You’re right! On November 2, Google announced a major change to how sponsored listings would appear on their results pages. In some cases — but not all – ads no longer appear on the top and side rail, but only on the top and bottom of the page. There has never been a layout change […]
Legal Search Marketing – Why FindLaw and Martindale-Hubbell Miss the Mark
By Ian M. Bardorf If you’re like many busy attorneys, you don’t have the time to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in Internet marketing. Your expertise is in helping your clients and providing high-quality legal services. You need a savvy partner that will design and implement a results-driven, cost-effective online marketing strategy. Most attorneys […]
Question – Who should use FindLaw and Martindale-Hubbell?
If you don’t have a website or your website is simply a business card online without video, testimonials, articles, or Q&As, you may benefit from investing in these services for a year or two to jump start your marketing efforts. Then you should harvest your investment by transitioning your site to a more affordable option […]
Legal Search Marketing – 6 SEO Tactics to Avoid
By Ian M. Bardorf Search Engine Marketing is one of the most effective tactics to generate leads, help you promote your expertise, reach prospects and stay connected with clients. A good ranking on Google’s results pages is a measurable gateway for new business. Enhancing your website so that it’s listed at or near the top […]
Question – How can I attract local clients to my website?
Since most people (97%) search online before making a purchase, it’s logical that anyone seeking an attorney will head to Google first. The most important thing you can do to be found in a “local search” is to claim your Google Places page and verify that the basic information is accurate. I wrote an article […]
Legal Search Marketing – Why Content is King
By Ian M. Bardorf You’ve heard the phrase “content is king” but what does that mean when it comes to your website? It means that good content – news, testimonials, articles, blog posts and more — is the most important element of a successful website. In fact, last April Google released its latest algorithmic change, […]
Question – On my website I have a description of my firm, my bio, and some testimonials. What else can I include to beef up my site?
Website content is anything visitors can see on your site. It’s the “meat” in the website sandwich. Although there are many different types of content you can use to connect with website visitors and your clients, here’s a list of common formats that you may want to consider adding to your site as part of […]
Legal Search Marketing – Build your Business using LinkedIn
By Ian M. Bardorf LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) was launched in 2003 and is now the leading professional network on the Internet. LinkedIn is reportedly growing by roughly one million new members every week — more than one member each second. Unlike other social networks like Facebook or MySpace, LinkedIn members are professionals, primarily in the service, […]
Question – I’ve been a LinkedIn member for a while. What new LinkedIn apps should I use?
LinkedIn offers a number of applications (apps) for members to connect with other members and promote their expertise. Four that I think are especially valuable for attorneys are: Events The Events application adds a box to your profile that shows what events people in your network are attending. This helps you find events based on […]
Legal Search Marketing – Four Common SEO Myths
By Ian M. Bardorf Do you Google? More and more people do. In fact, search engine use around the world is growing. Last year there were more than 131 billion searches worldwide, representing a 46-percent increase over the previous year according to comScore, a leading digital marketing intelligence provider. This number represents more than 4 […]
Question – I’ve had success networking at local events. Do I need to use Google too?
Most attorneys are fantastic natural networkers, connecting with current clients and prospects through colleagues, peers in other professions, trade and bar associations, and networking events. They know it’s a necessary part of generating leads and growing their practice. Only a few attorneys have chosen to use this ability to attract and retain clients via the […]
Legal Search Marketing – Building an Online Social Network
By Ian M. Bardorf Most attorneys are fantastic natural networkers, connecting with current clients and prospects through colleagues, peers in other professions, trade and bar associations, and networking events. They know it’s a necessary part of generating leads and growing their practice. Only a few attorneys have chosen to use this ability to attract and […]
Question – I’m getting a lot of spam email. How can I tell which ones are real?
Our email inboxes fill up quickly these days, often with unwanted junk mail, solicitations, ads and special offers. Although most email providers are working diligently to filter out this spam, some get through and it’s not always easy to identify a legitimate inquiry. Attorneys are especially prone to receiving this type of email. Many of […]
Legal Search Marketing – Local Search: Four Tips for Google Places
By Ian M. Bardorf Google Places is an online directory of businesses around the world. Having a current listing in this directory is essential for all types of businesses, but is especially important for attorneys and small law firms. Why? Because most people seeking legal assistance start their search on Google by entering their location […]
Question – Should I reduce my advertising with the Yellow Pages?
We all grew up with the familiar yellow book. Now there are many variations on the original and it’s still on the shelf in my house. But when was the last time you opened it up to look for something – a vendor, restaurant, or service? If you’re like most people, you haven’t done that […]
Legal Search Marketing – Video is an effective marketing resource for attorneys
Lets face it, hiring an attorney can be an intimidating task and when coupled with an often-stressful legal issue at hand, many prospects settle for the “friend of a friend” route, then find the best attorney for their needs and budget. Video helps erase the intimidation factor that surrounds the process of contacting and hiring […]
Legal Search Marketing – The value of your search rankings
By Ian M. Bardorf Generally speaking, people who are in business are not inclined to give their company’s strategic assets away to the competition. However, many attorneys and law firms do exactly this and they don’t even realize it! When it comes to online marketing, what many attorneys fail to realize is the actual value […]
Legal Search Marketing – Claims of 1st Page Google Rank
By Ian M. Bardorf Many attorneys are looking for effective ways to market their legal services on the Internet. Done properly, Internet marketing is undoubtedly one of the most cost effective and productive ways of growing your firm. However, attorneys suffer from the relentless bombardment of inbound solicitations that claim will change their business, and […]
Question: Why doesn’t my ad show first when I increase my budget?
The days of simply spending more money to buy a top placement in Google’s sponsored ads section (not the natural listings) is long gone. Yet, there still remains a misconception among many that if you simply increase the amount you’re willing to spend on a keyword, you can buy top placement. Not true. Google changed […]
Legal Search Marketing – 2010 Best Practices for Lawyers and Law Firms
Competition among lawyers, especially in today’s business environment, is as fierce as ever. As a sole practitioner or small law firm, every little advantage that you can create against competitors is going to benefit you. Many attorneys put themselves at a distinct disadvantage without even realizing it. For those attorneys who are not Internet savvy, […]