--- title: 5 Warning Signs to Spot an SEO Snake in the Grass description: How to know when you are being sold SEO snake oil. Black hat SEO practices might have fast results, but they will cost you dearly in the long run image: https://insights.firesidedigital.co/hs-fs/file-52432568-jpg/images/black_hat_seo.jpg --- # 5 Warning Signs to Spot an SEO Snake in the Grass Published by [Drew Himel](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/author/drew-himel) on May 29, 2013 at 10:49 AM ## Are You Dealing with a Snake Oil Salesman? **![Black hat seo](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/hs-fs/file-52432568-jpg/images/black_hat_seo.jpg?width=208&height=130&name=black_hat_seo.jpg)Beware of Black Hat SEO** There are many ways and means for achieving top Google rankings; an entire industry is out there devoted to helping you with search engine optimization. However, not all SEO specialists are the same. If they use manipulative, so called black hat SEO methods, you will be paying a much higher price in the longer run, when your site is blocked by Google for bad business practices, though you might initially benefit. **Good SEO Practices = White Hat SEO** There are some consultants who will promise you first page ranking; do not fall for such empty promises. Even if the consultant is able to deliver on his or her promise, it will be a very short-lived one. The constantly [changing aspects of search engine optimization tools](http://blog.pcragency.com/blog/bid/289761/An-Expert-Guide-to-Google-Webmaster-Tools) are such that you have to consistently post new content, engage your audience in meaningful discussions through your blog, and stick to white hat SEO practices. Black hat SEO** **practices will incur the wrath of the Google Webmaster in the long term and get you blocked.  Even if you do the necessary steps to recover, it will cost you dearly. It is your responsibility to ensure that your consultant is one who uses only white hat techniques. **What Promises Would a Snake Oil SEO Consultant Make?** - ***“Why, of course I can get you first page ranking”*** - ***“Trust me – I’m a Google partner”*** - ***“I can guarantee you page ranking results by tomorrow”*** - ***“Client testimonials? I don’t believe I have any….”*** - ***“Quantity trumps quality with search engines”*** What all the above points mean is that there are no shortcuts to SEO and there is no guarantee. A good [search engine optimization consultant](http://pcragency.com/) can increase your visibility on the virtual space; you can devise promotional offers that entice clients to visit and try out your product or service. You can also get more visitors by legitimate web content posted on your blog and on other related forums. Be careful to not use indiscriminate keyword stuffed content; this will also get you blocked. Post only [fresh, original and relevant content](http://blog.pcragency.com/blog/bid/248003/Importance-of-Quality-Content-on-Your-Website) that adds value, and not empty rhetoric. Slowly but steadily, your reputation and your business will grow; the key factor here is that this growth will be a sustainable one and not a flash in the pan. By [Drew Himel](https://plus.google.com/103876065890437869154?rel=author) Tags: [Digital Marketing](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/topic/digital-marketing), [PCR Agency](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/topic/pcr-agency), [SEO](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/topic/seo) [Back to Blog](https://insights.firesidedigital.co) ## Related Articles ## [SMS Strategies to Implement](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/7-must-haves-for-a-strong-brand-community-0) SMS is the future of marketing for eCommerce brands and if you haven’t already, you should... [Read More ](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/7-must-haves-for-a-strong-brand-community-0) ## [How to Implement HubSpot CRM in Your Enterprise Tech Stack](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/how-to-implement-hubspot-crm-in-your-enterprise-tech-stack) You may be familiar with HubSpot’s marketing capabilities, but have you gone down the rabbit hole... [Read More ](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/how-to-implement-hubspot-crm-in-your-enterprise-tech-stack) ## [The Switch to Inbound Marketing](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/blog/bid/278010/The-Switch-to-Inbound-Marketing) As you many of you have seen lately there have been quite a few changes going on within our... [Read More ](https://insights.firesidedigital.co/blog/bid/278010/The-Switch-to-Inbound-Marketing) ## Sound good? Sign up to keep updated with Fireside.