The success of your law firm depends on you landing new clients and delivering commendable service. But attracting visitors – especially in a competitive market with 449,633 firms – is not going to be a cakewalk. You will need a way to outshine industry Goliaths and reel in people already searching for services like yours. But are citations, or online yellow pages, a way for law firms to do that?
Experts haven’t cracked the code to a universal local SEO strategy yet. But they do have some solid theories on what works. Local citations are one such factor.
Local citations for law firms refer to online listings mentioning your business name, address, and phone number. They help improve the relevancy, trust, and authority of your website significantly.
But are citations just as vital today as they were a couple of years ago? For many businesses, the answer is yes.
Citations for Law Firms: Do You Need Them?
Having your law firm listed in trusted directories signals to Google that it’s legitimate. This, in turn, improves your search ranking.
But that’s not all there is to citations for law firms. Let’s explore a few benefits of this tried-and-tested Google ranking factor.
1. Improved Reputation
While people use search engines like Google to explore businesses in their area, that’s not the case with everyone. Some users prefer using YellowPages, Yelp, or specialized business directories devoted to what they are looking for. And a strong presence in these can help you rank higher in search results.
Local citations for law firms can also enhance your digital footprint. The more frequently your business is mentioned in different directories, the more credible it seems. Clients are likelier to trust a law firm with mentions across multiple reputable law directories rather than settle for one that people barely know.
Trust is scarce in today’s market, and that can’t be understated. Citations for law firms offer a dependable way to build authority and ensure clients you’re the real deal.
2. Increased Reviews
Citations on third-party review sites often garner more reviews – a must-have for most local law firms. A few positive comments can work wonders for your brand image. This is especially true when you consider that 76% of consumers “regularly” read online reviews while browsing for local businesses.
Online reviews affect local SEO for law firms in the same way as word-of-mouth referrals. A good recommendation from a satisfied client can drive more people to your firm, no questions asked.
Even with negative reviews, taking the right steps can make a difference. Most customers appreciate a business making an honest effort to resolve issues and respond to criticism. If you apologize upfront and offer a tangible solution, your reputation will be intact.
3. Cost-Effective
Using a business directory to attract attention is a much more cost-effective alternative to pay-per-click ads. Many directories allow local businesses to submit listings for free. You can also buy paid versions to enjoy some extra features.
The best example of this would be your Google Business Profile listing. This Google-sponsored citation allows you to add or claim your business on a directory for no charges. It’s long been recognized as a game-changer for local SEO for law firms.
4. Better Brand Visibility
As a local law firm, the easier you are to find, the more likely you are to succeed. Each citation you build creates a direct pathway to your company for anyone wanting to connect with you.
Local SEO for lawyers can help drive traffic to your site. Local listings are vital for businesses to establish visibility within their region, so they’re found when people search for the services they offer. This is especially true if you’re trying to compete with larger names in your market.
Having your information readily available in the right places puts you front and center of anyone actively searching for services in your niche. That’s the magic of local SEO for law firms! When customers search for firms like yours on Google, Bing, or Yelp, a strong presence in these directories can help you appear higher in the search results.
5. Increased Competitive Edge
Chances are your competition is paying close attention to their local citations. If you’re not leveraging yours, you could be missing out on valuable opportunities they have cashed in on.
Remember, customers want to be able to find the best option in the easiest way possible, and a great way to beat market giants is to amplify your visibility and encourage people to reach out to you as an expert on what they need.
Get More Mileage Out of Local SEO for Lawyers with ENX2 Marketing!
As a part of local SEO for law firms, citations provide verification and trust. When there are multiple credible sources with the same accurate information about a business, search engines see it as trustworthy and legitimate.
That said, there is a right way to do local SEO for lawyers. Local SEO for law firms is not a simple affair. You’ll need a customized plan tailored to your unique needs to make a difference. That’s why you need ENX2 Marketing! We get the proper citations for law firms, so you’re sure to see a better ROI on your local SEO process. Contact us to learn more about what we do today!
