SEO Ethics

[Xebekn]

There are many different types of SEO and many different sub-types, as I'm sure we all know. My business deals with local SEO & therefore, I deal with actual local companies so this post is geared more toward ethical questions in that arena.

One question I've been struggling with is whether to start using backlink services or not. I represent my clients and if they are penalized or, worst case scenario, de-indexed, this is my fault and I am liable morally and legally.

I'm curious as to the thoughts of the WF community on this issue and paid for SEO services in general. I am fairly certain that, over time, I can rank on the first page consistently however, how my sales process is structured currently, I offer a 3 month trial at a reduced price. It's up to me in that 3 month period to make a case for my full price. As you can see, it is in my best interest to rank as quickly as possible. I am under the impression SEO services could possibly help me in this endeavor but I'm just not sure how I feel about using a service that, apparently, Google "frowns" upon. I know that the SEO industry runs mostly counter to ethics as you're trying to game a system, which is questionable ethicly in the first place, but just humor me. Your thoughts?

P.S. Also, maybe the community could post some suggestions on other techniques, that aren't as ethically questionable, to rank quicker that maybe I haven't heard of yet.

Thanks.

[jonnyhardbaked]

Seems like you know how to make a site ranked. But you must be aware of the Google Webmaster guidelines.

If you're just worrying of getting penalized, then you must read the guidelines before doing something and you'll definitely on the right track.

[paulgl]

Local SEO is not geared for normal types of SEO.

Google maps, yellow pages, yelp, etc. are your best bet.

That's what's most likely to show when anyone does a search for
a local company, and even if they don't, they are shown local businesses
anyway for searches that warrant a local business. Like plumbers, cars,
painters, dentists, barbers, etc.

So buying SEO services is kind of moot.

I'd buy local newspaper advertising before I bought any backlink
packages.

Concentrate on google local/maps, and then there is no such thing as
de-indexed, penalty, etc. You don't even need a website.

Unless someone tells someone that you are no longer in business.
People have recently discovered a loophole that google is trying to fix.

Paul

[Xebekn]

Originally Posted by paulgl

Local SEO is not geared for normal types of SEO.

Google maps, yellow pages, yelp, etc. are your best bet.

That's what's most likely to show when anyone does a search for
a local company, and even if they don't, they are shown local businesses
anyway for searches that warrant a local business. Like plumbers, cars,
painters, dentists, barbers, etc.

So buying SEO services is kind of moot.

I'd buy local newspaper advertising before I bought any backlink
packages.

Concentrate on google local/maps, and then there is no such thing as
de-indexed, penalty, etc. You don't even need a website.

Unless someone tells someone that you are no longer in business.
People have recently discovered a loophole that google is trying to fix.

Paul

Most organic SERP's that are generated with a geographical modifier (city, state or zip code) well return blended results with Google Places. Where you rank on the blended depends on two factors: your GP ranking as well as your site ranking, hence why the term "blended" is used. Therefore, normal SEO strategies still apply such as backlinking and even more so considering backlinking also works for GP!

Unfortunately, you can still incur penalties on Google Places but I'm not really here to talk about that. I want to know what you guys think about standard issues such as buying backlinks etc.

I also would like to know the best methods for backlinking (guest posting, social bookmarking etc) and how people feel about those ethically. I would think most professional SEO's would like to weigh in on this thread as ethics is a general standard that any profession should wish to have.

[MikeFriedman]

I do local SEO, and I almost never would consider buying any kind of backlinking service.

I don't want a bunch of spun PLR crap on PR n/a or PR 0 sites pointing at my client's site. That is the kind of stuff you will get from most backlinking services.

You can damage a client's reputation pretty quick with that sort of stuff.

[kkchoon]

Originally Posted by MikeFriedman

I do local SEO, and I almost never would consider buying any kind of backlinking service.

I don't want a bunch of spun PLR crap on PR n/a or PR 0 sites pointing at my client's site. That is the kind of stuff you will get from most backlinking services.

You can damage a client's reputation pretty quick with that sort of stuff.

Can you share how you create backlinks and rank your client site? I'm surprise someone in SEO would say such thing, you must have some very good white hat technique, if you could share would be great!

[SimpleSEOTips]

Not wishing to hijack the question to Mike but from my own experience I have found a useful approach to building (non-spammy) backlinks for local businesses is to really analyze the top 10 ranked competitors. Look to see where they have gained inbound links and see if you can pick up some of these also.
Find local directories or directories which are specific to your clients business niche and look to get listed in these too.
This approach should allow you to bring targeted traffic to your clients site as well as improving its search engine ranking too.

[Xebekn]

What are most people using to build links? Blog guest commenting?

[domaining]

I recommend that you stick with white hat seo for long term stability.

Avoid automation and questionable tricks like purchasing links.

I would follow the google webmaster guidelines mate!