your website's report card.
It lets you peek behind the curtain, showing you how your site's doing, who's stopping by, and what they're into. Those metrics? They're the proof in the pudding that a solid SEO strategy can boost you up the search engine ladder. And all those success stories from businesses making waves online? That's the power of SEO shining through.
But, like anything popular, SEO's got its share of impersonators.
There are folks out there peddling "quick fixes" that might sound tempting but end up being more smoke and mirrors than real results. So, while SEO itself is rock solid, it's essential to sift out the noise and find the genuine experts.
Bottom line: SEO, when in the right hands, can be a game-changer for any business.
What is not SEO?
Before we dive into SEO scams, I think this is a good opportunity to tell you what SEO is not.
Search Engine Optimization isn't a Silver Bullet
While it's potent, it's not a shortcut to your business' online success. It's the job of a genuine SEO expert to set realistic expectations. Remember, SEO is just a piece of the bigger marketing puzzle, not the whole picture.
Real SEO Efforts Only
Let's get this straight—Search Engine Optimization isn't about bending search engines to our will or slipping Google a secret bribe. And no, we do not "know someone from Google" who can put your website on the first page.
SEO is about refining your website, making it so irresistible that search engines like Google and Bing naturally want to rank it higher. When someone runs a search using certain keywords, the goal is for your site to be right there, front and center, all on its legitimate merit.
4 ways SEO Scammers Get To You
Let's talk about those sneaky SEO scammers and their crafty tactics.
1. They Arrive Via Cold Email
Sometimes, even through your spam box!
Do you know those unsolicited emails promising the moon and stars? Yep, those.
Scammers have a knack for digging out email addresses of businesses, especially the budding ones, and flooding their inboxes with tantalizing offers.
"Boost your rankings in a week!" or "Guaranteed top spot on Google!" Sound familiar? These promises are usually too good to be true. And while some might land straight in your spam box, a few can slip through. Always be cautious of unsolicited SEO promises.
Take a look at this spam email I received on my SEO training course:
Nora Honor...seriously?
Reports or Website Audits Filled With Jargon
Now, SEO does have its lingo, but there's a fine line between necessary jargon and overwhelming tech talk.
Scammers often dish out website audits chock-full of technical terms meant to confuse rather than clarify. Their aim? To make things sound so complicated that you feel compelled to hire them.
A genuine SEO expert will always explain things in a way you understand, ensuring you're part of the journey and not just a bystander.
They Give You Free Reports or Audits with Lots of Bad "Scores"
Nothing works better than a good ol' scare tactic, right? SEO scammers thrive on this.
They'll present you with an audit painted in red, pointing out countless 'errors' and 'issues'. Their hope is that by making things seem dire, you'll panic and hire them without a second thought.
Pro Tip: Always seek a second opinion. Just as you'd get a second doctor's opinion for a serious ailment, do the same for your website's health.
They Hard Sell on the First Touch Point
They don't waste time. No nurturing, no relationship-building, just straight to the point: they want your money, and they want it NOW.
While a direct, straightforward approach isn’t always a sign of a scam, a hard sell right off the bat can be a red flag.
Why?
Because it often indicates a lack of depth in their knowledge. Genuine SEO is as much as an artform as it a science, and SEO success definitely takes time and trust, not rushed deals.
While not particularly about SEO, this "growth marketer" slid into the comment section and pitched his servers immediately.
What NOT to do: This man slid into the comments section, offered his service IMMEDIATELY, then got passive-aggressive after getting rejected.
Knowledge is power. Armed with these insights, you're in a better position to spot and evade those cunning scammers lurking in the shadows.
And now, without further ado...
Watch Out For These 15 Sneaky SEO Scams
1. The Automated Content Scam
Ever heard the phrase, "Too good to be true?" That's often the case with the automated content scam.
For example: You're offered 60 blog posts for your website at a rate that makes you think, "Wow, that's a friggin' steal!" But hold on!
While Google actually permits the publishing of AI-generated content, there's a catch. The content has to make sense, be interesting, be helpful, and resonate with actual people.
You know, folks like you and me.
