Watch Out for These Red Flags When Hiring SEO/Website Agencies

Emily Gittings • February 24, 2025

How to Spot an SEO or Website Development Scam: Protect Your Business

In today’s digital world, every business needs a strong online presence. Unfortunately, scammers posing as SEO and website development experts take advantage of this demand, preying on unsuspecting business owners. Here’s how to recognize the red flags and avoid being scammed.


1. Unrealistic Promises: “Guaranteed #1 Ranking on Google” or on the first page

One of the biggest red flags is when an SEO company guarantees that they can get your website to the top of Google’s search results or on the first page for that matter. Google’s algorithms are complex and constantly changing, making it impossible to guarantee a ranking. Legitimate SEO professionals focus on ethical strategies that improve rankings over time. They can show you previous studies, but they can't promise anything.


I mean, Google could decide that only reddit posts matter tomorrow and only post reddit on the first page!

2. No Clear Strategy or Transparency

A reputable SEO or website development company should be able to explain their process in clear, understandable terms. If they refuse to share details about their methods or only provide vague explanations, they might be using black-hat SEO tactics that can harm your website in the long run.


3. Extremely Low Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True

If a company is offering SEO services for a ridiculously low price (e.g., $99 per month for “full SEO services”), be cautious. Effective SEO requires research, optimization, and ongoing work—something that can’t be done properly at bargain-bin rates. Good SEO is going to hurt a little bit. This okay because it has great long term results.


4. Lack of Proven Results or Client Testimonials

Legitimate SEO and web development firms have case studies, testimonials, or portfolios that showcase their past work. If a company refuses to provide proof of their success, they may not have any real experience or satisfied clients.


5. Offers no contract and/or a one-size-fits all package

A professional SEO company will provide a clear contract outlining the services, deliverables, and payment structure. If a company offers vague, one-size-fits-all packages without customization for your business needs, they may not be serious about delivering real results.


6. Fake Urgency and High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Scammers often use fear-based tactics to push businesses into signing up immediately. Statements like “Your website will be removed from Google!” or “Act now, or you’ll lose all your rankings!” are designed to manipulate you. A trustworthy SEO company provides you with the facts and lets you make an informed decision.


7. Ownership Issues: Holding Your Website Hostage

Some shady web development companies build websites on their own proprietary platforms, meaning you don’t actually own your website. If you decide to leave, they take your website down, leaving you with nothing. Ensure that you have full control over your domain, hosting, and website files.


8. Cold Emails and Unsolicited SEO Offers

Another common scam tactic is cold emails promising instant SEO success. If you receive an email from an unknown SEO company claiming they’ve analyzed your site and found “critical issues” or offering quick fixes, be skeptical. Many of these emails are mass-sent without any real analysis. To determine if an SEO outreach email is legitimate:

  • Check the sender’s credentials and website.
  • Look for specific insights rather than generic claims.
  • Avoid companies that demand immediate action or upfront payment.
  • Research them online to see if they have a credible presence.



How to Protect Yourself from SEO and Web Development Scams:

  • Do Your Research – Check online reviews, testimonials, and their portfolio.
  • Ask for a Contract – Ensure all services and expectations are outlined.
  • Avoid Unrealistic Guarantees – No one can guarantee a #1 ranking.
  • Own Your Website – Make sure you have control over your domain and hosting.
  • Request Regular Reports – A reputable company will provide progress reports and analytics.


Questions to ask before hiring an agency for website or SEO:

Be sure to ask them in person, on video, or phone and listen for hesitation.


