If you’ve recently had a website built, or you’re about to, there’s something many new website owners notice after going live.
You may start receiving messages offering SEO services, website fixes, or “guaranteed” Google rankings.
Sometimes there are only a few. Sometimes there are more. It varies from site to site.
As a web designer, I see this across the industry. I also receive these messages myself. The important thing to know is that they’re not a reflection of your website quality or how it was built.
So, why these messages appear, what’s normal, and how to avoid engaging with the wrong people?
Why new websites can attract these messages
When a website goes live, it becomes visible to automated systems that scan the internet for new domains, contact forms, and publicly listed contact details.
Some overseas marketing and SEO companies use these systems to send mass outreach emails. They haven’t reviewed your website and they don’t know your business. The same message is often sent to thousands of website owners.
That’s why these emails can feel generic, poorly written, or oddly urgent.
New businesses are more likely to be targeted simply because they’re assumed to be learning the ropes.
Common red flags to watch for
If you receive messages like these, it’s worth pausing before responding.
- They claim they’ve reviewed your website but don’t reference anything specific.
- They promise guaranteed Google rankings.
- They say your site has serious issues without explaining what they are.
- They create urgency or pressure to act quickly.
- They ask for admin, hosting, or Google account access early on.
- They contact you across multiple channels at once.
- Individually these might seem small, but together they’re a strong warning sign.
Why cheap SEO often ends up costing more
Low cost SEO services are tempting, especially when you’re trying to grow a new business.
The risk is that poor quality SEO can harm your website rather than help it. This includes spam backlinks, duplicated content, or shortcuts that go against Google guidelines.
Cleaning this up later can be costly and time consuming.
In many cases, a new website doesn’t need SEO work straight away. Time, solid content, and a well built foundation matter more in the early stages.
What I do during website builds to reduce unwanted contact
While no website can completely prevent these messages, there are steps I take during every build to minimise them.
- I use reputable anti spam measures on all contact forms.
- I avoid publishing plain text email addresses that can be easily scraped.
- Where appropriate, I recommend using a business phone number instead of displaying an email publicly.
- Plugins, themes, and forms are chosen carefully and kept up to date.
- Hosting and basic security settings are configured properly from the beginning.
These steps significantly reduce the likelihood and volume of unwanted messages.
What to do if you receive these messages
You don’t need to reply.
You don’t need to justify yourself.
You don’t need to worry that something is wrong with your site.
You can safely delete them or mark them as spam. If someone genuinely wants to work with you, they’ll approach you professionally, clearly, and without pressure.
If you’re ever unsure about a message you receive, you’re welcome to forward it to me. I’m happy to give you an honest second opinion.
A final note for new website owners
Launching a website is an exciting step for your business.
Occasional unsolicited messages are part of being visible online, not necessarily a sign of poor design or setup.
The best protection is understanding what’s normal, knowing the warning signs, and having someone you trust to check things over when needed.
Your website should feel like a support tool for your business, not another source of stress.