Attorney SEO is the process of optimizing a law firm’s website to rank for searches like “attorney,” “lawyer,” and practice-area keywords that real clients type into Google. Done well, it expands a practice’s reach and brings in qualified leads from organic search. Many lawyers are searching for terms such as “attorney SEO” or “digital marketing law firms” because law firms need to stay competitive online to remain relevant.
Why attorney SEO matters for your law firm
A “lawyer search” tool helps lawyers gain a competitive advantage by optimizing their websites for key phrases that increase exposure. In an increasingly digital age, clients are relying on legal services provided by attorneys, so your firm needs something that sets it apart. Start by taking a look at your online marketing.
Is your law firm website built to convert visitors?
Your site’s content must be easy to read and understand. A visually stunning site still fails if visitors don’t know how to read it. Try reading articles, blogs, and legal briefs (if applicable) in landscape format, and make sure you’re consistent about keyword usage.
Keyword usage and integration into your web copy is essential, so don’t overlook the small print. Ask these questions about your site:
- Is your website’s navigation clear and easy to follow?
- Are links to your firm’s internal pages and information presented strategically?
- Are there spelling errors?
- Do your pages load quickly and correctly?
Which keywords should a New York law firm target?
Think about what kind of visitor would want to go to your site after clicking a link to your New York law firm. What search terms do they type into Google? Will they hit your page first, second, or third? These questions must be answered before your website is even considered for SEO.
An attorney SEO specialist can give you answers. Remember that a lawyer is tasked with much responsibility, so your website must have relevance and be user-friendly. You must be visible to search engines, and the smartest lawyer and his marketing team know which keywords and phrases will give your site the most exposure.
What can a lawyer do to optimize the site today?
He can make it mobile friendly. He can write blog posts about his practice. He can create a YouTube channel dedicated to his expertise. Don’t forget to include contact information and a direct link to his website.
How should a law firm approach SEO and social media?
The world of search engine optimization is vast, with many angles to maximize results. Consider these common questions:
- What is the best way to build a social networking presence?
- How do you rank for specific search terms?
- What keywords bring clients to your New York law website?
- How does article marketing help you get clients?
How do you make a law firm website interactive?
Every lawyer has a website. Allow users to upload their own photos, invite the community to submit suggestions, and let your clients tell their friends how grateful they are for having a lawyer like you.
What ethical rules apply to a lawyer’s website?
As an ethical online citizen, you must not tolerate discrimination of any sort. If your website allows cookie-cutter features, such as the ability to save only the first few seconds of a video to watch later, you have an ethical problem. Don’t limit your potential clients to a short clip of your video. If you need a more detailed explanation, ask your lawyer what type of documentation he prefers for your site.
How user-friendly does the site need to be?
Make sure your potential client doesn’t spend five minutes trying to figure out how to navigate your site. If a potential client is uncomfortable with the way you communicate on your website, this will impact your ability to sell your law firm to that person. A less than friendly lawyer sends the wrong message.
How do you pick the right attorney SEO partner?
Your lawyer deserves the best SEO advice money can buy. He or she understands how search engine optimization works and knows how to get results. If you aren’t ready to invest a lot of time, money, and effort into educating yourself about SEO, hire a professional. Make sure that your lawyer has a thorough understanding of what SEO is and how he or she can help you achieve maximum exposure. Hire someone who is willing to work diligently to educate himself and his staff, and the result will be a better-rounded lawyer willing to answer any question you might have.