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Went Hot: August 15, 2008 - 3:44 am
Posted By: seosurvivor 97 days ago
Topic Type: News Story (Jump to http://www.seroundtable.com)
Category: SEM Industry
Back in June, you read the story about the Most Dependable awards being given to SEOs and Web Design companies, amongst others.
In short, a company named Goldline Research calls you, telling you that they create an "editorial" page in a popular magazine, like Entrepreneur magazine and others. The page will highlight your company as the most dependable in your niche and region.
Yesterday, we were told by Miguel Salcido of eVisibility, an SEO company I respect, that they fell for it. Miguel told us and updated the HighRankings Forum thread, saying he just received a bill from Goldline Research for the amount of $5,500! He had no idea he was going to receive a bill for it and was shocked to see it. In fact, he was embarrassed they fell for it. He said...
8 Comments
Comments
Whether this is actually a scam or not may be a matter of perspective. I've been approached more than once in the 11 years we've been in business w/similar schemes. Once a firm wanted to do a video about our company that would run on CNN during business shows; the segment would be hosted by Lou Gossett Jr! However, we had to pay for the costs which--I believe--came to about $10K. (They were up front about it, after the 20 min. pitch.)
However, I have a friend who creates "Best of Portland/Miami/etc." shows for Fox that highlight shopping, eating and entertainment in a city. She makes her money by the fees paid by the companies featured. If anyone thinks that these companies didn't pay to get "best of" compared to the equally good store/restaurant/theater next door, then I feel they're being a little naive.
Now, if a company doesn't TELL you that they're going to charge you, well, that's just dishonest.
I agree, it is about being upfront. Goldline Research did tell me, when I asked, that there was a fee. But I asked. I think Miguel might not have asked?
Yup, they called us. I told him we don't need to pay to advertise after wasting a little time. They are very slick when they call. I turned it into MY interviewing him about HIS credentials to evaluate US.
The initial "interview" was being done by a guy who came from the financial sector and knew NOTHING about SEO.
We pressed delete.
@aimclear... Sherpa was the same way when they started and they don't interview clients, GoldLine does. Talking to clients about the vendor and their "dependibility" is more liable to unearth what they really do. SEO's say one thing and do another.... seen that more times then not.
To me the discussion of this is just the usual "national enquirer" nonsense the industry has become because of linkbait. This kind of advertising is not new or innovative. But then you'd have to actually know about marketing to know that. I question if anyone in this biz less then 10 years actually understands that concept. Does anyone really think someone doesn't pay JDPowers for the car awards you see on TV. You also have to look no further than the RE section of your local paper to see this is a common advertising practice common to most "big $ industries". So... this could have been a big deal for the industry but instead of accentuating the positive lets show our true colors and slag the people doing it. Is it any wonder why we have a reputation problem?
Yes I work for one of the companies listed and I could care less if we paid or not... The important thing for us in our quest to land bigger more lucrative clients is the exposure. I just think this is the usual whining about paid anything amongst those that can't do so they whine about others doing it! Who cares the whole industry is being showcased... I remember when we would have rejoiced at being included paid or not!!
No they were not. They never charged companies. If they did, I sure never heard about it.
Jill, Correct but I was addressing this:
The initial "interview" was being done by a guy who came from the financial sector and knew NOTHING about SEO."
The guy who interviewed me for Sherpa didn't know SeoPros was an Org and didn't qualify for inclusion for that reason alone regardless of anything else. In fact the "interviewer"admitted to not being an SEO and added "it isn't rocket science". Which demonstarted both the knowledge of the interviewer and the respect by the publication for those who are SEOs. Did I blab that all over the place. No that happened during the inaugral and I didn't see the point in "bad mouthing" something that was good for the industry even though I thought it was complete BS! There was nothing to be gained other than my approval from those who thought the same way... personally I put the industry before myself because in the end that puts more money in my pocket as the industry improves its intergity and reputation. Unfortunately most in this industry would pimp the industry for a few links to their blog!
If you think that this most dependable paid fake article is good for the industry, WebmasterT, then we will most certainly have to agree to disagree.
I'm so THRILLED that the Opthamologist I chose to go to had the Goldline Research seal. I was very impressed with it, at first, then decided to do some research. I still chose the same Opthamologist because he has been practicing Lacik surgery for 20 years, is certified and has many years in the opthamologic field.
I just hope he doesn't screw up my eyes! I'd REALLLLY like to be able to see my granddaughter and grandson graduate from school, get married, get to see my first great grandbaby! :)
Thanks for this website!