  1. Who do you follow in the SEO world to keep up with trends/SEO philosophy?
  2. An SEO "expert," will be able to quickly answer this question.
  3. How do you measure success?
  4. While measuring traffic and ranking is a great way to see growth, measuring success should be done through an increase in high quality leads. If they don't answer with that in mind then run the other way!!
  5. What will be included on my monthly report?
  6. If they don't have a monthly report, run away. The monthly report should show changes in traffic, ranking, CTR, etc. Some fluctuating up and down is okay if the report addresses it and suggests proper actions.
  7. How long will it take you to rank me?
  8. If they give a definite answer, I would be hesitant. If they refer to previous projects of theirs and suggest similar timelines based on experience with no promise. This is good. A good SEO often says the words "It depends."
  9. How will AI impact SEO?
  10. They should give an answer about how important it is to be focusing on user-centered design and middle to bottom of funnel SEO searches.


By staying vigilant and informed, you can avoid falling victim to SEO and website scams and find a reliable partner to grow your online presence the right way.

Unlocking SEO Success: The Magic Behind Search Algorithms

By Emily Gittings • January 14, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered how Google decides which pages to show when you search for something, the answer lies in its algorithms. Eli Schwartz, in his book Product-Led SEO , breaks down these algorithms in a way that helps us understand the "magic" behind search engines. Let’s dive into the basics of these algorithms and what they mean for anyone trying to succeed online. Folks often think of Google search as having one giant algorithm. Folks refer to it as “the algorithm,” or “The Google algorithm.” In reality, there are many many algorithms that are constantly being updated, added, and erased to create the user experience. Here are the 5 core Google Algorithms that can help you better understand how Google search works. 1. The Discovery Algorithm What it does : Think of the Discovery Algorithm as a scout. Its job is to roam the internet, find new pages, and make note of them. It looks at things like sitemaps (think maps for websites), links, and even data from Google Chrome. Why it matters : If Google can’t find your website, it won’t show up in search results. Make sure your site is easy to discover by keeping your sitemaps updated and sharing links to your pages. 2. The Crawling Algorithm What it does : Once Google finds your site, this algorithm decides which pages are worth exploring further. It checks for things like how many other pages link to yours and whether your site seems trustworthy. Why it matters : Pages with strong connections (internal links) and good reputations are more likely to get attention. Help Google explore your site by organizing your pages well and linking them together. 3. The Indexing Algorithm What it does : After crawling, the Indexing Algorithm figures out where to store your pages in Google’s database. It checks if your content is original, useful, and relevant to people’s searches. Why it matters : If your content isn’t unique or helpful, it might not make it into Google’s index. Focus on creating clear, valuable content that stands out. 4. The Ranking Algorithm What it does : This is the star of the show! The Ranking Algorithm decides where your page appears in search results by analyzing: Intent : Does your page answer what people are searching for? Relevance : Is your content related to the topic? Quality : Is your page well-written, trustworthy, and easy to read? Usability : Is your site fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate? Context : Does your content fit the user’s location and language? Why it matters : The higher your page ranks, the more likely people are to click on it. To boost your rankings, make sure your content is helpful, readable, and accessible. 5. The Intent Algorithm (BERT) What it does : BERT is like a translator. It helps Google understand what people really mean when they type a search. For example, it knows the difference between "apple" the fruit and "Apple" the company based on context. Why it matters : Instead of stuffing your content with keywords, focus on writing for real people. Answer their questions and provide value—they’ll find you! What Does This Mean for You? The key takeaway from Schwartz’s book is simple: don’t chase algorithms—focus on your audience. Search engines are designed to help users, so if your content does the same, you’re already winning. Here are some tips: Make Your Website Easy to Find : Share your links and organize your site. Focus on Quality Content : Create original, helpful, and engaging posts. Think About User Experience : Make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to use. Putting It All Together SEO might sound complicated, but at its core, it’s about creating a user-friendly, helpful website that search engines can easily understand. By keeping these five algorithms in mind, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success—and more customers finding their way to your digital doorstep. These principles, drawn from Product-Led SEO by Eli Schwartz, show that SEO is less about gaming the system and more about providing real value to users. Start small, focus on what your customers need, and let these algorithms work for you. Contact us now for your free discovery call!