One. More. Time.
No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google.
Beware of SEOs that claim to guarantee rankings, allege a “special relationship” with Google, or advertise a “priority submit” to Google. There is no priority submit for Google. In fact, the only way to submit a site to Google directly is through our Add URL page or by submitting a Sitemap and you can do this yourself at no cost whatsoever.
You might think that this horse has been sufficiently beaten. Unfortunately, I still see ad copy and landing pages from law firm SEO companies that contain this promise. Let’s wade through the iron pyrite.
First, think about the huge problems that Google would face if it could be proven that they were giving some companies special treatment in search results.
Second, rankings don’t equate with business. You can rank #1 for a query that no one is using. You can rank #1 for a query that people use, but is irrelevant to your law firm. You can rank #1 for a query that generates thousands of visitors that don’t become clients.
Third, regardless of perceived performance, companies that sell on guaranteed rankings are lying to you. If they’re willing to lie to you to get your business, do you really want them marketing your law practice? Do you think they will hesitate to break legal ethics rules? Do you think they even know about them?
Guaranteed rankings feel warm and fuzzy. But they’re an illusion. They’re the truest form of SEO snake oil.
Finally, you’ll likely see something like this floating around the web:
People who don’t guarantee rankings can’t get results.
It’s a lie. Don’t fall for it.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m sure there are plenty of examples of SEO companies that pitch guaranteed rankings are actually delivering meaningful results to some clients. Unscrupulous marketing messaging and results are not mutually exclusive. Again, my main point here is that they’re lying to you. There’s simply no way around it.
Oh and while I’m here, don’t put too much stock in this idea of award-winning or #1 SEO company. Seems there’s been an increase in these ads too. What award? #1 by what criteria? I have yet to see a truly merit-based law firm SEO award. In fact, most of the SEO companies I’m familiar with would resist the scrutiny required to actually make such a merit-based assessment.
If you’re considering internet marketing help, ask a lot of questions. Ask people you trust. Ask for examples and success stories. Ask about how success will be measured. Ask how long it will take. Ask them specifically what they’ll do and their rationale for doing it.
Don’t buy Guaranteed Rankings from World’s #1 Award-Winning Internet Marketing Company!
You’re smarter than that… I think…
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