After its October launch, Beyond Organic prohibited independent Mission Marketers from using custom third-party websites, mandating reliance on company-provided replicated sites for online promotion. This policy, designed to control brand messaging, significantly alters how individual distributors market their products within a competitive, US-only market.
Mission Marketers already compete with each other, along with established brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants, cafes, and online retailers. These businesses generally possess greater buying power and market exposure than an individual distributor. The company's focus on a US-based market further limits the potential reach for its independent sellers.
Beyond Organic's rules extend to personal websites and marketing literature. The company requires all Mission Marketers to use a replicated website after the initial launch phase. This move effectively removes individual control over online marketing platforms.
Replicated websites rarely rank well in search engine results. They often face penalties for duplicate content, which significantly reduces their visibility. This cuts off a major source of lead generation for online businesses, leaving marketers struggling to attract new prospects through organic search.
The reasoning behind this restriction appears flawed. If Beyond Organic aims to manipulate search engine rankings for its company name, forcing replicated sites on its members will not achieve this. Technologically savvy marketers who might otherwise rank well get stifled. Instead, other, potentially negative, sites could fill those search positions.
Similarly, if the goal is to level the playing field, the company risks harming itself. Preventing experienced marketers from using their expertise to run successful online campaigns could deter them from joining Beyond Organic. This policy discourages those who understand online marketing from participating, limiting long-term growth.
The strict marketing controls, particularly the reliance on replicated websites, create substantial hurdles for Mission Marketers seeking to generate leads and expand their reach.