Industry-Wide Concern as Predatory Marketing Contracts Drain Budgets and Deliver Little to No Results
Denham Springs, LA. – A nonprofit organization dedicated to serving its community recently found itself in an all-too-common digital marketing nightmare: paying thousands of dollars monthly for SEO services that led to declining search traffic and deindexed pages rather than improved online visibility.
The organization, which initially partnered with a reputable digital marketing agency, was later approached by another firm that promised unparalleled search engine optimization (SEO) services. Lured by grandiose guarantees of skyrocketing rankings, the nonprofit signed a $2,000-per-month SEO package contract, expecting increased exposure and engagement. Instead, the results were catastrophic.
The Reality Behind the “SEO Service” Agreement
Within months, website performance plummeted. Data from Google Search Console showed a steady decline in web search clicks while indexed pages dropped significantly. Instead of increasing the nonprofit’s reach, the agency’s tactics led to deindexing—meaning Google stopped recognizing most of the site’s pages altogether.
Clint L. Sanchez – BlakSheep Creative
“This is one of the worst cases of SEO malpractice I’ve seen,” said Clint L. Sanchez, owner of BlakSheep Creative, a digital marketing agency dedicated to ethical and results-driven strategies. “They didn’t just fail to improve rankings—they effectively wiped the nonprofit off the digital map.”
The issue is far from isolated. Reports indicate that small businesses and nonprofits are often targeted by digital marketing agencies that prioritize short-term gains over sustainable SEO strategies. According to a 2024 survey by Ahrefs, 90.63% of all web pages get zero traffic from Google—a sobering statistic highlighting the importance of proper SEO practices.
Why Some Agencies Deliver Empty Promises
Many agencies lure clients into expensive, long-term contracts with vague deliverables. Instead of building an SEO strategy based on content quality, technical optimization, and legitimate backlinking, they often:
- Use black-hat tactics that get sites penalized by Google.
- Fail to conduct proper indexing checks, leading to content not being ranked.
- Overpromise on unrealistic ranking improvements without transparent reporting.
“This case is a textbook example of why businesses and nonprofits need to thoroughly vet any SEO agency before signing on,” Sanchez explained. “SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it service, and it certainly isn’t about quick wins or shady tactics. If an agency refuses to explain their process, show data, or be accountable for results, that’s a massive red flag.”
Some of these SEO charlatans prey on businesses that don’t fully understand search engine optimization, using industry jargon to disguise ineffective or outright harmful strategies.
How to Protect Yourself From SEO Scams
If you’re considering hiring an SEO agency, ask these key questions first:
- What’s your SEO strategy? Legitimate agencies should mention on-page optimization, link-building, and technical SEO.
- How do you track progress? They should provide Google Analytics reports and Search Console data.
- What happens if rankings don’t improve? Watch out for agencies that lock you into contracts without guarantees.
- Can I cancel at any time? Avoid long-term contracts that don’t allow flexibility.
“Businesses and nonprofits need to remember that SEO isn’t magic,” Sanchez added. “If someone promises to make you ‘number one on Google’ overnight, they’re lying to you. Real SEO is about long-term trust-building with search engines.”
The Bigger Picture: Ethical SEO Matters
Nonprofits rely on donor support, grants, and public trust, making digital visibility critical for their missions. Losing valuable search rankings affects online donations and reduces their ability to reach those in need.
“We’re in a world where digital presence is everything,” Sanchez said. “For a nonprofit, disappearing from search results isn’t just a business problem—it’s a mission-critical failure. That’s why ethical SEO matters.”
Final Takeaway: Do Your Homework Before Signing
The SEO industry is full of experts and opportunists, and businesses must stay vigilant. Before entering an agreement, insist on transparency, proof of past successes, and a detailed action plan.
For more insights on ethical SEO strategies and how to avoid costly mistakes, visit BlakSheep Creative’s Blog.
For Media Inquiries:
Clint L. Sanchez
BlakSheep Creative
clint@blaksheepcreative.com
blaksheepcreative.com