Watch Out For These Common Internet Marketing Scams

Unfortunately, there isn’t a month that goes by that I don’t talk to a client about common marketing scams that exist online. Whether it is received through your website contact form (most common), email or even by phone, protecting yourself from these common marketing scams can save you a huge headache. Here are 4 of the most common ones that seem to be recurring:

  1. Domain SEO Service

If you receive an unsolicited piece of mail listing your domain with a heading, “EXPIRATION OFFER NOTICE” or something like that and also mentions, “SEO REGISTATION” this is a scam and not something that you need.

Why is this a scam? You do not need to submit your domain to search engines. Additionally, this makes it appear that your domain is expiring. If you don’t remember who your domain is registered with, simply go to: https://whois.net and type it in. It will tell you your domain registrar as well as reference your domain renewal date. Not sure? Forward us a copy of the mail you received and we’ll help you out.

  1. Domain Renewal Scam

While this sounds like the first one, it is entirely different. When your domain is nearing its expiration (or not sometimes) you may receive a letter telling you to renew now! While this letter may be legitimate, it is always best to verify who your domain is registered with currently before filling out the renewal. Use the same tool: https://whois.net to verify your domain.

Why is this a scam? You do not want to transfer your domain away from where it is at. Doing so can interrupt your email and website as well as ruin your SEO. It is possible this new registrar will hold your domain name hostage too unless you pay them a fee to release it.

  1. Guest Blogging – “I’d like to share an article with you.”

If you receive an unsolicited email asking you to post an article written by someone you don’t know because they feel it is related to your website, this is completely self-serving. They’re looking for a link from your site.

Why is this a scam? Adding links to your website that go to off-page sources such as their website only benefit them. This takes away some of your page authority and sends it to them which can adversely impact your SEO. It is also highly unlikely that this blog will generate traffic on your website or that your audience would be interested in what their article is about.

  1. “I Visited Your Website and You’re not On Google” Email

Be wary of anyone saying they visited your website and have some suggestions or claim that you’re not listed in Google.

Why is this a scam? No reputable companies are searching the internet looking for websites that are not ranking well – in fact, if they found you online, then you’re probably doing okay! Additionally, insurance is the single most competitive keyword on the internet, so unless they understand insurance in the United States, how do you think they are going to help you?

The internet is full of scams. Your internet presence is critically important to your livelihood so don’t risk it by assuming someone is trying to help you out. If something doesn’t feel right, simply reach out to us to review it.