If you own a small business, you’ve probably gotten emails or calls that “alert” you to problems with your website:
“URGENT: Your website has critical SEO errors.”
“Your site has multiple misspellings and broken code.”
Or the classic: “We noticed your Google listing isn’t set up correctly…”
And for a second, your stomach drops. Because you do want more customers to find you online. You do know SEO matters. And you don’t have time to become an SEO expert just to keep up.
Here’s the truth: real SEO isn’t a secret trick, and it’s definitely not something a random stranger can “guarantee” in a week. So let’s break down the most common SEO scams business owners fall for, and what to do instead.
This one is everywhere right now. Someone claims they “ran a scan” and found tons of errors, broken links, misspellings, or “critical issues” on your site… even when everything looks totally fine.
Most of the time, they didn’t actually audit anything. They’re sending mass emails hoping you’ll panic and reply. Sometimes they’ll even attach screenshots that look official, or list “errors” so vague you can’t verify them.
Reality check: every website can produce a scary-looking report if you use the right tool and frame the results dramatically. That doesn’t mean your site is broken.
What to do instead: if you’re concerned, ask for specifics (exact page URLs, exact misspelled words, what tool they used, and what the impact is). Scammers usually disappear when asked for details.
No one can guarantee a #1 ranking, period. Google results change constantly based on location, competition, search intent, and hundreds of other factors. If someone promises guaranteed rankings, they’re either lying, using shady tactics, or planning to rank you for keywords that don’t actually bring customers.
What to do instead: focus on the searches that matter in your area—the keywords real customers use when they’re ready to call, book, or buy.
Let’s make this simple: You should not have to pay someone just to “create” your Google Business Profile.
Creating a Google Business Profile is free. Always has been.
Now—can it be worth paying a professional to optimize it, add the right categories, write a strong description, upload great photos, set up services, build a review strategy, and keep it updated? Absolutely. That’s real marketing work.
But if someone’s pitch is basically “Send us money and we’ll set up your Google listing,” like it’s a special paid service that only they can do… that’s a red flag.
What to do instead: set it up for free (or have your trusted partner help as part of a broader strategy), and make sure you retain ownership and admin access.
This used to be a thing… like 15 years ago. Today, blasting your business info across low-quality directories can create messy, inconsistent listings that confuse Google more than they help you.
What to do instead: build accurate, consistent local listings in the places that actually matter, then keep them clean over time. (We do this as part of our Growth plan.)
If someone offers SEO for $99/month and promises quick results, chances are they’re buying spammy backlinks or using shortcuts that can hurt you long-term. It might look like progress for a month… and then your rankings tank.
What to do instead: invest in steady, legitimate improvements that build real authority and trust.
Here’s what most business owners actually want: to show up more often when local customers search, and to feel confident that what’s being done is legit.
That’s exactly what the Modular Orange Growth Plan is built for.
Instead of gimmicks, it focuses on the fundamentals that move the needle:
On-site SEO improvements that help Google quickly understand what you do and where you do it
AI indexing so AI search engines like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini can start recommending your business to customers
Local visibility support so you show up better in map results and “near me” searches
Google Business Profile guidance to make sure it’s set up right and working for you (without getting scammed into paying just to “create it”)
Ongoing updates and strategy so your site doesn’t get left behind while competitors keep improving
And the best part? You don’t have to chase freelancers, decipher SEO jargon, or wonder if someone is doing something sketchy behind the scenes. It’s a clear plan with real work happening consistently to make your business easier to find online.
If you’ve been burned by an SEO “expert” before, or you’re just tired of the spammy emails or calls, this is your sign to take a smarter route. Want to become more visible to the customers already searching for you? The Growth Plan is made for that. Get in touch with us today to learn more!