Hiring an SEO expert sounds simple, but choosing the wrong one can cause more harm than good. Some people claim they’re “SEO experts” when they aren’t — and businesses who trust them often end up wasting time, money, and sometimes losing rankings altogether.
As someone working in the SEO industry here in the Philippines, I’ve seen this happen too many times. That’s why I’m sharing this guide. I want you to protect your business from scams and false promises. Here’s how to spot a fake SEO specialist in the Philippines before it’s too late.
Common Red Flags of Fake SEO Specialists
1. They Promise Guaranteed Rankings
If someone tells you they can guarantee your site will reach #1 on Google, be careful. No one — not even the best SEO expert — can guarantee specific rankings because Google’s algorithms are always changing. Honest SEO specialists focus on improving your visibility and traffic, not making promises no one can keep.
2. They Talk About “Secret” SEO Tricks
SEO doesn’t run on secrets or magic tricks. Real SEO work involves strategies that follow search engine guidelines — things like technical audits, keyword research, content improvements, and link building. If someone says they have a secret method but won’t explain it, they’re probably not trustworthy.
3. They Don’t Ask About Your Business
A good SEO expert will want to know your business inside and out. They’ll ask about your goals, audience, competitors, and current challenges. Why? Because good SEO strategies are always customized. If someone doesn’t ask these questions, it’s a sign they’re offering generic services — not solutions that fit your needs.
4. They Focus on Quantity, Not Quality
Some fake “experts” talk about getting you hundreds of backlinks or ranking for as many keywords as possible. That sounds good at first, but it’s often done through low-quality websites and outdated tactics. Real SEO focuses on building quality backlinks and writing content that helps your ideal audience — not just boosting numbers.
5. They Don’t Care About Mobile or Site Speed
Mobile performance and site speed aren’t “nice to have” — they’re essential for SEO. Google uses them as ranking factors, and visitors expect fast, mobile-friendly websites. If your SEO provider doesn’t mention this, they’re not up to date with best practices.
6. They Avoid Explaining Their Work
Transparency matters. Real SEO professionals will gladly explain their strategies, share reports, and answer your questions. If someone avoids sharing details, gets defensive, or says, “Just trust me,” consider it a big red flag.
7. They Promise Fast Results
SEO takes time. It’s about building a strong foundation that helps you grow steadily. Anyone promising overnight success is either lying or using risky shortcuts that can get your site penalized. Real SEO is a long-term investment.
How to Choose a Real SEO Expert in the Philippines
Now that you know the warning signs, here’s how to find someone trustworthy who can actually help your business.
Look for Case Studies and Testimonials
Reputable SEO professionals are proud to share their success stories and client feedback. If they’ve done great work before, they’ll have no problem showing proof.
Check Their Online Presence
Do they have a website? Are they active on LinkedIn or professional communities? Do they have positive reviews? A real SEO expert works hard on their own online visibility too.
Ask How They Do SEO
A good SEO specialist can explain their process clearly. They should cover keyword research, content strategies, technical SEO, and ethical link-building practices. If they can’t explain these things in simple terms, walk away.
Choose Someone Focused on Long-Term Success
Look for an expert who talks about growing your business steadily, not chasing fast wins. Real results come from honest, consistent work — not shortcuts.
Be Careful with Cold Emails
Some freelancers use cold outreach, but if someone reaches out promising miracle results, stay cautious. Always vet them thoroughly.
Professionalism Counts
Communication matters. A real SEO expert will respond on time, answer questions clearly, and keep you updated throughout the project. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
Final Thoughts
There are many skilled, hardworking, and trustworthy SEO professionals in the Philippines. But there are also people pretending to be something they’re not. Don’t fall for empty promises.
Choose someone who understands your goals, explains their process, and focuses on results that actually help your business grow. Someone like me.
Looking for a Trusted SEO Expert in the Philippines?
I’m Shara Idnay, and I help businesses grow through honest, effective, and data-driven SEO strategies. No secrets. No false promises. Just real work and real results.
Ready to grow your business the right way? Contact me today.
Shara Idnay is a Filipino SEO specialist with over 11 years of experience in digital marketing. With a background in Information Technology, she’s worked with local and international clients to help improve their search engine rankings. Shara is dedicated to delivering real results and has even earned recognition for her efforts. She focuses on creating personalized SEO strategies that increase online visibility. She builds her work on honesty, clear communication, and staying up to date with the latest SEO trends to help her clients succeed in the long run.