SEO Snake Oil: Why Most 'Experts' Overcharge for Basic Optimisation

The SEO Conspiracy: Are You Paying Too Much for Simple Fixes?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is often shrouded in mystery, with so-called "experts" making it seem like a dark art that only they can master. As a result, small businesses end up paying outrageous fees for services that should be simple and affordable.

At The Digital Conspiracy, we believe in cutting through the jargon and exposing the truth about SEO pricing. Let’s uncover the biggest SEO scams and what you actually need to get your website ranking.

1. The "Secret Formula" Myth

Many SEO agencies claim to have a special strategy that will get you to #1 on Google overnight. The reality? There’s no magic formula—Google’s algorithm is publicly documented, and good SEO is about consistent, well-executed best practices.

The Truth: SEO isn’t magic. It’s about doing the right things consistently—like high-quality content, fast page speeds, and mobile-friendly design.

2. The "Pay Us Monthly Forever" Scheme

Some agencies lock you into ongoing SEO contracts that seem to go on forever—with little to show for it. They make minor tweaks each month but keep you paying for years without delivering real, measurable results.

The Truth: While SEO does take time, many foundational optimisations (like speed improvements, keyword targeting, and mobile responsiveness) can be done upfront. Ongoing SEO should focus on content creation and genuine growth, not pointless tweaks.

3. The "Keyword Stuffing" Disaster

Ever seen a page filled with awkwardly placed keywords that make no sense? Some agencies still use outdated tactics like keyword stuffing, thinking it will help rankings. Spoiler alert: It won’t.

The Truth: Google rewards natural, valuable content. If your SEO provider is jamming keywords where they don’t belong, they’re doing more harm than good.

4. The "Backlink Buying" Scam

Some SEO providers promise to get you thousands of backlinks overnight—usually by purchasing links from spammy websites. This is a shortcut to getting penalised by Google.

The Truth: Quality beats quantity. A few high-authority, relevant backlinks will do far more for your rankings than hundreds of dodgy ones.

5. The "Google Ads = SEO" Lie

SEO and Google Ads are not the same thing. Some agencies charge businesses for SEO services but actually just run paid ads to make it look like your site is ranking well.

The Truth: Google Ads can be great for traffic, but they’re not a replacement for organic SEO. A strong SEO strategy should help you rank without ongoing ad spend.

What You Actually Need for Good SEO

🚀 Fast, Mobile-Friendly Website – Google prioritises speed and usability.
📝 High-Quality Content – Regularly updated, valuable content is king.
🔑 Smart Keyword Use – Natural keyword placement in titles, headings, and content.
🔗 Quality Backlinks – Relevant, authoritative sites linking to yours.
📊 Google Business Profile – Essential for local search rankings.

At The Digital Conspiracy we offer transparent, effective SEO without the snake oil pricing. No fluff, no gimmicks—just real results.

🚀 Want SEO that actually works? Contact us today for a free consultation!