Can an SEO Hurt You

[rcochran]

I got hooked up with an SEO who did what I think lousy work. In short we want to end our contract before the contract actually ends. If we were to hold out on paying these guys can they do us harm by submitting our site frequently or by other such means?

[mopacfan]

The level of harm they can do is based partly in what kind of access they have to your website. If they are locked out and cannot make any more changes, then the worst they can do is create off site doorway spam and maybe hurt your rankings, maybe not.

Just sumitting your site will not hurt your rankings. The most important issues are on your site and not external in nature. If they can access your code and sabotage your site, then that is a real concern.

Good luck.

[schlottke]

I'd remove their ability to access your site if they are not doing what you want, then discuss with them the issues. Don't let them access your site after an arguement if theyve been unprofessional in the past.

[quadcity]

Hello rcochran
> If we were to hold out on paying these guys
They could take you to small claims court if there is a contract. CYA.

- Mike T.

[Old Welsh Guy]

So have you raised concerns with them? how far down the stalemate road are you?
As was pointed out, if there is a contract, then you can not simply not pay. If however they have guaranteed (the most mis-used word in internet marketing) and not delivered, then you are within your rights to claim breach of contract. But you MUST tell them in writing what the problems are and what you re doing as a result.

Simply telling them to go away and not paying them is going to muddy the waters. I would, if talking is out of the question, turn off acees to the site for them, and put in writing exactly what the problems are. Ask them for their proposals to correct the situation (In law you have to give the supplier the opportunity to correct any mistake). If the suggestied plan is not acceptable, then state why, and tell them what you are doing. Make an offer to terminate the contract as of the date of the last payment, and tell them that unless they accept this offer within 14 days, you intend to claim for all money paid to date.

This might seem harsh, but they have either done right, or done wrong. If it is as clear cut as you say, then they should cut their losses and accept 'without prejudice' your offer. This then should be an end to the matter.

There are all sorts of things they can do to your business reputation and site reputation, (I am certainly not going to give any scum ideas by posting them openly) but they can not really legally harm your rankings.