How to Get a Solution When SEO Services Disappoint

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How to Get a Solution When SEO Services Disappoint

It’s a story many business owners know all too well.

You sign up for an online advertising or marketing contract, promised top results—yet what you get feels far from what was sold. Whether it’s Google Ads, SEO, web design, or digital marketing, a poorly performed service can leave you out of pocket, disappointed, and wondering: Do I have rights? Can I claim my money back? And, what should my next steps be?

In our practice at Sharon Givoni Consulting, we see these kinds of issues often.

Our clients range from designers trying to boost online sales, to startup owners struggling to get their business visible, and creative entrepreneurs confused by digital contracts. In this blog, we’ll break down the problems that arise—and how we, as a Melbourne-based consumer and IP law firm can steer you to a better path.

When Promises Fall Short

Imagine engaging a digital agency that assures you’ll appear in the top Google sponsored ads, attract new customers around the clock, and enjoy professional advertising. But then—your ads are riddled with grammar mistakes, missing images, or simply don’t display consistently. Weeks go by, but your phone stays silent—no inquiries, no new leads—while invoices pile up.

If you question the agency, you might hear excuses (“It’s Google’s fault, not ours!”), or even receive legal threats after cancelling payments.

Discovering hidden or one-sided clauses in your contract only adds to the frustration. Sound familiar?

Some of the most common problems clients face with digital marketing contracts include ads that are poorly displayed, missing content, or simply don’t appear, along with bad service and a lack of professional care. Despite paying substantial fees, many businesses see no meaningful results or inquiries from their campaigns. Things can get worse when agencies use pushy collection tactics after payments are cancelled, rely on one-sided contract clauses to limit your options, or fail to be transparent—sometimes even making misleading promises about what they’ll deliver.

Your Rights

Australian Consumer Law says marketing and digital services should be done professionally, honestly, and deliver what was promised. But in reality, disputes with agencies are hardly ever straightforward—they often depend on contracts, communication, and the specifics of your particular agreement. If your ads aren’t running properly, or you’re getting poor results and vague excuses, there are steps you can take, but choosing the right one isn’t always obvious.

Start by saving all your records—contracts, emails, and reports—as proof of what has happened.

Document any calls or legal threats, and be careful before stopping payments or responding to pressure.

Every matter is unique: sometimes a refund is possible, sometimes the best approach is negotiation or even legal action. That’s why it helps to have an expert review your case and guide you on the safest, most effective way forward.

At Sharon Givoni Consulting, we can help you understand your rights and options, so you act with confidence and protect your business the right way.

Real-World Example

Take an example: a local jewellery retailer hires an agency promising top Google rankings.

Ads appear, but riddled with errors, no images, and no real results. She cancels payment—only to be threatened with legal action. With help from Sharon Givoni Consulting, they negotiate a refund.

How Sharon Givoni Consulting Can Help

Our firm has deep experience with cases like this—including matters where clients have successfully defended against unfair contracts, misleading promises, and poor results.

Here’s how we help:

Contract Review: We thoroughly analyse your marketing or advertising agreement for illegal clauses and identify breaches, saving you stress and money.

Negotiation and Advocacy: We contact agencies directly, making clear your legal rights, and negotiate for refunds or contract exit.

Dispute Resolution: If things escalate, we guide you through mediation, formal complaints (even with Google or ACCC), and—if needed—representation in tribunals or courts.

We review your contract to spot any problems and check for breaches, so you don’t get caught out. If needed, we deal directly with the agency to push for a refund or to help you leave the contract. If things get serious, we support you in making complaints or taking things further with mediation or legal action.

No matter is ever exactly the same, and the law isn’t always black and white, but our job is to put your best foot forward, explain your options, and help you get the best outcome for your business.

FAQs

1. What if I don’t have proof the ads were displayed incorrectly?
Keep any emails, invoices, reports, or screenshots

2. Can I get a full refund for bad digital marketing?
It depends; refunds are possible if services weren’t delivered with due care and skill, or if you were misled.

3. What if my contract has tricky clauses?
You’re still protected by Australian Consumer Law. Unfair or misleading contract terms can be challenged.

4. Do I need to hire a lawyer straight away?
Early legal advice can prevent costly mistakes or escalation.

Please note the above article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.

Please email us info@iplegal.com.au if you need legal advice about your brand or another legal matter in this area generally.