Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Code of Ethics
Any SEO Code of Ethics is difficult to get unique criticism and definition. Due to there exist few parties who are strongly opinionated related to views, objectives and even strategies in practices. Despite most SEO practitioners understand these ethics, but some unscrupulous practitioners would also find loopholes to do what they want in order to achieve the goal.
No matter who is working towards presenting relevant & high quality information to searcher, or even SEO practitioners strive for higher rankings for client pages, those who are voluntarily adhering to SEO Code of Ethics. The following part is just a simply declaration but not any judgment.
DO NOT intentionally do harm to a client. Be careful to use the technology and procedure with proper care that minimizing the occurrence of client site removed from search engine indexes or directories, or rendered inoperative. Otherwise SEO practitioners must be addressed via Robots Exclusive Standard.
DO NOT intentionally violate any specifically published and enforced rules of search engines or directories. SEO practitioner need to immediately take action to conform to the modification as some rules and guidelines were changed.
DO NOT intentionally mislead, harm, or offend a consumer. All audiences visit a site which they will not misled by information presented to or by search engine. Prohibition against SEO practitioners use the technique like bait and switch where the client page does not substantially contain and is not clearly associated with the optimized phrase.
DO NOT intentionally violate any laws. Make sure that without any violation of copyright, trademark, servicemark, or laws related to spamming.
DO NOT falsely represent the content of the client site. All users will receive consistent messages with same versions of web pages in site; it is only accepted to different including browser specifications and needs, regional factors such as language or product specific needs.
DO NOT falsely represent others work as their own. SEO practitioner should be honest that do not take works from others parties without any agreement or authority.
DO NOT misrepresent their own abilities, education, training, business performance, certifications, partners, technical inventory, or experiences to others. SEO practitioners will provide reliable company information towards clients without exaggeration.
DO NOT participate in a conflict of interest without prior notice to all parties involved. SEO practitioners should treat all clients impartially and all receive equal best effort in SEO.
DO NOT set unreasonable client expectations. SEO practitioners cannot guarantee the result which is irrational. For example they imply that all keywords will be in the top ranking in search engines.
Offer their clients both internal and external dispute resolution procedures. Publishing contact details in the web front page, and providing third-party dispute resolution shown into the practitioners' site that adopted in an emergency.
Protect the confidentiality and anonymity of their clients with regards to privileged information and items implying testimonial support for the SEO practitioner. All SEO practitioners reveal information including logos of client lists, press releases and others related to clients' confidentiality only under client approvals.
Work to their best ability to increase or retain the rankings of client sites. SEO practitioners have obligation to utilize appropriate tools and methodologies to enhance and retain higher rankings for their clients who are contracting for fee.
