Beware of Unscrupulous Characters

Have you had a call from someone telling you your website has been blacklisted by Google?

Unscrupulous people give us all a bad name. Because the internet can be the Wild West.

Let’s bust some myths and talk about how to keep your website safe and sound.

The “Google Penalty” myth

This one turns up a lot, especially in comments on your site. “Oh no! Google’s penalizing you!” Hold up – it may look scary but it’s probably not true. No 3rd party can tell you, you have penalities. These only show to the owner via webmaster console. But don’t take my word for it – here’s what you can do:

• Head over to Google Webmaster Tools.
• Log in and take a look around.
• If there’s really a problem, Google will let you know right there.

The Truth About Blacklisting

Here’s the thing: nobody knows exactly why Google blacklists sites. Sure, if you’re doing some shady SEO stuff (we call that “black hat SEO”), you might get in trouble. But sometimes, even good sites get caught in the crossfire. It’s a mystery!

Beware of SEO Scams

Now, let’s talk about those folks trying to sell you SEO services. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Anyone promising “first page of Google” results. That’s like promising you’ll win the lottery!
• Companies that only talk about building links. SEO is way more than just links these days.
• If it sounds too good to be true… well, you know the rest.

Trust Your Gut

When you’re talking to SEO companies, trust your instincts. The good ones will ask you questions about your business and really try to understand what you need. They’re not just trying to make a quick buck.

Educate Yourself

It’s always a good idea to learn a bit about SEO yourself. Check out the Moz blog – they’ve got great info on how to hire an SEO company and what to look out for.

Watch Out for Other Scams

While we’re at it, be careful of emails saying your domain is expiring or that someone in China wants to register your brand name. These are often just tricks to get you to spend money.Remember, the internet can be a tricky place, but with a little knowledge and some common sense, you can keep your website safe and growing.

Stay savvy out there!