🕵️ Some Interesting Things

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I had a topic for today, but then I came across a few interesting things this morning that I want to share with you.

So, we’ll run with that instead.

More on that in a moment.

But first, I’ve got one sponsor today. So, check ‘em out for a chance at some monies!

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Things To Know + Grifters

I know that most of us aren’t really worried about ranking sites in Google these days.

But I still think it’s worth paying some attention to what’s going on there.

So, when I saw that Glenn Gabe published a deep dive on the topic of if site-wide classifiers exist, then I knew it was going to be a good read.

It’s a bit of a long read, and really just confirms what we all knew to be the truth (despite Google saying otherwise), but check it out here.

There’s also a new newsletter that you might be interested in.

Earlier today I saw Craig Dewart announcing his new newsletter for agency owners. Even if you’re not an agency owner, I think you may find it interesting from an entrepreneur perspective.

I mean, there’s only one real update so far, so things could go south fast, but probably not?

So, I think I discovered a double grift.

There’s a local SEO guy I’ve been watching with interest for a few months now. I got a hinky feeling from him the first time I saw him appear on my timeline.

Turns out that feeling was spot on.

Today, one of this guy’s “clients” shared a screenshot of a monthly report sent by him/his agency.

It included the name of the local business and the titles of the five “high-quality backlinks to strengthen your site's authority and drive relevant traffic."

Oh boy.

They’re all PBN links. And the worst kind of PBN links - from sites that have a zillion categories.

I didn’t look, but these are likely PBNs with casino links other shady stuff.

Often with PBNs, people ask “but do they work?'“ and yes, the client site is growing…for now.

But it’s just not a good idea to hit client sites with PBN links. This is someone’s real livelihood.

I was thinking that when those links hurt the site, this shady dude will likely be long gone.

Anyways, this client was excitedly recommending the agency while not even realizing what a steaming pile of shit they had paid for.

Normally, this is where the story would end.

While the PBN links are real, I’m not so sure the “client” and his testimonial are.

Yes, the local business does exist and the guy who I saw tweeting about it is the real owner.

BUT….he also sells local SEO.

He could be white labeling it. But it looks like this page has been up all year and the agency guy only started in recent months.

It’s like a grift within a grift.

Guys like this are why SEOs have such a terrible reputation.

Coming up…

Upcoming topics: one of the many things I’m working on: ecommerce, what’s working with websites, running an agency, AI music, Amazon KDP books, and more.

If you have a topic you want covered just reply and let me know.

Stay awesome,

Shawna

P.S. If you’re looking for high level discussions or tips on things like local SEO and Rank & Rent, I highly recommend Jacky Chou’s Advise community. I’ve been in it for several months and there’s tons of value in it, including a SOP for local SEO.

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