What is SEO?

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the art and science of creating quality online content and experiences that rank well, satisfy searchers, and meet website goals.

Improving SEO may include

• Boosting site loading speed
• Producing high-quality content
• Soliciting positive reviews.

SEO, done well, is the foundation for acquiring readers, leads, conversions, and sales.

Counterfeit SEO

SEO scammers, like money counterfeiters, can destabilize and undermine their targets. Historically, currency counterfeiters were saboteurs, parlaying the fake for the real and leaving a trail of damage in their wake. Similarly, SEO scammers can destroy your rankings, causing you to lose leads and sales.

The good news is, with some training, you can detect SEO scams. One of the best ways to do this is to understand how “real” SEO works. But first, let’s dive in and look at common features of SEO scams.

Common Features of SEO Scams

Of all digital marketing scams, it seems SEO scams are the most prevalent.

Many SEO scams bear these hallmarks.

They Arrive via Cold Emails

SEO scams typically arrive as cold (i.e., unsolicited) emails offering SEO services. These emails often come from @gmail addresses, marking it hard to link the email to an actual business.

If a business is listed, the website is generic and lists no owners, no staff, and often, no address.