Local search engine optimization (SEO) is important for law firms because it helps them connect with local prospective clients.
SEO is all about improving online visibility. In a world where almost everything is going digital, no business would want to be left behind. This is where search engine optimization comes in.
SEO is a digital marketing technique designed to improve search engine rankings. In most cases, when people search the Internet, a majority don’t go past the first page. This means that if your website doesn’t appear on the first page, very few people will notice your business.
Considering the fact that most people rely on the Internet to get information, they are often directed to a website that has the type of services or information they want.
For instance, if someone is searching for a divorce lawyer in Florida, he or she is likely to search for that information through the Internet. The search engine will direct her to a website that has the information she is looking for.
Local SEO narrows down the search to customers within a particular area. It means that a law firm has to use SEO keywords that target local populations.
Below are some of the reasons why local SEO for law firms is important:
1. It Generates Customer Reviews
There’s no doubt that Google’s algorithm favors websites that use Google tools. Using local SEO can help a law firm build positive and authentic reviews on their Google My Business pages. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your law firm will rank.
You can make your work easier by requesting that your clients review your services on websites like Yelp, Google, or Avvo. Your main focus should be on Google since it is the most popular and used search engine.
2. Local SEO Optimizes Your Website
The main goal of SEO is to make it easy for people to find your business online. The good thing about local SEO is that it narrows down or targets specific clients within your locality.
This involves the use of strategic keywords so that people can locate your services easily.
When it comes to local SEO, it is recommended that you use long-tail keywords rather than the short-tail ones.
This is because long-tail keywords are more specific and targeted. For example, instead of using the phrase “divorce lawyer” as your keyword, use “divorce lawyer Florida” to target your local clients.
3. Google My Business
Whenever people use Google to search for legal services, they are likely to type the location together with what they are looking for. For instance, if they are looking for an injury lawyer, they will type something like “injury lawyer Florida”.
This brings up a list of several law firms within Florida. If you would like your company to be among the top ones on that list, local SEO is what you need to invest in.
4. Local SEO Improves Credibility
Another advantage of local SEO is that it improves the credibility of a law firm. The fact that you can appear on the first page of Google search results means that your website contains a lot of relevant information on a particular subject.
For example, if you are specializing in criminal defense, local SEO will help you rank high on Google search results if you have the most updated and relevant information.
This will give online users the impression that you are one of the best in the legal industry, hence commanding a certain level of respect.
5. Content Marketing
Content marketing will always remain relevant to many businesses. Although most lawyers might find the idea of marketing their services odd, the power of written content cannot be underestimated.
Lawyers can take advantage of content marketing to increase their rankings on Google and other search engines.
As far as local SEO is concerned, writing about different legal topics and incorporating local keywords strategically can help your website to rank high on Google. You will also make it easy for people to search and find specific legal services within their localities.
Bottom line
Local SEO can help law firms grow their businesses in many ways. One of the ways is by attracting local and targeted clients.
