Ever typed a company’s name into the search bar expecting to land on their official website, only to realize later you’ve ended up at a third-party site? If so, you’re not alone! Even the savviest consumers can fall into the same trap.

When you search for a legitimate business online, it’s natural to assume the top search result is the real deal—but there’s a catch. Those top spots aren’t always earned; oftentimes, they’re bought.

Companies pay big bucks to advertise their way to the top of your search results, and many of them do it by bidding on keywords that closely match reputable brand names. Sometimes, they even use a company’s name in their ad headline or website URL, creating a near-perfect imitation that can be incredibly misleading.

What does this mean for consumers? It means you could be trying to contact one company and end up doing business with an entirely different one. Some of these advertisers are less reputable, overpriced, or simply don’t deliver what they promise. 

How to Reach Official Sites

So, how can a consumer be certain they are in the right place when using a search engine to find a company’s website? Here are two rules of thumb to ensure you are doing business with a reputable company: 

Double-check before clicking. Look twice before you click on a search result to ensure you’re heading to the official website.

Use a verified link. A verified link or QR code will take you to the correct website or landing page you’re looking for. 

Don’t let a flashy ad or familiar-looking name fool you. In a digital world full of lookalikes, it pays to scroll past the ads and find the real company you're seeking. Next time you use Google, Bing, or another search engine, pause before you click because not all high-ranking results are search worthy!