Hi friends, I got an email from my competitor that he requests me to remove information about his site from my review page. I have a small review section on my website where I review my competitor websites and this way, get some traffic from google. For example: My website is offering free hosting and my competitor company name is "somecompany2" What I do it, write a review about "somecompany2" on my page and when google index this, I stand on the 2nd position in google if you type in "somecompany2". This way people comes to my page and signs up with my free hosting company instead of "somecompany2". The question is, is there anything wrong by doing this? Yes, I do steal traffic, but this is SEO of some kind I believe?
Yes, I believe he don't have anything here too,but still. I was wondering if he can do any harm here..
As long as the review itself is honest, it isn't illegal to as far as I can tell. If the review isn't honest simply so you get people to sign up for you that would be defamation which is illegal in most places.
Simply ask him to supply you with a court order to remove it. IMHO It's only illegal if it's slanderous and you are performing unfair marketing practices. FYI, I would replace the word "steal" with something less criminal sounding like with "earn".
there is nothing wrong with that. You can also just make a post, not necessarily a review and then somehow mention your competitor's site.If you go for a review, then just make an honest review of the site/company. Besides, reviews per se is not illegal, unless you intend to besmirched the reputation of your competitor by telling lies.
In the manner you describe, there is nothing your competitor can do about your review of his service on your own site. Other traffic attracting methods may be unlawful such as wrongfully using someone else's trademark. Has your competitor even bothered to provide a legal reason why he believes you must take down your information?
It's not illegal, its a widely used tactic.. as long as it is at least partially real review (and not a slander) you will be fine. However, make sure that you are not covering them with dirt in that review with no reason.
Perhaps... but I might not go as far as saying unethical. By the nature of having a competitor review on your site you may get a few hits. But I'd hardly say that one review would constitute a campaign that would be equated with being unethical. Call it a desirable byproduct until I've seen more.
Thanks for your replies. I got what I was looking for. Also, i know it is sneaky, but I have found a way which works for me to get some extra traffic, so why not..
Unless you are stating falsehoods you should be fine. He can request you remove any copyrighted materials from your website though which can extend to logos and sometimes trading names so dont be too quick to tell him to take a leap. Look into his request and ensure that none of his claims relate to a break in any law, if you are not slandering without proof and you are not breaking any copyright then leave it be.