Beware of These 13 Digital Marketing Scare Tactics

October 29, 2024 - The digital marketing world is filled with hidden traps and misleading claims designed to exploit your fears. But the reality is that most of these claims aren’t just exaggerated — they can be misleading.

Let’s unmask some of these spooky scare tactics used by other marketing companies and talk about how Melon Local uses facts over fear in our approach to digital marketing.

1.  Guaranteed Placement On Google Ranking

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No one can guarantee a top placement organically— NO ONE. Anyone who does is trying to lure you in with false assurances. Achieving top rankings involves a complex interplay of factors — relevance, trust, content quality, user behavior and even an “occasional” algorithm switch-up from Google.

Instead, that’s why Melon Local focuses on sustainable strategies to improve your digital presence over time. As a Google Premier Partner, we’ve proven we can stay on top of their latest requirements. We know what it takes to properly optimize content, refine ads and build strong Google Business Profile listings, but we won’t promise what we can’t control. Instead, we promise results that matter, like increased visibility and consistent messaging.

2. We Can Extract Your Customer Data to Block Current Clients

Companies may promise they can block your current customers from seeing your ads through “customer extraction” techniques, but does this really make a difference in generating more leads?

Firstly, matching profiles to search behavior relies on exact data updates and customers using the same devices or IP addresses — something that isn’t easy to promise or track. Also, keep in mind that a former customer may not see your ads again, potentially blocking opportunities to hook them again with your coverage. This is why Melon Local uses refined keyword strategies to ensure your ads reach the right audience without relying on risky exclusions.

3. Get Call-Only Campaigns Before Your Competitor Does

It’s not uncommon for marketing agencies to make call-only campaigns sound like an exclusive offering your competitors will hop on if you don’t act fast.

If a company is presenting call-only campaigns as a rare commodity, they’re more interested in scaring you than supporting your growth. It’s not about if you have access to call campaigns — it’s about how you use them.

We’ve been running these for our agents for years, and we don’t limit it to standard products like auto or home insurance. We’ve tailored unique call campaigns for niche offerings like life insurance, RV coverage and even small business policies. These campaigns are designed to run during business hours and target mobile users—nothing shocking there.

4. We Can Generate More Engagement on Google

If a company claims it can generate more buzz on Google by posting fake reviews or having people engage with a post, run the other way. Google has been clear that it doesn’t tolerate fake reviews and enforces strict penalties for violations. If your business is caught, it could face restrictions like losing the ability to receive new reviews, removing existing reviews or even having a warning label placed on its Google Business Profile to alert customers about fake engagement.

When it comes to our clients, our strategies are built on encouraging customer feedback that builds trust and strengthens their online reputation the right way.

5. We Offer Exclusivity 

By selling exclusivity with paid search, companies want you to believe that you’ll be the only agent showing up for your area on Google.

Exclusivity may sound appealing, but it’s not how Google’s bidding system works. Even if a company tries to offer it, the algorithm’s focus on user relevance and competition means other agents will inevitably appear. No matter who handles your marketing, there’s simply no way to change competition in your area since you’re still advertising against the same people.

We don’t sell exclusivity. Instead, we personalize your campaigns to maximize your visibility where it matters most, focusing on crafting compelling ads and leveraging unique, high-performing keywords to stand out.

6. No One Else Offers Adjacent State Targeting

Some companies boast about their exclusive ability to run ads in adjacent states, making it seem like you’ll miss out on out-of-state leads without them. But the thing is, state-by-state targeting isn’t groundbreaking — it’s a well-established method to reach the right customers.

Melon Local is well aware agents are often licensed in more than just neighboring states. That’s why we offer targeting for any state in which an agent is licensed across multiple platforms like Google, Microsoft and Facebook Ads. Whether your license extends two states over or across the entire region, we ensure your ads are seen wherever potential customers are looking.

7. We Create Content in Multiple Languages to Increase Reach

This may sound like a unique proposition, but creating content across multiple languages alone is nothing new.

Although we do offer multilingual ads, we take it a step further by ensuring that the content resonates not just through language but by tailoring messages to cultural contexts. We also offer customized product tiles on GBP listings to showcase the languages your office is fluent in — and don’t forget about our personalized options for social media content!

8. Our Display Ads Will Dominate the Market

While Dominating the display ad space might sound impressive, it doesn’t guarantee new business. Display ads are ideal for brand awareness but not necessarily for lead generation.

We use display ads strategically, making sure they’re part of a balanced campaign that prioritizes conversions, not just reach.

9. You’ll Save More by Switching to Us

Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s better. For example, services that are focused on affordability or are low-cost may cut costs, but they often cut corners, too — fewer services, less personal support, minimal customization and a set-and-forget mentality.

Melon Local prides itself on premium service without compromise. From custom GBP management to targeted ads and review responses, we invest the time and resources needed to deliver quality leads. And besides our One in a Melon approach to customer service, our clients stick around because we deliver results.

10. We’re Industry Compliant

You may hear some marketing companies pitch you on the idea that they’re compliant-proof, unlike the competition. This may leave you worrying your current strategies might be putting your business at risk.

However, compliance is a standard that must be met by any reasonable marketing agency — Melon Local included. We take the time to ensure Google’s guidelines are prioritized in all of your ads, listings and content.

11. You Could Have Higher Impressions with Us

Companies like to boast about hitting high impressions as if it translates into higher sales. While impressions are great for brand recognition, they don’t always lead to conversions. If you’re looking for leads, focusing on impressions alone is like fixating on how many people saw your billboard without knowing how many actually walked into your business.

As for Melon Local, we don’t just sell you on numbers; we focus on what really counts: connecting you with potential customers. Impressions are just one of many metrics we use to customize each campaign to your specific goals — whether it’s driving traffic, increasing calls or securing quotes.

12. We Use AI to Make Your Ads Unbeatable

Many companies have hopped on the artificial intelligence (AI) bandwagon recently, even going as far as to claim their ads outperform everyone else’s as a result. But keep in mind AI is a tool — not a guarantee, and it’s only as helpful as the person behind the technology.

At Melon Local, we use AI to support our lead-generating strategies, but it’s really our team that makes the difference. We’ve been leveraging AI long before it became a trend, and we know that without expert oversight, AI alone can lead to generic, ineffective ads that waste your budget.

13. You’re Going to Miss Out if You Don’t Sign Up Now

It’s common practice in the insurance marketing world to create a sense of urgency around enrollment periods — often locking you in with a contract. But why should you be locked into an agreement when the digital world is constantly changing?

But these deadlines are often just a tactic to lock you into a long-term contract — something Melon Local isn’t about! We don’t believe in locking you in with contracts because commitment should fall on us, not you. Besides, we know leaving won’t be on your mind once you experience our One in a Melon approach to digital marketing!

Don’t Let Fear Drive Your Decisions!

We don’t believe marketing your business should feel frightening. Book a demo to learn more about how fruitful a partnership with Melon Local can be!