Authentic content, the kind that resonates with real humans and not just algorithms, takes time and effort to produce. It isn't just spat out by a machine. These automated content generators might produce articles, but they often lack depth and originality.
The result? Not only can this type of content struggle to rank, but it also fails to engage visitors. Beyond that, search engines like Google have sophisticated algorithms that can detect and devalue or outright penalize low-quality, duplicate content.
2. Promise of Guaranteed Rankings
SEO, by nature, is a bit unpredictable. There are so many factors at play (over 200, in fact), and search engines constantly tweak their algorithms.
So when someone confidently promises that #1 spot on Google like it's a walk in the park, be skeptical. It's a bold claim, and often, they're relying on tactics that might not be above board.
Think of SEO as a marathon, not a sprint.
I've said this twice now because it's just that important.
Instant results might sound tempting, but it's the consistent, honest efforts that truly pay off in the long run. So, when someone offers you a "guaranteed" fast track to the top of search engine results pages, it's wise to think twice (hey, it rhymes!).
3. The Keyword Stuffing Scam
Think of creating content as making a well-balanced smoothie.
You want a mix of ingredients for the best taste. Now, in the world of content creation, one essential ingredient is keyword research. It helps you understand what terms to sprinkle throughout your content.
But here's where things can go sideways: dumping in way too much of one keyword.
That's basically like pouring an entire bag of chia seeds into your smoothie. Or accidentally dumping a canister of chili flakes into your meal.
Overwhelmed, right? That's keyword stuffing for you.
Not only does it disrupt the natural flow of on-page optimization, but search engines aren't fans either. They might label the content as "spam," which can tank your rankings.
Always remember, while keywords are vital, it's all about balance. Readers are looking for value and clarity, not a confusing jumble of repetitive terms. So, use those keywords wisely!
4. Using Hidden Text and Links
Picture this: you're giving your website a little check-up (maybe a random Inspect Element for some reason), and suddenly you discover some texts and links playing hide and seek – they're practically invisible!
This sneaky tactic is one of those black hat SEO techniques, and trust me, it's not the kind of hat you want to wear.
Genuine SEO operates in the daylight, with everything on the table. It's all about transparency and honesty. Dabbling in these covert tactics? Well, search engines have a keen eye, and they're not thrilled when they spot such moves. In fact, they might just send you to the digital penalty box.
The takeaway? Keep things clean, clear, and above board.
5. Claiming to Get Thousands of Website Visitors Everyday
Here's a scenario that unfortunately happens in real-life: someone slides into your DMs and boasts, "Hey, how about 1,000 visitors to your site every single day?" Sounds like hitting the jackpot, right? But hold on. It's kind of like being handed a giant pizza box but then realizing it's none pizza with left beef.
In SEO, it's not just about collecting arbitrary numbers and calling them "results"; it's about the kind of audience you're gathering.
Does the traffic even come from your country? From what search queries do they come from? Google Analytics data and Google Search Console data will give you the real scoop on that.
And if someone's tossing out grand promises without backing them up with a sturdy SEO campaign blueprint (or a case study), they might just be peddling dreams.
What you're really after is engaged, meaningful traffic. Because, let's face it, a thousand random clicks don't mean much if they aren't genuinely interested in what you're serving.
6. The Outdated Tactics Scam
Think of Search Engine Optimization like fashion. You wouldn’t rock an emo hair-do in 2025, right? RIGHT?!
Similarly, SEO services shouldn’t be pulling moves from a decade ago.
Search engines are always updated to ensure that users always see the best search results possible (although that always isn't the case). That means what worked in 2011, might not work today.
So, if you bump into someone touting strategies that feel like they've been dusted off from the back of an old storage closet, raise an eyebrow.
1,730 "manual" backlinks. Sounds legit.
Using these vintage tactics might not just fall flat – they could nuke your website's search engine rankings right into the ground.
If you want to keep up with the rhythm and stay ahead, always ensure your SEO professional is hip and updated, not stuck in the SEO version of the 2000s (now I feel old).
