The Deceptive World of Web Design & SEO: How to Avoid Bogus Companies
In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence is crucial for business success. However, navigating the world of web design and SEO can be daunting, especially with the prevalence of misleading companies. This article aims to empower you, the business owner, to identify and avoid these bad actors, ensuring your valuable resources are invested wisely.
The Rise of Unethical Practices
It’s a common experience. Unsolicited emails and social media messages promising instant online success. While some may appear legitimate, many originate from companies with questionable tactics. Often, these entities present a facade of a local presence, complete with seemingly Australian staff and glossy marketing campaigns. However, the reality can be quite different.
The Hidden Costs of Offshore Operations:
Unethical web design and SEO agencies frequently outsource work overseas. While this reduces their costs, it often translates to poor quality work, built on pre-made templates and lacking genuine SEO expertise. This “sweat shop” approach prioritises cheap labor over genuine optimisation or creative design.
The Google Ads & SEO Scam
Managing website traffic and achieving high search engine rankings are complex tasks. Capitalising on this, some companies exploit confusion around Google Ads and SEO. They may push “Performance Max” campaigns, which prioritise clicks over targeted audience engagement. This results in wasted advertising spend and minimal, irrelevant website traffic. Performance Max or PM Campaigns as they are known, require little to no maintenance and rely on Google’s algorithm to get it right. It’s fairly well documented across the web, that more often than not, it gets it wrong and delivers undesirable results.
Identifying Red Flags
Here are key indicators to help you identify potentially unethical practices:
Limited Access
Ensure you have “Owner” access to your website and advertising accounts. If the agency restricts access, it should raise concerns.
“Performance Max” Reliance
Professionals rarely use these campaigns due to their limitations and poor results. They are set & forget, relying on Google to place your ads properly.
Offshore Account Management
If your Google Ads Manager’s background suggests they’re located overseas, investigate further. A great way to catch out the crooks is check your Google Account users and do a little stalking. No, you don’t have to be Columbo, but looking up your account managers name can often reveal a whole host of telling information about where they are. A quick Google search often brings up Linkedin profiles, Facebook and more important ‘Freelancer’ profiles.
We have caught out many a rogue operator, just by simply tracking the users. More often than not, the account managers are moonlighting outside of their sweatshop, so will pop up with just a quick Google or Facebook search. Yes, we get asked to review failing Ad accounts all the time and what we see is often quite appalling.
Unresponsive Communication
Delayed responses or an inability to answer basic questions are signs of potential trouble.
Identifying a Reputable Web Developer
Similar to SEO and Ads, request full access to your website’s backend. Look for signs of custom development and ongoing maintenance by a local team.
The Importance of Local Support
Working with a reputable local agency offers numerous benefits. They understand your target audience, can tailor strategies accordingly, and are readily available for clear communication and support.
Conclusion
By understanding the tactics of unethical operators and recognising red flags, you can make informed decisions. Building a strong online presence requires a strategic approach and collaboration with a trustworthy partner. Remember, investing in genuine expertise will deliver long-term value for your business.
Brag Design, a local agency based in Langwarrin South, is committed to ethical and transparent practices. We offer free consultations to businesses concerned about their online presence. Contact us today!