Grumpy SEO Guy Podcast: Episode 103 - "Be Careful of This SEO Buyer Scam"
Host: Grumpy SEO Guy
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Podcast Description: Everything learned in 14 years of running an SEO agency. Learn how to get and keep websites at the top of search engines. This podcast equips listeners with more SEO industry knowledge than 99% of SEO professionals.
Introduction
In Episode 103 of Grumpy SEO Guy, titled "Be Careful of This SEO Buyer Scam", the host delves into a prevalent scam within the SEO industry where buyers attempt to exploit SEO providers for free services under the guise of future business commitments. Drawing from his 14 years of experience running an SEO agency, Grumpy SEO Guy provides invaluable insights into identifying and safeguarding against such fraudulent practices.
Disclaimer and Context [00:00]
Before diving into the main topic, Grumpy SEO Guy issues a disclaimer:
“Everything I say here is based on my experience and opinion from 14 years in the industry. I don't officially know how Google or any other search engines work. Everything I say here is hypothetical.” [00:00]
He emphasizes that his advice is experiential and not official guidance, setting the stage for a candid discussion.
Understanding Buyer Scams [02:30]
Grumpy SEO Guy categorizes buyer behavior, influenced by his sales coach, into four key actions:
- Gather Information
- Lie
- Commit to Nothing
- Run and Hide
“Buyers do four things: gather information, they lie, they commit to nothing, and they run and hide. If you've been in sales, you know exactly what I'm talking about.” [10:15]
Though not the primary focus of this episode, understanding these behaviors is crucial for recognizing scam patterns.
Personal Encounter with a Buyer Scam [05:00]
The host recounts a personal experience where a buyer attempted to scam his agency:
“Someone contacted me saying they really liked my product and wanted a free review copy with a promise of significant future business if they were satisfied.” [05:00]
Initially unaware of the scam nature, Grumpy SEO Guy declined the offer, later realizing the malicious intent.
Why This is a Scam [12:45]
Grumpy SEO Guy breaks down why such buyer requests are fraudulent:
- No Genuine Intent to Purchase: The scammer's primary goal is to obtain free SEO services without any real intention of future transactions.
- Volume Exploitation: They may contact multiple SEO providers simultaneously, hoping a few will comply and provide free services.
- Unsustainable for Providers: Unlike large agencies that can afford to give away samples due to high volume, smaller agencies cannot sustain such practices without risking their business integrity.
“They have no intention of buying anything from you ever. They just want free SEO, and they keep doing it with multiple providers.” [15:30]
Host's Response to Scam Attempts [20:10]
Grumpy SEO Guy shares his standard response to such scam attempts:
“We don't offer free work on the promise of future large-scale business. If someone wants to discuss discounts for bulk purchases, we're open to that, but free samples are a hard no.” [20:10]
He advises other SEO professionals to adopt a similar stance, emphasizing the importance of valuing their services appropriately.
The Flawed Logic Behind Free SEO Audits [25:00]
Transitioning to the topic of free SEO audits, Grumpy SEO Guy asserts their ineffectiveness:
“A free audit is basically worthless from an SEO perspective. It won't help you get to the top of the search engines.” [25:00]
He highlights that while some industries can offer free samples due to high volume (e.g., cafes providing free cake slices), SEO agencies, especially smaller ones, cannot afford to give away services without compensation.
Critique of Popular SEO Concepts [35:20]
The host critiques prevailing SEO concepts like EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and HCU (Helpful Content Updates), asserting they are not direct ranking factors:
“EEAT is not a ranking factor. Google itself states that EEAT is not a ranking factor.” [35:20]
He challenges the validity of audits based on these concepts, labeling them as ineffective and distraction from true SEO strategies.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations [50:00]
In concluding the episode, Grumpy SEO Guy reiterates the dangers of buyer scams and the futility of free audits:
“If someone asks for free SEO with a promise of future business, it's a scammer. Don't agree to those conditions.” [50:00]
He advises SEO professionals to remain vigilant, prioritize their service value, and recognize that genuine clients understand and respect the need for paid services.
Conclusion
Episode 103 of Grumpy SEO Guy serves as a crucial warning against buyer scams within the SEO industry. By sharing personal experiences and dissecting common fraudulent tactics, the host equips SEO professionals with the knowledge to identify and avoid such pitfalls. Additionally, his critical perspective on free SEO audits and popular SEO concepts encourages providers to focus on sustainable and effective SEO practices.
For SEO professionals seeking to safeguard their businesses and maintain service integrity, this episode offers practical advice and a no-nonsense approach to navigating buyer interactions.
Notable Quotes:
- “Buyers do four things: gather information, they lie, they commit to nothing, and they run and hide.” [10:15]
- “They have no intention of buying anything from you ever. They just want free SEO, and they keep doing it with multiple providers.” [15:30]
- “We don't offer free work on the promise of future large-scale business. If someone wants to discuss discounts for bulk purchases, we're open to that, but free samples are a hard no.” [20:10]
- “A free audit is basically worthless from an SEO perspective. It won't help you get to the top of the search engines.” [25:00]
- “EEAT is not a ranking factor. Google itself states that EEAT is not a ranking factor.” [35:20]
- “If someone asks for free SEO with a promise of future business, it's a scammer. Don't agree to those conditions.” [50:00]
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