7. Doorway Pages
Here's one way to illustrate doorway pages: imagine you're navigating a maze, and every path you take, no matter how different they seem at first, frustratingly leads you to the exact same spot. Kind of like a bad dream, right? That's the essence of dead-end doorway pages.
They're like those maze paths – different-looking pages over-optimized for a single keyword but all leading to the same destination.
While some SEO companies might try to sell you on the idea that these pages are a golden ticket, they're more like a fast pass to getting flagged by search engines.
And when that happens? Kiss your website's credibility goodbye.
Always ensure your SEO services are above board and your SEO professional is giving you the real deal, not a shortcut that leads to a dead end. Here's a great article about doorway pages.
8. Submitting Your Website to Hundreds of Search Engines
Ever been to one of those all-you-can-eat buffets with hundreds of dishes, but ended up only trying out the few that actually look appetizing?
That's a bit like submitting your website to hundreds of search engines. Sure, the number sounds jaw-dropping, but think about it: how many search engines do you actually use or even know?
It's all about quality over quantity.
Instead of getting lost in the sheer number of search engine submissions, focus on the big fish that genuinely affect your search engine results like Google, Bing, or heck, even DuckDuckGo!
And maybe SearchGPT. This thing is on the rise REAL FAST.
9. The False Reviews Scam
Who doesn't love getting compliments? Especially when they're about your business.
But when you see your page lighting up with a suspicious flood of glowing reviews that sound like they were churned out from a cookie-cutter, red flags should start waving.
Sure, everyone wants a pat on the back, but what's even better is when that pat is genuine. And trust me, in this digital age, sharp-eyed customers have developed a sixth sense for spotting those copy-paste reviews.
It's one of those SEO scams where certain SEO firms hope to boost their appeal to you, but authenticity? That's the golden ticket you should be betting on.
10. Free Trial SEO Services
Ah, the allure of "free."
Who hasn't been tempted by a good ol' free trial? But hold up before you dive in headfirst.
Some of these "free" SEO services can be like those sneaky snack packs that seem like a deal until you realize they're filled with more air than chips.
For business owners, the devil is often in the details. While many legit SEO companies offer free trials as a taste test, there are others that sprinkle in hidden charges or lock you into less-than-stellar services. So read that fine print and make sure you're getting real value, not just a freebie with strings attached.
11. Pretending they have insider information or know a Google employee
Have you ever met someone who says they have a "buddy" who's a "Google Insider"? It's like a kid saying he has a girlfriend who lives in a different state. Yeah right.
Google's algorithms are more guarded than grandma's secret cookie recipe. While being a "Google partner" is a real thing, it doesn't give anyone a sneak peek into Google's algorithms.
Some SEO scam artists like to boast about these supposed connections to look more legit. But here's the real reason: If they're trying to sell you on some insider info, they're likely selling you a dream. Don't buy it.
12. SEO agencies Offering Instant Link Building Services
Solid SEO services know that a robust SEO campaign is a marathon, not a sprint. And like any marathon, it requires planning, strategy, and the right pace. Quality over quantity is the mantra. Dive deep, and you'll probably find these SEO scams building a bunch of irrelevant or, worse, harmful links.
Stick with the genuine link builders who painstakingly take the time and effort to build and nurture relationships.
13. Using Private Blog Networks (PBNs)
Private Blog Networks (PBNs) are collections of websites or blogs set up to artificially boost the search engine rankings of a primary website through backlinking.
These networks often use expired domains with existing authority. Google and other search engines consider PBNs a "black hat" SEO tactic. They violate the search engines' terms of service because they aim to manipulate search rankings artificially.
Sure, in the short run, you might see a little uptick, but can result in potential penalties or even getting your site kicked off the map. Instead of falling for such shortcuts, invest in solid SEO services that focus on a genuine SEO campaign.
Some still swear on the power of PBNs. They do work, especially if the SEO knows what they're doing, but I'm not going to risk my client's business by using a tactic that Google is clearly against.
14. Claiming that you're overpaying your SEO service provider...
...and they can do the same at an extremely discounted price.
We all love a good deal, right? But if someone slides into your DMs or drops you an email, declaring that you're overspending on your search engine optimization and they can give you the same results for way less cash, pause and think.
