Google estimates that some twenty percent of all search queries are local in nature, leading to the unique merger of organic and local search, and shifting the way local search engines display information. Consumers are getting away from using the traditional phone book directories and any current businesses that have relied on organic traffic to their website in the past may be significantly impacted in the near future. If your law firm is unprepared for this shift, it may be a rather rude awakening when you find your listings changed in Google’s search results. With the search marketing being changed in this dramatic way, it is critical that you implement a local search online review and legal firm SEO strategy to achieve visibility in local searches. There are additional new features in Google Place Search which can help your business website realize its full potential.
Your World, Your Search
The theory behind Google Places lies in the fact that millions of people use Google to find places in the real world—in their world. They want to know where the nearest auto repair place is, where they can get a haircut, or where they can go tonight for Chinese food. They also want to know where they can find a local attorney to help them with whatever form of problem they are currently experiencing. More and more, people are going online to find a local attorney than they are thumbing through the yellow pages. In order to help people make informed decisions about which attorney’s number they will dial, Google Place Pages will connect people to that critical information, displaying photos, reviews, and essential facts. Our intense connection to our computers, cell phones, and other gadgets make Google Places the brightest new star in the sky.
Google Maps with Tags
Over four million businesses have already claimed their Google Place Page through the Local Business Center; they can verify and supplement their business information to include hours of operation and so much more. For only $25 per month, if your law firm is in select cities, you can make your listings stand out on both Google.com and Google Maps with Tags. There are currently Tags in Austin, Atlanta, Houston, San Jose, CA, and Washington D.C., with Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Boulder and San Francisco coming onboard soon. Hopefully, many more major cities will be coming soon to Google Places.
Photos of Your Law Firm
Besides uploading photos of your law firm, attorneys, etc., if your firm is in select cities you can request a free photo shoot of the interior of your business; these photos will be used in supplementation of existing business photos. Prospective clients love seeing actual photos of your business and your lawyers as it makes them feel much more personally connected by the time they pick up the phone to call.
See How Your Firm is Performing
If you want to keep close track of how your law firm’s business listing is performing on Google, there is a personalized dashboard within Google Places which will include interesting data regarding how many times people have found your business on Google, which keywords they used to find it, and what areas people traveled from to visit your business. This is especially important for your legal firm, as it can be crucial for you to know the exact keywords potential clients used to find your firm, as well as where your potential clients are coming from.
Because one out of five Google searches is location-related, it is crucial that your business is easily found—apparently the only “downside” to Google Places is that it is missing the social aspect of Twitter and Facebook, thus prohibiting the business from establishing an ongoing online relationships with customers.
Want FREE Google Places SEO advice and coaching? Call (769) 218-6099 to speak with a Google Places expert, not a sale person.
