Fun with Spam
Every day we get spam, and most of it gets automatically deleted. But today I decided to have a little fun, since the spam was SEO related and they were targeting my fully optimized niche site. I just couldn’t resist.
Here is the original email I received:
> Hello, my name is [name deleted] and I am an internet marketing specialist. I
> was looking at websites under the keyword hazelnut coffee and came across
> your website http://www.vanilla-candles.net. I see that you’re not ranked
> on the first page of Google for a hazelnut coffee search.
>
> I’m not sure if you’re aware of why you’re ranked this low but more
> importantly how easily correctable this is.
>
> There’s no reason you can’t have a top three ranking for the keyword
> hazelnut coffee based on your site structure and content. You have a very
> nice site.
>
> You need significantly more one way anchor text backlinks. If you’re
> interested I can help you with this…
>
> I’m talking about getting you ranked for ALL your keywords. Adding new
> backlinks on a steady and consistent basis from high PR quality websites
> is what produces the rankings you are looking for
> http://www.vanilla-candles.net.
>
> The right kind of links are very critical in getting top ranking….and I
> can hand deliver these quality links to you.
>
> My partners and I own 1000’s websites and offer private linking to
> hundreds of website owners just like yourself.
>
> I didn’t send this email out to very many people but I am currently
> reaching out to a list of your ‘keyword competitors’ as well. But I do
> favor your website because I can see your website monetizing the targeted
> website traffic the keyword hazelnut coffee can deliver.
>
> I have your contact information and phone number. Is it ok if I give you a
> call?
>
> I have a very simple way to prove that what I do works and it’s risk free
> for you to try. Nothing beats seeing the results with your own eyes
>
> Is it ok if I give you a call? I would love to pursue this further over
> the phone with you or should I go somewhere else?
>
> Sincerely,
>[Personal info deleted]
>
> P.S - If the tables were turned and somebody I didn’t know came to me with
> a proposition, even one that was appealing, I would be hesitant because I
> would be wondering - what’s the catch? What does this guy know that I
> don’t.
>
> But then I would think he does know something that I don’t know. He does
> have thousands of high PR websites, he does have hundreds of thousands of
> pages indexed and ranking in Google Yahoo and MSN. Sites that can deliver
> the quality anchor text backlinks. I would also think that I need to get
> my website in the top rankings. And he is offering to turn key top
> rankings for me…on all my keywords including hazelnut coffee. Even
> keywords I’m not currently competing for. Keywords that produce traffic
> that’s potentially worth tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands,
> millions of dollars.
>
> I emailed you because It’s a win -win for both of us. Think of it this
> way - Who wouldn’t be interested in buying money at a discount? Because
> that’s what I’ll be able to do offer you…Money at a discount.
>
> Is it Ok to give you a call? Or you can can call me anytime at the number
> above?
Now I’m sure most of us know how scam-ish that email really looks. I get these almost daily and most are tossed in the trash. However, the part about “hazelnut coffee” caught my attention, and I just had to have a little fun. Here was my reply:
—-
Just a word of advice - before you send out spam to companies, it would be wise to do a little research on the company itself first. Plus it doesn’t hurt to actually know what you are doing, which obviously you do not.
First, why would a candle site need to be ranked for “hazelnut coffee”? We don’t sell coffee, nor do we plan to. As the domain suggests, we sell candles.
Second, if you took the time to actually look at the site, you’ll see it’s already optimized for various keyword phrases. Not just any phrases, but keywords that actually are related to the site (unlike the term you are suggesting here).
Finally, according to WordTracker, the term “hazelnut coffee” gets a whole 13 searches a day. That’s it. While this is by no means an exact figure, I can tell you it’s pretty close. I would not waste my time (or buy into your linking scam) just for a term that not only has absolutely nothing to do with the site, but gets that little searches.
Just a few helpful hints, I suggest you take them.
—–
Maybe I was mean, but I’m just sick of emails like this. Yes I know I can delete, but they have taken over my inbox. I shouldn’t HAVE to spend that much time a day deleting spam or trying to find what’s legit and what isn’t. Plus I had a feeling a real person was sitting behind this one, so it wouldn’t go unread. Maybe they will take the advice, thinking twice about sending more of their crap out. I doubt it, but at least I feel better.
Increasing in Him,
Kara
Topics: Unprofessional Business Acts |