Hiring a digital marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business.
But unfortunately….
Not all agencies operate with integrity. These agencies resort to deceptive tactics, such as overcharging clients and delivering low-quality services, to exploit unsuspecting businesses.
Here are some of the most common scams used by these agencies.
1. Shared Web Hosting For Multiple Clients
Some agencies charge businesses for seperate hosting but, in reality, host multiple websites on the same subscription. This results in slower website speeds, frequent downtime, and security vulnerabilities.
How to Avoid This:
- Ask for hosting details and verify if they purchased the plan you asked for.
- Use online tools like Whois Lookup to check server details.
- Insist on direct access to your hosting account.
2. SEO Scam: The Results In “6-Months” Trick
Clients who don’t know what SEO is and how content marketing works often fall victim to this manipulation. Some agencies project SEO as rocket science, making clients believe it’s beyond their understanding. After six months, they make excuses like Google algorithm updates; some even disappear if they have taken the payment upfront.
Unlike social media management in which the deliverables like designs and videos are tangible, SEO implementation and outputs are harder for clients to perceive, making them easier to manipulate.
How to Avoid This:
- Ask them if they have an in-house content writer. (Because these manipulators won’t hire one)
- Ask them how you as a client can track their progress.
- Research standard KPIs related to SEO on YouTube and stay educated.
3. Credentials Blockage
Some agencies retain control over your website, social media, and ad accounts, refusing to share login credentials even after you clear all the pending bills. This leaves businesses locked out of their own assets, making it difficult to switch agencies or take control of their digital presence.
How to Avoid This:
- Ensure all accounts are created under your ownership.
- Request administrator access from the beginning.
- Regularly backup important data and credentials.
4. Selling Unnecessary Services
Agencies often bundle unnecessary services into their packages, charging clients for tools and features they don’t actually need. For example, selling expensive content management systems when a simple WordPress setup would suffice for a small business.
How to Avoid This:
- Research what services your business actually requires.
- Compare packages from multiple agencies before committing.
- Ask for a breakdown of costs and why each service is necessary.
5. Overcharging for Simple Services
Some agencies charge exorbitant fees for basic services like social media management, creation of a google my business account. They capitalize on clients’ lack of technical knowledge to inflate costs unnecessarily.
How to Avoid This:
- Get quotes from multiple agencies for comparison.
- Educate yourself on industry-standard pricing.
- Ask for a detailed invoice to see where your money is going.
Final Thoughts
Not all digital marketing agencies engage in these deceptive practices, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Always do your research, ask the right questions, and maintain control over your digital assets to avoid falling victim to these scams.
If an agency hesitates to provide transparency, it’s a red flag. Choose a digital marketing partner that values integrity and delivers real value for your business. Definitely not the ones who overpromise and underdeliver.