Google Called Me?
Nothing is more maddening than hearing from one of our web clients that someone claiming to be from Google has called them about improving their web page ranking. Just today one of our clients got a caller who said he was from Google. Usually the caller from "Google" says there is some kind of problem with your web page that they can help with. Trust me when I say that Google does not make these types of calls. If you are an Adwords customer, you may expect a call to help you use new and updated features better, but those are usually proceeded by a communication from a trusted email address or within your actual Adwords account.
Who Am I?
I operate the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) firm Handmade4you.com which has been in business since 1999. We handle everything including large national eCommerce sites as well as smaller local sites, say for the plumber next door.
But I Want Higher Ranking on Google!
A lot of changes have happened in how Google indexes content on the web in the past two years, which have left many people desperate. Beware of firms that promise first page results (no one can). Chances are they will try to sell you on "tricks" or "fixes." The days of those types of tactics are long gone. Today, getting ranking is like anything else, it takes continuing hard work.
Do You Really Need a Web Page?
Because of the changes in how Google works, we now talk many clients out of getting their own web page if we believe a focus on using existing social networking platforms would produce better results (as in many cases it does).
How To See If The Call Is On The Level
Here is one way to see if the person calling you is on the level:
First, don't do any talking or negotiating with them. Tell them the person they need to talk to will have to call them back and take a message.
This phone number was 1-800-259-5548 from "Scout." A simple search on the web revealed the company to be ScoutSEM.com. So beware of working with this "ScoutSEM" company that is using fraudulent telemarketing to sell its services.
This is the company that fraudulently informed one of our clients that they were calling from "Google."
As a reputable firm, we have never resulted to these type of tactics, in fact, reputable firms won't come looking for you. Reputable SEO firms like ours are busy with their happy clients. That is why finding a good SEO company usually is best done by asking your business contacts who they recommend.
I am sure this company will change their tactics when they see this blog so the following method of vetting may not be foolproof for long - but it is a good start.
If you get a call like this, get a return phone number and "Google it." when you find that the firm is not Google - leave a comment here to report them so that others can find this and help stop these deceptive practices.
Advice
Our advice - If you need help with your web ranking be very careful of wild, unrealistic promises. Contact us at Handmade4you.com 🙂
Update July 23, 2014. I just got an automated call saying it was from "Google" (it was not). Offering me a "front page position that just opened up." Ha! Don't be a sucker! Beware the false, misleading, fraudulent calls from (617) 752-2951.
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