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I'm from Belgium, addicted to the internet and I'm what I call "an ethical SEO".
Ethical because I believe (even if this could be a little naive) in the primary task of Google: providing relevant search results to the internet user.
Un-ethical is to use well known Google no-no tricks. The spamming stuff... redirect doorway pages, hidden links, hidden anything, keyword spamming and so on.
But using spamming and sell these techniques to it's own customers is in my eyes beyond all limits.
I'm not used to post in these forums... my english is too poor.
Why am I mad?
A dutch (Netherlands) so called SEO firm has tricked its clients by promising them high Google rankings. These clients sites have indeed high SERP... But each homepage of their clients is stuffed with hidden links. I mean mucho hidden stuff.
Result: a happy client... but a mis-informed and deceived client.
I have never replied on any thread about spamming. Each one has his own views on ethics. And I never would have thought I would start one about this topic. I don't think writing this down makes me a frustrated SEO'er :-)
These clients paid some hard cash for the promise or garantuee of high positioning in Google rankings. They do... for now... This is for me un-ethical enough...
Sorry for the preaching :-)
deceitfull seo's are creating a bad reputation for the genuine ones like your self. their time will come. just sit back and keep it legit.
Good post - Your english is not "too poor."
If you know of companies whose sites have been corrupted using these techniques, it would be an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to them and say, "If you ever need any help cleaning up your site, please call." Some will ask why you contacted them... And then you can explain it.
An excellent opportunity for a low-pressure sale...
Jim
Actually, I'd never take advantage of a desperate new client this way - Regular fee schedule would apply. However, I wouldn't hesitate to ask for referrals! ;)
Long-term view - SEO and customer relations.
Jim
I'd think twice before doing that. You might end up being under suspicion of reporting their sites.
I'd think twice before doing that. You might end up being under suspicion of reporting their sites.
Yea, so?
Well, I'm not saying you should or shouldn't report spammy sites. All I'm saying is if you cold call someone who's all happy cause his site is number 1 in the SERPs and say, "Hi, I noticed your site is spammy because you have satan for a SEO and your busines is going down in flames ... Oh, and by the way, when it does, and you're sitting in SERP Hell, you can hire me to fix it for you."
Then a few weeks down the road, when the site does get wacked, and "Mr. Happy" is now "Mr. Killsomebody" and while he's complaining to SEO Satan, he mentions that you said this would happen. SEO Satan is gonna tell him you're the guy that probably reported his site and that you're the real enemy.
So now you don't get the job plus you got two enemies. It's bad Karma.
Call me paranoid...it was just a thought ;)
Even if the client doesn't hire Good-SEO, the impression Good-SEO left will be powerful. So when Mr. Client ultimately transforms into Mr. Killsomebody...he will think of of Good-SEO in positive terms. When it is time to fix the blunders, there is a good chance Mr. (or Ms.) Good-SEO will get the call.
I would write to them and say:
Dear site owner,
I am writing to you in an effort to save your company and your web site from what is likely to produce problems for you in the future.
Whomever is currently producing your web site or is involved with SEO (search engine optimization) for your site, is using tactics which are strictly forbidden by Google and may possibly get your site penalized or banned from that search engine. Your competition (if aware) may report your site to Google or Google's spam filters may pick up the infractions on their own.
Once your site is banned, you may as well start all over again with a new webmaster, new SEO specialist and a new URL.
I hate to see anyone spend good money, only to see it washed down the drain, through no fault of their own. Currently, and although you may not be able to see it or know how to look for it, your site is using (choose your infraction) hidden text, hidden links, doorway pages, redirects which are strictly forbidden by Google.
You may investigate what Google has to say about Search Engine Optimization firms here: [google.com...]
I'm terribly sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but to avoid being penalized or banned, you should have these infractions removed from your site a.s.a.p.
We are an SEO firm and can help you. However, if you'd like, I would be happy to provide you with the names of a half dozen other reputable SEO firms who would also be able to help you.
If I can be of service, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Perhaps some of you feel that this sort of thing is the problem of the individual site owner ... I do not! People pay good money to have their site built and then pay again to have them optimized.
Site owners hire professionals without knowing that some of these "so called" pros are only in it for the short haul and the quick buck. They are nothing more than scam artists. As a site owner, I would be very happy to be notified and I would also be darned sure I reported this sort of thing to all their other customers!
