SEO BLOG

It would be a wonderful world if we didn’t need to address this but it is what it is.  When the world faces a challenge, there are always unscrupulous people who use this to their advantage.  Whether it’s making fast cash or nabbing intellectual and physical properties, be cautious during this time that you don’t fall for a coronavirus scam.

Most products or services are being given for free or at massively reduced rates directly from the source, such as charitable and disaster organizations or branded companies.  Avoid third party communications (emails, ads, calls) and try to deal with the legitimate companies themselves.  Check URLs for spammy words or misdirection and always head straight to the official company site instead of through links or strangely worded ads.  Remember to never give out your social security number or banking and card information – no organization will need them.  The only time you would use your banking or card information is if you are making a direct purchase online.

If you feel that someone is trying to gather inappropriate information or is harassing you, disconnect or cease communication and contact your local or federal authorities (non-emergency).

In the case of business, you get what you pay for.  Due to the confusion and loss happening during this coronavirus pandemic, some people will be advertising that they can market your business for an insanely low price.  This is a red flag.  Legitimate digital marketing firms simply can’t run all of the marketing processes required for your strategy for next to nothing.  There is hardworking staff to pay – staff who spend the time creating authentic, thoughtful content or using legal methods of promotion.  Any company claiming to “do it all” for mere pennies is likely using spam methods which can get your website banned by Google or even cause customers to distrust your brand.

This is NOT worth saving a few bucks.  Trying to come back from being banned is like challenging death itself.  You do not need the name of your company dragged through the mud or to lose your customer base because you are viewed poorly and possibly as a spam company.

Another thing to keep in mind is that SEO or digital marketing strategies are a long-term game.  Nothing about them happens overnight.  This is a strategy with many cogs that takes weeks, months and years to build, implement and maintain successfully.  Anyone promising a “quick turnaround”, “instant results”, “practically overnight” or “be the top spot on Google in a few days” is running a scam.  Either they plan on taking your money and running or they are using spam bots and methods that are considered a major no-no with Google and the internet gods.  Tread carefully.

Be careful with whom you choose to do business.  Check references, reviews and with the Better Business Bureau before you hire a marketing firm.  Get them on the phone (or in person when quarantine lifts) and grill them.  How will they help you?  Can you monitor them in real time?  What specific strategies are they implementing?  Any company that can’t answer a marketing question or is not willing to be transparent with you is not the firm for you.  Move on.

You will pay more, sure, but you will have things done correctly and benefit from a solid foundation that will reap rewards for years to come.  Avoid the coronavirus scams and use a legitimate marketing firm.