Even after 17 years immersed in the world of SEO, one might assume we have seen it all. Yet the digital landscape is ever evolving, and mistakes remain an inherent part of the journey. Having collaborated with hundreds of SEO professionals from across the globe, we have garnered a wealth of experience, both positive and challenging. This case study covers one such unexpected challenge and the lessons we drew from it.
In the digital age, businesses often look to external providers to enhance specific aspects of their operations. Outsourcing can offer real benefits, but it has to be approached with caution, especially when it concerns the digital face of your business: your website.
RB Creative Digital decided to hire an external SEO provider from India. The decision was not solely based on cost, but on the provider's apparent understanding of the specific technical SEO aspect we wanted to address. Still, cost was a big part of it, and that was a mistake that ended up costing us about 600% more. Our in-house team, engrossed in other crucial projects, believed outsourcing this task would be more efficient.
In an unexpected turn of events, the external provider managed to disrupt the website's functionality in record time. It was a shocking revelation to see how quickly an SEO company could inadvertently harm a site. The potential damage was not limited to the website's functionality: it extended to the risk of losing business within a mere three days.
Fortunately, we had the foresight and expertise to act swiftly. The recovery took about one week and included:
Post recovery, the website is thriving. The site now publishes approximately 20 articles daily and is expanding its reach through platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. The design and content continue to resonate with the audience, ensuring sustained traffic and engagement.
After the incident, the external SEO provider ceased all communication and never responded again. That silence taught me as much as the incident itself.
This experience underscored the significance of trust when hiring external assistance. It is not just about expertise or cost effectiveness. Trustworthiness becomes paramount to ensure the safety and integrity of your business. Before anyone touches your site: take a full backup, limit their access to what they actually need, and be ready to pull the plug fast.
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