Lately, I’ve been hearing from more and more clients who’ve been approached by companies promising to get them on the first page of Google. The pitch sounds impressive, but often it’s vague “optimisation” work with no real transparency or results.
Some of these companies lock people into contracts, charge a monthly fee, and don’t actually deliver. Others offer “free” websites that aren’t really free at all. And then there are the high-end builds with hefty $10K+ price tags where the client can’t even make basic updates themselves.
It’s frustrating - and disheartening - when I see good people taken advantage of.
The web space is filled with opportunity, but unfortunately, it’s also a bit of a wild west. It can be hard to know what’s legitimate, what’s worth the investment, and what’s just clever marketing.
SEO promises and “free” websites – what's real and what's risky?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Guaranteed first-page results, free websites, massive ROI claims - these are big red flags.Ask questions
What exactly are they offering? Is there a contract? Can you see examples of results for other clients?Check ownership and access
Will you own your website? Can you log in, make updates, and access your website, your analytics? If not, that’s a problem.Be wary of pressure tactics
If someone’s pushing you to sign quickly or making you feel like you’ll miss out if you don’t commit right away, take a step back. You always have time to think.Talk to someone you trust
Whether it’s your web developer, a business mentor, or a savvy friend - run it past someone who can give you a second opinion.
Got a weird pitch? Let’s chat before you commit
If you ever get a pitch and you're not sure what to make of it, just flick me a message. I’d much rather help you figure it out than see you stuck with something that’s not right for your business. No pressure, no sales pitch - just a genuine conversation.
Are shortcuts and shiny promises any different in 2025?
Back in 2017, I wrote this article on SEO and ranking in Google. Has much changed in 2025? In some ways, yes - there are new platforms and strategies - but the core issue remains the same: there will always be people selling shortcuts and shiny promises. And there will always be value in working with someone who cares about your long-term success, not just a quick sale.
Your website should feel like a tool that supports you, not something you're locked out of or worried about. Trust your gut, take your time, and never be afraid to ask questions.