Bianca & Kanye’s SEO Scandal: When Ranking #1 Isn't a Win
By Rhiannon Ellen
SEO professionals spend their careers helping brands climb the search rankings, securing coveted spots on Google’s first page. The logic is simple: visibility leads to clicks, clicks lead to conversions, and conversions drive revenue. But what happens when you become the most searched topic for all the wrong reasons?
Take the latest Billboard article on Kanye West and Bianca Censori’s controversial red carpet appearance at the Grammys (source). Whether intentional or not, their stunt skyrocketed their names to the top of trending search queries. For the entertainment industry, where attention is currency, this might be a win. But for brands outside the shock-value economy, ranking #1 for scandalous reasons can be a nightmare.
The Dark Side of Search Visibility
While high search volume is often a marketing goal, it’s important to differentiate between positive and negative attention. SEO success isn’t just about ranking; it’s about ranking for the right reasons. If your brand’s name becomes synonymous with controversy, the damage control required may outweigh any potential traffic boost.
Consider past incidents where brands found themselves trending due to PR disasters. From insensitive marketing campaigns (Kendall’s Pepsi advert, anyone?) to data breaches, companies that inadvertently gain virality often struggle to shift public perception. Negative brand association lingers in search results, shaping consumer trust long after the initial scandal dies down.
Does Traffic Always Equal Sales?
A spike in website visits might look great on a report, but if it’s driven by controversy, the audience may not convert. In fact, this kind of traffic can:
Harm brand perception: Users associate your brand with negativity rather than value.
Increase bounce rates: People visit out of curiosity, not intent to engage.
Invite unwanted scrutiny: More eyes on your brand means more opportunities for critics to dig into past mistakes.
Cause long-term SEO challenges: Negative news articles, bad reviews, or scandal-related keywords can stick to your brand name in SERPs.
Strategic SEO: Building Sustainable Visibility
For brands that want longevity, the goal shouldn’t be just to trend—it should be to build a reputable digital presence. Here’s how to ensure your SEO strategy supports lasting, positive growth:
Prioritise High-Quality Content: Create valuable, search-optimized content that positions your brand as an industry leader rather than a fleeting news sensation.
Own Your Narrative: Proactively publish press releases, blogs, and social media updates that align with your brand values to counteract potential misinformation.
Monitor Brand Mentions: Use tools like Google Alerts or SEMrush to keep track of what’s being said about your brand in real time.
Leverage Crisis Management SEO: If a negative story starts gaining traction, create positive content to outrank damaging search results.
Align SEO with PR: Work closely with your PR team to ensure that any media exposure benefits your brand’s long-term goals.
The Takeaway
While Kanye and Bianca’s Grammys moment may work in their favor as entertainers, most businesses can’t afford to gamble with scandal-driven SEO. Being at the top of search results should be a reflection of credibility, authority, and value—not just fleeting controversy. In SEO, sustainable growth beats temporary virality every time.
Looking to build a strong, scandal-proof SEO strategy for your business? Let’s talk. Contact us today to ensure your brand stays on top for the right reasons.