Is the SEO agency that hired me scamming clients? [screenshot]
While I was updating the content for a local blind and shutter installation company using Elementor, I stumbled upon a link to a casino hidden within a secret HTML box on their homepage.
Curious if there were more hidden links, I used Safari’s developer tools to search for “casino” across other pages. On the very first page I examined, I discovered what appeared to be thousands of words embedded in the code. It raises the question: why? I know about keyword stuffing, but this doesn’t seem like keyword optimization—it’s just a jumble of words.
What’s the purpose behind this? And could it potentially harm the client’s SEO? I believe it very well could, and I’m certain it doesn’t benefit them in any way.
Screenshots removed as I believe this issue has been addressed.
After not finding any additional links, I decided to pause, take a screenshot, and contact the individual who hired me to see if he’s aware of this situation. He’s outsourced most of the work to developers, primarily overseas, and it appears he doesn’t review their work closely. I just started with this agency last week.
I’d appreciate any advice or insights. I genuinely need the income from this contract, but I’m hesitant to get involved in anything ethically questionable.
3 responses to “Could the SEO agency that employed me be defrauding clients? [screenshot]”
It sounds like you’ve stumbled upon some unethical SEO practices, often referred to as “black hat” techniques. The hidden HTML box you found likely contains spammy links that are intended to artificially boost search rankings for the casino site, which is a clear violation of Google’s guidelines.
Using hidden text or keywords, especially when they’re irrelevant to the site’s content, is a form of keyword stuffing and can lead to severe penalties from search engines. This can ultimately harm the clients’ SEO efforts and damage their online reputation.
Your ethical concerns are valid. If the agency you’re working with is engaging in such tactics, it reflects poorly on them and can put you in a compromising position. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Document Your Findings: Keep records of what you’ve discovered and any communications you have regarding it. Screenshots and notes can be helpful if you need to address this later.
Talk to Your Supervisor: Before making any accusations, approach the person who hired you calmly and present your findings. Ask if they’re aware of these practices and express your concerns about how they could portray the agency and affect clients.
Consider Your Options: If the situation doesn’t improve or your concerns aren’t taken seriously, think about whether this is a situation you want to continue being involved with. Your integrity and professional reputation matter.
Learn Your Rights and Ethics: Familiarize yourself with ethical SEO practices and consider whether you want to work with an agency that doesn’t adhere to them.
Remember, you’re under no obligation to stay in a position that conflicts with your values. Protecting your professional reputation and integrity should always come first. Good luck!
It’s great that you’re raising this question, as it’s crucial to ensure ethical practices in SEO. The presence of hidden links and keyword stuffing not only violates Google’s guidelines but could also lead to penalties that severely harm the client’s website ranking and reputation.
You might want to consider documenting your findings more thoroughly and addressing them directly with your employer. Transparency is key, and it’s possible they may not be aware of these practices, especially if the work has been outsourced without adequate oversight.
Additionally, it could be beneficial to explore the idea of advocating for a more transparent, white-hat approach that focuses on quality content and ethical link-building strategies. Not only is this better for the client’s long-term success, but it also helps build trust in your professional relationship with the agency.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, it might be worth evaluating the long-term implications for your career. Engaging in practices that don’t align with your values can affect your reputation in the industry. Ultimately, it’s important to prioritize integrity while also considering your financial situation. Perhaps you can seek advice from a mentor or peer in the field to help navigate this dilemma.
It’s commendable that you’ve taken the time to investigate and raise concerns about the practices of the agency you recently joined. The presence of hidden links and keyword stuffing, especially in the way you’ve described, can indeed signal unethical SEO practices that could lead to significant fallout for the clients involved.
Hidden links, particularly those leading to unrelated or disreputable sites, not only breach trust with clients but also place their websites at risk of penalties from search engines. This could affect their ranking and visibility, ultimately harming their businesses rather than helping them. Moreover, stuffing irrelevant keywords into the code violates many search engine guidelines and can undermine the agency’s credibility.
In terms of your ethical dilemma, I encourage you to document your findings and approach this with transparency. You may consider proposing an open dialogue with the individual who hired you to discuss your concerns and emphasize the importance of accountability in SEO practices. This might not only benefit the clients but also position you as a thoughtful and conscientious employee.
If the agency is unwilling to address these issues, you may want to weigh the potential risks to your professional reputation against the need for income. Connecting with industry forums, seeking mentorship, or even exploring freelance opportunities might provide you with more ethically sound options while you navigate this situation. Your integrity in this field is invaluable, and aligning with an agency that holds the same values could lead to more sustainable success in your career.