In recent years, we’ve seen some SEO agencies start to offer guaranteed Search Engine Optimisation services or guaranteed results. Typically ,these may look like:
- Guaranteed page one listings
- Guaranteed positions
- Money back or “work for free” guarantees if page one listings aren’t met
These guarantees are of course attractive to business owners, after all – why would you risk investing with an SEO near mk agency when another offers you a money-back guarantee?
Sadly however, these guarantees are often not worth the paper they’re written on, and this article sets out why.
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Google advises against it
Google explicitly states to avoid guaranteed SEO agencies, as detailed here: “If they guarantee you that their changes will give you first place in search results, find someone else.” Hiring an SEO agency who so blatantly go against Google’s recommended guidelines begs the question “what other shady techniques are they using that Google won’t like?” Getting to the top of Google involves adhering to Google’s guidelines and best practices, and anything in blatant violation of this is asking for trouble.
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Your ranking is only as good as your keywords
Getting a top listing for a popular, competitive keyword phrase, such as “web design Milton Keynes” is of course where you’ll see a huge increase in traffic, and as a result, leads. Of course, the more popular a keyword phrase, the more challenging it is to get to the top. On the other hand, getting a page one listing for a long, obscure keyword phrase such as “Milton keynes website design company specialising in websites for undertakers” really isn’t too challenging, making it fairly easy to land on the first page of Google. Yes, you may be on page one, but your traffic numbers for such a niche phrase will be so low that it really won’t bring any additional traffic for your business. However, the SEO agency will have honoured their agreement of getting you on the first page, most likely at a high cost to you.
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The agency may be using dodgy link farms
It may be that the SEO agency has set up a number of their own websites in order to create backlinks to your website and artificially inflate your domain authority. The problem with this of course, is not only is this known as ‘black hat’ and is frowned upon by Google, but should you ever cancel your SEO contract you may find the agency removes all the backlinks and trashes the rankings that had been built up.
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There is no such thing as a special relationship with Google
Google state on their website “Beware of SEOs that claim to guarantee rankings, allege a “special relationship” with Google, or advertise a “priority submit” to Google. There is no priority submit for Google. ” Even Google Partner status does not give an agency any sort of priority access to Google. Any company that claims they have special or unique access or tools that trigger faster submissions are full of air.
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Reputable companies don’t make desperate promises
Any reputable SEO agency doesn’t need to reinforce their message with a desperate plee; their promise is backed up by solid case studies and tangible results. When choosing an SEO agency, look for examples of past work to help make your decision rather than a promise that sounds too good to be true.
FAQs
1. Are guaranteed SEO results a reliable sign of a good agency?
No. Google advises against agencies that promise guaranteed rankings, as these claims often involve risky or non-compliant techniques that could harm your website in the long run.
2. Why do some agencies guarantee page one rankings for my website?
Agencies may guarantee rankings on obscure or long-tail keywords that are easy to rank for. While they technically meet their promise, such keywords often drive very little traffic to your site.
3. Can SEO agencies manipulate rankings using “link farms”?
Yes. Some agencies may artificially boost your rankings using networks of low-quality backlinks. This is considered “black hat” SEO and can be removed later, causing your rankings to drop.
4. Does having a Google Partner status or a “special relationship” with Google improve rankings?
No. There is no special access or priority submission to Google. Any agency claiming this is misleading potential clients.
5. How should I choose a reputable SEO agency?
Look for agencies with proven case studies and tangible results rather than empty guarantees. A trustworthy agency focuses on long-term growth and follows Google’s best practices.
