A word of warning about Yell.com and SEO Web Pages

What a terrible experience with Yell and their "SEO Web Pages". The first stage was an email:

Now, we're not saying SEO pages are necessarily a bad thing and they may work for some businesses. But be careful they do not erode your brand, reputation, or rankings with Google.

"As discussed we are delighted to offer you SEO Web Pages* which have been developed by our experts to generate traffic to your business. Please be aware that SEO Web Pages are designed for search engine optimisation and are not a bespoke web site. It includes a brief description of your services which have been optimised for search engine results.

We have another product - Yellsites where we do create a web site for you, email us if you would like further information.

The Web Pages will be available to view in the next 24 to 48 hours. Please check they accurately reflect your business:

www.zinchwebinternetpeterhead.co.uk

To ensure we can continue to successfully promote your business using online search engines, it is only possible to amend your name, address and bullet points.

If you decide this product is not suitable for your business at this time, you can opt out by emailing us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it quoting your account number or by calling the number below.

*This product is only available to you for the term of your Qualifying Advertisement or Listing. Terms and conditions apply."

Well, a picture says a thousand words:

So, we urge you to check your Yell SEO web pages for the following reasons:

• It can damage your brand. If someone was looking for a web design company, we doubt they would be impressed with what they were presented with.
• We are based in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. Yet Yell seemed fixated on the town of Inverurie, some 30 miles away. Check the content. OK - we can service towns more than 30 miles away, but many businesses can't.
• Repetition - this is what we would refer to as spamming the search engines. It may have worked years ago but nowadays it could risk being penalised with Google. In other words, sentences like "Let us make your content management in Inverurie easy with Zincweb Internet Ltd. You can really make the most of your online resources with content management. Your content will be placed properly with content management systems. Our staff can help you get started. Dial 01779 473549 for your content management system needs..." are not necessarily a recipe for success - and could have adverse repercussions.
• The domain name (URL) of zinchwebinternetpeterhead.co.uk was registered to host this. Not a bad thing in itself, if it highlights your service or locality, but why spell zincweb with an 'h'?
• The customer representative we spoke to in order to rectify the situation seemed a little out of her depth and was as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Now, we're not saying SEO pages are necessarily a bad thing and they may work for some businesses. But be careful they do not erode your brand, reputation, or rankings with Google. If you think they will, ask for them to be removed or forwarded to your proper website.