Comments on: Wanna Buy a Lemon?

By: Mike Tekula

Mike Tekula — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:29:04 +0000

I know just the sort you’re describing – actually worked with a few of them in the past. Rankings have ZERO inherent value, but it’s tough convincing people of that.

What you say about finding someone trustworthy – and who will be willing to recommend others with specialties – is spot on. In my experience most companies/consultants are hesitant to ever admit that they need to bring someone else on board. But it’s probably the best thing you can hear as a client. It shows the consultant is A) honest and B) trusts his/her network. We are, after all, only as good as our resources.

I certainly appreciate the kind words – I’m not sure I have it exactly right, but I do try to emphasize the need for tracking/analytics in every campaign. Without analytics we’re flying blind.

By: Internet Strategist @GrowMap

Internet Strategist @GrowMap — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:14:26 +0000

At least if an SEO company gets zero results the client MIGHT catch on. The worst are SEOs that get a site ranked for ridiculously obscure search phrases with no traffic. They can show their clients their first page results and most wouldn’t realize those are worthless to them.

Every business needs to seek out someone they can trust – and those they trust MUST be willing to recommend honest, exceptionally talented individuals in every specialty.

There are only so many clients who are a blessing to work with and interested in excellence. They deserve to have us refer them to only the very best. Excellence at SEO requires thoroughly understanding analytics and that is where I feel you have a great advantage over many.

By: Mike Tekula

Mike Tekula — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:31:12 +0000

Not only money left on the table – money sent down the drain. I’ve seen SEO campaigns that were renewing every year, and when I looked into what had happened over the last 12-18 months it was a resounding, “NOTHING.”

So those clients were paying for zero service – when you’re a small business and the budget we’re talking is $5-10k, that amount can be crippling.

By: Internet Strategist @GrowMap

Internet Strategist @GrowMap — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:15:01 +0000

I tell all my friends, family, readers and anyone else who will listen not to hire anyone until they let me check them out first. Even though most people have Internet access very few think to do any research on the person they’re about to hire!

Most businesses truly have no idea what I do for them and usually don’t really want me to explain it so it is no wonder they get burnt. Sometimes it is their fault because they’re cheap and you get what you pay for; however, many get burnt not only by con artists but by honest folks who just don’t know nearly as much as they think they do.

There are only a few really brilliant people and when you can afford it hiring them is the only sensible thing to do. Just think of all the money left on the table by businesses unwilling to hire great SEOs or usability experts or Web designers.

By: Mike Tekula

Mike Tekula — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:16:58 +0000

Couldn’t agree more. I feel for business owners who are too busy to learn new technologies, but at the same time the more readily you throw your hands up and say, “not my area,” the more you’re trusting your service provider to tell you what you need and how it’s working. And I think it takes a particularly well-principled person/company to say, “hey we screwed up,” or, “it’s not working out as well as we hoped.”

Unfortunately, bad service happens frequently – whether by dishonesty or incompetence doesn’t much matter at the end of the day. The only real way to combat it is through education.

Otherwise be ready to pay a few grand for that new flux capacitor.