Scams
Protecting your hard-earned money. We’ve carefully collated the telltale signs of “it’s too good to be true”.
Scam #1 - Performance Guarantees
Guarantees are a red flag because there are too many factors beyond our control. To name a few, the level of detail within the reviews your customers write compared to your competitors customers, the volume your brand name is searched compared to your competitors, the level of competition for your target keyword, and your address compared to your competitors address. These are a small selection of factors that affect your Google Business Profile’s ranking, which are outside of our control.
Scam #2 - Hard Sales Tactics
More often than not, it starts with a sales representative cold calling you. There are several sales pitches. From the “Urgent Crisis” to “Guaranteed Riches”, “Tech-Jargon” to “Trial Period”. Essentially, you feel drawn in by their persuasive tactics, almost as if you’re under a spell, and find yourself entangled in a contract within a day, making it challenging to free yourself.
Scam #3 - 1000s of Reviews
It’s too easy to assume a business with 1000s of reviews must be reputable. There are several ways these are collected, but the most common way is by using the first and second scam. It’s undertaken by calling a business with next to zero search volume for their main target keywords, guarantee their ranking, and achieve it within a matter of months, if not weeks. The client is happy. They’re in the first position. Most write a positive review too soon, while others question why they hadn’t seen an uptick in enquiries.
Scam #4 - Lack of Transparency
While their prices may not be listed on the website, you should expect to see a detailed breakdown of the ranking factors they take into consideration with their pricing should you request it. Should you not receive the detailed breakdown, it often suggests they don’t know how to do what they say they can do.
Scam #5 - Out-Dated Tactics
If you see the breakdown, you shouldn’t take it at face value. We’ve seen some businesses provide a comprehensive breakdown of absolute rubbish. Of course, anyone who didn’t know, would’ve thought it was great value. Conduct your own research into the tactics.
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