Legal Issues in Search Engine Optimization

by Bryan Garcia

Legal Issues in Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization can be a difficult process involving a lot of research and implementation of SEO strategies. What makes search engine optimization even more difficult are the legal ramifications of the measures you take to make your site more accessible for the search engines. When you publish any type of content online, you need to be aware of any legal issues that may arise as a result of what is on your web site. Learning about the legal issues that are a part of search engine optimization can help you to optimize your site and stay within the guidelines of the law.

Libelous Content

When you perform search engine optimization on your web site, one of the first things you might do is add more content to your web site. When used correctly, relevant and informative content can draw traffic to your web site and help you increase your search engine rankings. However, posting content on the World Wide Web is not without its risks. If you are posting content on your products and services, you will most likely stay out of trouble. When you start writing and posting content that discusses other people in a negative light, this can open the door for litigation. If you do decide to write about other people in your web content, verify that any information used is true. If you post false information about someone, especially if that information is negative, you risk being sued by that individual for libel.

Advertising Accuracy

Another issue that can arise with search engine optimization is the accuracy of any claims made within the content of a web site. If youre advertising your products and services, you may be tempted to exaggerate how well they work or how much your customers need these products. Some embellishment can be a successful advertising tool, but making false claims about your products and services can result in legal consequences due to legislation surrounding truth in advertising. Another area that can cause trouble for you is the use of customer testimonials that did not come from actual customers. You cannot write your own testimonials or pay a writer who has never used your products and services to write testimonials for you.

Discrimination

When you are using web content to optimize your site for the search engines, you also need to be aware of discrimination and avoid using any language that may discriminate against a protected class. Protected classes include gender, religion, race, color, and national origin. All of your web content should be written in a gender-neutral tone and be free of slang and other language that may exclude people of protected classes. The only exception to this common sense rule is when your products and services specifically target certain groups. For example, you could use the terms 'her' and 'she' in content on a web site selling hair products exclusively for women.

Assessing SEO Legal Issues

If youre not sure how to optimize your site without running into these legal issues, let The SEO Team help. We can evaluate your web site and plan your SEO efforts in a way that does not expose you to potential liability. Visit our web site to learn more about our professional SEO services.

Bryan Garcia and his team of Internet marketing experts have been delivering TOP search engine results by using their unique formula of search engine optimization, Web site development, professional copywriting, and conversion consulting for a combined total of 20 years. Visit http://www.theseoteam.com to learn how your site can get to the top of the rankings.