Scammed by an ‘SEO Expert’: The Importance of Vetting Digital Marketers

digital marketers

My friend Eric Skeldon paid $7,500 to an ‘SEO expert’ to have some SEO work done.

9 months later, nothing happened– and this guy has disappeared off the face of the Earth.

I tried Googling this guy and can’t find him anywhere.

His website is now just a parked GoDaddy page.

By the way, if their name is two first names, run.

I’m not here to out another scammer (but I might out this guy later).

Rather, I want to make one point.

If you are looking for digital marketers — especially those offering SEO or social media– ensure that they have a strong presence.

When I say this obvious statement, I inevitably trigger SEO and social folks who say they’re so busy with clients they haven’t had time to work on their own.

Or that it’s not necessary for them to practice what they preach.

The obese weight loss coach is in denial.

But you, as a buyer of services, should always Google whoever you’re considering working with, right?

I hire a lot of people and a lot of agencies.

And I like to see evidence of them having actually achieved results instead of plying me with the latest sales tactics from their favorite guru.

If you believe your reputation is important– then you’ll see that SEO, social media, reviews, “personal branding,” and word of mouth are all different forms of reputation.

Do you agree that it’s critical to show up right when people Google you?

A screenshot from the scammer with telltale signs highlighted in red is included above.

Notice he’s using the classic con man trick by saying that he trusts Eric, so he’s willing to do this super special deal to work “full time” on Eric’s project.

And it’s confirmed by the Holy Spirit– further “validation” to get Eric to open his wallet.


Want to hear another story about how SEO agencies are scamming their clients? Check out our post that explains how Andy Davis of Pilot Plumbing & Drain was scammed by an SEO Agency.

Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations. He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications. Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries. Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.