My customer forwarded me this today. He was worried that his website was missing out on tons of traffic. I get millions of this crap, so it’s probably easier for me to spot as spam (I added the stop sign)
From: Cool sounding (English) name@gmail.com
Subject: Can I give some honest feedback on your website?
Hi,
Wanted to touch base: We’ve spoken a while back about your website. I happen to be on it again and wanted to point out a few areas of concern (SEO, Visibility, etc). For what it’s worth, I see a few specific things impacting your site’s profitability that can be improved with a slightly refreshed strategy.
Just to remind: I work with several consultants who I have personally hand-picked: Each of them are more than glad to share CASE STUDIES of their work with you.Would you be open for a brief discussion? At the very least, you’ll gain new insights through an extensive Web Needs Analysis (Doesn’t cost a thing).
All I would need to know is whether you would be open to speaking briefly with my consultants to get started.(P.S.: If you’re no longer interested in getting periodic updates, let me know and I promise I won’t follow up again. Thanks for your time.)
Regards,
Cool sounding (English) name
Well, where do I start?
Things to be suspicious of:
- It’s a Gmail account, could be anyone.
awww, he’s being honest… - We’ve spoken?
Doesn’t know your name. - Know anything about your site?
- He has no website?
- Only email contact address
Could be anywhere in the world.
My advice, even if it was a *real* email
Ask them exactly they are going to do for you.
- There is no secret sauce, if they won’t tell you, run away
- If they claim great links from quality sites, that means they’re spamming the blogs.
Quality sites are generally not giving links to someone they don’t even know. - Social Media
Just a buzzword. Same thing, what work are they going to do?
Are you willing to let them be the face of your business?
This is just a start. Any more ideas?