SEO for Lawyers: Rank & Get Clients
Like any business, one of the chief goals of law firms is to grow their client base. Traditionally, firms have achieved this objective through referrals. A current or former client would pass on your firm’s information to someone in need of legal services. However, in today’s fast-paced, competitive, digital age, word-of-mouth referrals can only do so much. You need to have a strong presence online. Through search engine optimization, your firm’s website can be among the first that people see when they are looking for legal help.
What Is SEO, and How Does It Work?
SEO is not a new concept, but it may be foreign to your firm. SEO (search engine optimization) is the process of creating traffic to your website through natural results in search engines. Good SEO improves your website’s position in search results pages, such as when a potential client uses Google to find out information about the services your firm provides. More people will see your website if it is high in the search rankings. SEO optimizes a website’s content. It does this through keyword research, quality content, and also gaining inbound links that make your website more visible.
Law Firms Can Use Local, Organic Searches
The National Law Review reported some interesting findings on local SEO searches. They concluded: “Local and organic searches together make up 69% of all online traffic…Local businesses that employed local SEO by optimizing based on proximity outperformed in bringing in more website traffic.” Thus, focusing on local SEO can yield promising results in bringing traffic to your site.
Organic Searches Pay Big Dividends
Paid searches have their place in SEO. However, when it comes to SEO for lawyers, organic searches are more useful. The National Law Review further revealed that organic searches (non-paid) generate 66% of call conversion for law firms. People who end up contacting firms for services usually do so through organic web searches.
Law Firms Should Employ Link Building
If you want to improve your website’s position in online searches, try using backlinks. LawRank states: “Backlinks provide a valuable way to elevate your law firm’s local SEO. The contact information for your law office is likely displayed in many places online.” Add backlinks from sites that have your firm’s vital information. These places can include legal directories, social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and reviews from third-party sites.
Make Your Site Mobile Friendly
Many people conduct their web searches from their mobile devices. For example, prospective clients may search the web for legal services while they are riding public transportation to work, while they’re standing in line at a restaurant, or while they have downtime in the office. It’s essential today that your firm’s website works well for people using their smartphones or tablets.
Effective SEO is vital for your law firm. As you look to improve your SEO strategy, make sure you incorporate these guidelines.
If you need help with your law firm’s organic search (SEO) strategy, contact Search Pros today.