Possible clients looking for a lawyer probably will not open a phone book these days. They are going to go straight to search engines instead. This is why local SEO, or search engine optimization that is exclusive to your area is so important for getting new customers in your area.
These days, search engine optimization for bankruptcy lawyers is very important because many of their possible clients are in terrible financial situations and need help right away. If you do good local SEO, people in your area will be able to find your law company when they look for legal services.
Claim your Google My Business profile
Imagine that your law firm’s name was broadcast from an electronic billboard to everyone in your city who was looking for bankruptcy help. Now, that is the power of a Google My Business (GMB) page that has been optimized well.
You can control how your business shows up in Google Maps and search results for free with GMB. The first thing you need to do to dominate local SEO is to claim your GMB profile. Once you have claimed it, make sure all the information on it is correct, including your address, phone number, website address, and service areas.
Speak the language that local searches use
People who need legal help often use certain phrases and sentences. Instead of just typing “bankruptcy lawyer,” they might look for “Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney near me” or “free consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer.”
Find out more about these local terms and use them naturally in the text of your website. This makes it more likely that people in your area will see your business when they use these search terms.
Provide value through your content
Do not forget how powerful informative website material can be. Write blog posts and pieces that answer common legal questions that people in your target audience may have. Think about problems and issues in your area.
For instance, if there are more foreclosures in your area than usual, you could write a helpful blog post about how to deal with foreclosures with the help of a lawyer. This makes you look like an expert in the area and makes your website more useful for people searching in that area.
Citations can help build trust and credibility
Imagine having a network of online sources that rave about you. In the world of local SEO, this is pretty much what citations are. If someone talks about your law business online, a citation includes your name, address, and phone number.
These mentions may show up in local news stories, business listings, or the websites of law groups. Search engines value your business more when it has more high-quality citations, which raises your local ranking.
Do not underestimate the power of client testimonials
Good reviews from past customers are the best way to build trust. Ask happy customers to leave reviews on your GMB page and other websites, such as Google Reviews or Avvo.
Not only do good reviews persuade potential clients that you are an expert, but they also make your business more visible in local search results.
Become a local thought leader
Get active in your community! Take part in events in your area, offer your legal knowledge to groups in your area, or even write guest posts for online publications in your area. This makes your company more well-known and places you as a reliable expert in your area.
Remember that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint
It takes time and steady work to build good local SEO. Do not expect effects right away.
Always add new content to your website, keep an eye on your online reviews, and make sure the information on your GMB page is correct. To be successful at local SEO, you need to be patient and dedicated.