There are many opinions regarding un-solicited E-Mails.
Is It Legal?
By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer meets the definition of a telephone fax machine. By Sec.227(b)(1)(C), it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment, punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500, whichever is greater, for EACH violation.
Some solicitations we’ve seen range from…
- “Your Domain Name Registration is due” (from a company that you DID NOT use to purchase your Domain Name)
- “Your Web site is NOT being seen” (an oldie, but a goodie)
to more subtle (but scary) tactics like…
- “I noticed your site is violating Google’s SEO rules, and you COULD be banned from the listings.”
- “I’m writing to you because I’m here for you, I care...”
Be very careful when you have a company appealing to your “vunerable” side. And in today’s economy, there are many small companies who may feel a just bit “vunerable” in regards to their business.
So what should you do?
- If you have a decent e-mail spam filter, you can report the e-mail address where you received the solicitation from to block it from your mail.
- You can report such companies to the Better Business Bureau.
- You can share such solicitation tactics with leaders in your industry, and other associates in your direct sphere of influence (by word of mouth and/or social networking on the web.)
- Call YOUR Internet Hosting / Design / SEO Company and talk with them. If you have any concerns at all, go to your trusted professionals for discussion!
And finally, as stated in the articles I have included below, just HIT DELETE. Think about it, if a company has taken the time and initiative to solicit you, you have to wonder, don’t they have enough clients to keep them occupied? Quality companies with good products and services tend to shy away from any unethical practice such as e-mail or phone solicitation.
To sum it up: Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
How to Avoid Being Taken by SEO Scams and Bad SEO Companies
"Includes an interesting discussion on who owns meta data."
SEO Guarantee? Run The Other Way
“The best thing you can do is hit the delete button on that unsolicited email and start educating yourself.”
7 Signs of SEO Scams
“I know a guy at Google”
