I cannot believe I was just ‘nearly’ scammed from a cold call targeting pet portrait artists. It has bought me right to my desk to tap out a blog post to warn other artists of this scam. So welcome to my latest business art post entitled – Beware of the Scam Targeting Pet Portrait Artists!
The man in question, claimed to be able to sell me the “number one spot” on Google search results for pet portrait artists. He said his services could guarantee that my website would show up at the very top whenever someone searched for pet portrait artists…. Does that sound feasible to you?
I know that Google rankings aren’t something you can just buy from a random person on the phone. So I have to add.. I wasn’t ‘nearly’ scammed or anywhere near. I have run my website for well over 20 years and have quite a bit of knowledge behind me. BUT not everyone does. Which is why I don’t want you all to fall for any kind of scam like this.
As the conversation went on, it became clear that this was all a bit dubious so I politely declined and he was pretty surprised. I think his words were –
So you don’t want me to drive traffic to your business?
No thankyou.
Why?
For personal reasons.
I just was not going to get into conversation with him. Although maybe I should have to find out how much he did actually know about SEO. I do know that as soon as he put the phone down from me.. he WILL have called another pet portrait artist. I hope that the next pet portrait artist said no too!!
Understanding the Scam: Selling the “Top Spot” on Google
The scam I encountered is one of many SEO-related scams that target small businesses, including artists like us. We have to be aware and be on our guard all of the time. The scammer claimed he could sell me the top spot on Google’s search results for pet portrait artists. This is simply not true. It is impossible. It is a down right lie.
No one, not even professional SEO agencies, can guarantee a top spot on Google. Scammers like this prey on people’s desire for better visibility and they promise the impossible to get your money. The key takeaway here is simple. Google search rankings can’t be bought by just anyone and no legitimate service will ever promise guaranteed rankings.
How Google Rankings Really Work
Google uses a complex, constantly evolving algorithm to determine which websites show up in search results. This algorithm considers factors like:
- The relevance of your website’s content to the search term.
- The quality and originality of your content.
- Your website’s loading speed and mobile-friendliness.
- The number of reputable websites linking to yours (backlinks).
- User engagement, such as how long visitors stay on your site and how they interact with your content.
In short, it’s a combination of factors that no one person or company has complete control over. While SEO experts can help you optimize your website to perform better in search results, no one can manipulate Google’s algorithm to guarantee the top spot.
The Difference Between Organic Search and Paid Ads
Another thing the scammer didn’t mention was the difference between organic search results and paid search results. Organic search results are the ones that appear naturally because Google’s algorithm has determined they are the most relevant and trustworthy. These cannot be bought or sold.
On the other hand, paid search results, like Google Ads, do allow you to bid for visibility. But even then, you’re not buying a guaranteed top spot—you’re entering a bidding competition with other advertisers. And paid ads are clearly marked as such, so they don’t carry the same weight or trust as organic results.
When I search for services on Google—let’s say I’m looking for a plumber to fix my leaking tap (or faucet for my US friends!). I typically see a mix of results. The first few are often ‘Sponsored’ links, which are paid ads. While I might glance at them, I usually focus on the top naturally ranked (organic) websites. This gives me confidence that these businesses have earned their position through factors like good reviews, relevant content, and a solid online presence.
However, I also know that sponsored links can be from businesses that are either new or simply investing in Google Ads to improve visibility. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less legitimate; they might be perfectly trustworthy but still working to establish their organic ranking. By being aware of these differences, I can approach each website with a more informed view, evaluating their credentials to make the best choice.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch Out For
Scammers who offer to boost your website’s ranking often use similar tactics. Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
- Guaranteed results: Anyone who promises to get you the number one spot on Google is lying. No legitimate SEO provider can guarantee specific rankings.
- Unsolicited offers: If someone contacts you out of the blue offering SEO services, especially over the phone, be wary.
- Special connections with Google: Some scammers will claim they have a “partnership” with Google or special access. This is false—Google does not sell ranking positions.
- High-pressure sales tactics: Scammers often push you to make a quick decision and pay upfront. Reputable companies don’t pressure clients like this.
How to Protect Yourself from SEO Scams
To avoid falling victim to these types of scams, follow these tips:
- Work with reputable agencies: If you’re looking for SEO help, do your research. Read reviews, check their track record, and make sure they have a history of ethical practices. Go with recommendations. I am emailed daily with so called specialist SEO experts telling me they can help me with my SEO. I never respond. If I need one, I will go to them, not the other way around.
- Understand SEO is a long game: Legitimate SEO takes time. Anyone promising fast, guaranteed results is likely scamming you.
- Don’t give in to pressure: If someone is pressuring you for immediate payment or a commitment, take a step back. Always research before making any decisions.
- Report scams: In the UK, you can report these types of fraud attempts to Action Fraud. In the US, report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Stay Alert and Informed
The call I received was just one example of a scam that could easily trick someone who isn’t aware of how Google search rankings work. As pet portrait artists, many of us run small businesses, and it’s easy to fall for the promise of more visibility. But remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay vigilant, do your research, and never give your money to someone making impossible promises. Share this warning with other artists so that we can all protect ourselves from these deceptive tactics.
Beware of the Scam Targeting Pet Portrait Artists
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about my latest ‘Beware of the Scam Targeting Pet Portrait Artists’ blog post. Please feel free to read some of my other business posts. Perhaps if you have landed here you might be interested in Google Website Tips for Pet Portrait Artists. If you have any subjects you would like me to write about, or research, comment below! Always love to hear from a fellow artist.
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