The Importance of Local SEO for Lawyers

What’s the importance of local SEO for lawyers? While it is common for most people to seek recommendations from family and friends when finding a solicitor, a growing number of individuals are relying on the internet to obtain the legal services they require. As more people use search engines to find lawyers to assist and represent them in court, it makes sense for your law office to start devising a local SEO strategy. 

But what is local SEO, and how can it benefit your law firm? 

Local SEO: A Quick Overview

Local SEO is similar to standard search engine optimisation. However, instead of optimising your website for typical online searches, your optimisation efforts are geared towards queries with local intent or “near me” searches. 

Any law firm that is serious about attracting new clients should include local SEO in its arsenal of digital marketing tools and strategies. Google often encourages businesses to focus on local searches, and for a good reason. Studies have shown that the volume of “near me” searches are growing faster than any other type of online query. Therefore, optimising your site for local search will make it easier for law clients in your location to find you online. 

How Law Firms Benefit from Local SEO

Optimising your law firm’s website for local search can strengthen your online marketing efforts. Here are several reasons why you should invest in local SEO. 

1. It improves your online visibility

It is no secret that the law industry is one of the toughest and most competitive. To survive and thrive in this cut-throat industry, you will need to set yourself apart from other law firms. Local SEO can help you in this regard by making you more visible online. 

For instance, having a Google My Business (GMB) profile will help ensure that your business profile will not get buried under those of your direct competitors. By having an optimised GMB listing, you can have a greater chance of receiving a more prominent local search ranking. 

2. It gives your reputation a boost

Positive client reviews can contribute significantly to your law firm’s reputation, authority, and search rankings. And with a GMB listing, it will be much easier for you to convince former clients to rate and review your business. 

If a potential client searches for a local lawyer online and sees that your practice has more positive reviews than the others, they are more likely to enlist your services. What’s more, client reviews also help convince Google that your law firm is legitimate and trustworthy. 

3. It helps you attract more local clients

With improved online visibility and reputation, it won’t be long before clients come knocking on your door, literally and figuratively. Research showed that 72% of local searches resulted in in-person visits. Therefore, with local SEO, not only can you generate more web traffic and leads, but you can also improve the amount of foot traffic in your office. 

4. It shows where you are on Google Maps

Here’s another way local SEO for lawyers can help you attract more in-person visits. With a GMB listing, you’re likely to appear on Google Maps along with the organic search results when someone looks for local law firms on Google. 

Google’s Map Packs are visible in almost 30% of first-page search results. Since vital information about a business, such as their name, address, and contact details, are usually included in the Map Pack, most searchers would be content with the details they found and won’t scroll further down the search result page. By appearing on Google Maps, you can have a significant advantage over the competition. 

5. It helps you establish trust and authority

Most consumers assume that businesses, including law firms, which appear prominently on Google search results, have been vetted by the search giant. This gives them the impression that these businesses are reliable and trustworthy. 

Receiving top ranking on local search results helps encourage local prospects to trust your law firm more. It also enables you to earn their respect and, eventually, their business. With the help of local SEO for lawyers, it will be easier for you to establish yourself as a reliable and trustworthy law service provider. 

Let Us Help You Create a Solid Local SEO Strategy

Indeed, local SEO can do wonders for your law firm’s online visibility and reputation. Best of all, it allows you to attract new clients, helping ensure your law practice’s success and continued growth. 

Similar to standard SEO, local SEO is an ongoing process. With you already having a lot on your plate, you probably don’t have enough time to optimise your law firm’s website for local search. Fortunately, we at Kinetic are only happy to help. Our team of friendly and reliable SEO experts has the skills and experience to help you obtain excellent local search rankings. 

If you need an SEO plan tailored for your law practice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!