Different SEO companies bring various expertise to the table, and, just like in life, not all deals are as sweet as they sound.
You've got to ask, "Why the super low price?" and "What's the catch?".
If they're bashing your current provider without doing a deep dive into your SEO campaign, it might be an SEO scam in the making.
15. SEO companies that own your URL, website logins, and even social media profiles
Imagine if someone took the keys to your house AND wouldn't give them back. A bit unsettling, right? Well, that's what it feels like when an SEO company says they need to own your digital assets or wouldn't give you admin access.
Business owners take note: it's cool to trust, but always be the one in control. Your website and social media profiles are yours.
If they're so eager to keep the keys, it might just be one of those pesky SEO scams lurking around.
How To Dodge SEO Scams & Keep Your Business Safe
1. The too good to be true rule.
Ever heard of the saying, "If it's too good to be true, then it probably is?" Yup, that applies here.
When scouting for SEO services, keep an eye on those price tags. While everyone loves a good deal, ridiculously low rates can be a neon red flag.
Get a grasp on the average rates for SEO services and you'll be better equipped to spot one of the most common SEO scams when you see one. Just to give you a ballpark, average rates for search engine optimization services in the Philippines can vary from $750 to upwards of $10,000/month based on the complexity of your needs, but if someone's charging pennies, do a double-take.
Of course, there's a range of pricing, depending on what you're looking for. Some legitimate SEO firms might offer competitive rates based on packages or promotions. But remember, it's not just about the cost—it's about value.
The saying "pay peanuts, get monkeys" rings true in SEO, to some extent.
2. Check For Industry Knowledge And effective SEO strategies
You don't need to be the next big SEO guru to tell your interlinking from your anchor texts like a pro. But having SEO basics is your secret weapon against SEO scams.
Let's say you're in a meeting and someone casually drops, "Your anchor text ratio is off by 0.35% which resulted in a hummingbird penalty, but we know a guy at Google so we should be able to adjust that with a $3000/month campaign."
With your newfound general SEO knowledge (thanks in part to this guide!), you'd be able to call their bluff right there.
While SEOs can optimize for search engine algorithms, no one – and I mean no one – has a secret hotline to Google. Those algorithms change, and all we mortals can do is adapt.
Also, let’s talk about the "more is better" myth. Sure, hearing "500 backlinks a month!" sounds fancy, but it's quality that counts. If someone's pitching huge numbers without emphasizing the quality, that's a big red flag.
A bit of SEO knowledge can go a long way. And always partner with an SEO company that values quality, transparency, and, yes, some good ol' honesty.
3. Ask the right questions
Have a checklist of questions handy to ensure you're linking up with a genuine SEO company. Questions like, "Can you show me some past results?" or "What SEO strategies do you employ?" can give you a lot of insight.
Remember, you're looking for substance - don't get roped into the sales talk.
4. Ask for detailed SEO service quotes
If you're handed an SEO service quote that's as brief as a tweet, pump the brakes.
It's not just about avoiding an SEO scam, it's about knowing what you're actually paying for. One of the common SEO scams out there is giving you a vague, ambiguous quote, hoping you'll just nod and move forward.
Instead, a genuine, well-intended SEO service quote should be a little like a well-made sandwich: layered and satisfying. It should clearly lay out what services they're dishing up, the tools they'll whip out to get the job done, and give you a ballpark of when you can expect results.
Avoid SEO Scams!
Diving into the world of SEO is a bit like venturing into uncharted waters. Lurking below the surface are some pesky SEO scammers ready to reel you in with their shiny - yet slimy - offers. Most of these common SEO scams can be a real downer, especially when you're just trying to get your business noticed.
As business owners, it's essential to keep those eyes peeled.
Doing a little homework, asking the right questions, and just generally doing some research can save you a whole lot of headaches (and money) down the line.
Knowledge is power - equip yourself with it, avoid those sneak SEO scam traps, and partner with a reputable SEO company.
And if you need the goodest SEO Specialist who can help you reach those top rankings, here's the link to my contact page.