Search Engine Marketing: Hiring an Attorney For Success

Law firms use law firm SEO to attract new clients, rank higher on Google, and build awareness of their practice. Lawyers have relied on search engines for years and expect first-page visibility, not second place. The challenge is finding a search-engine optimization company that specializes in law practice marketing and can deliver on those expectations.

Why attorneys search for SEO services in the first place

Lawyers often type terms like attorney SEO near me or ideal search engine optimization services into Google. The goal is simple: have the firm website appear high on the first page of search results for every relevant query, including searches made by people who are not lawyers but need legal services. Because most people use the web to find information, a simple search for law firm keywords returns a long list of agencies claiming they can send a law firm a lot of traffic. Picking the right one comes down to a few specific checks.

What to check before hiring an SEO agency

There are three things to keep in mind when choosing a SEO company to help with your marketing strategy:

• Track record. How many clients do they serve, and do they have the experience to make sure your website works?
• Pricing. What do their other clients say, and are there testimonials you can review?
• Tools and resources. Do they offer keyword research, web analytics, and content management to help your law firm rank in the major search engines?

What a strong attorney SEO plan should include

As a client, you have the right to expect top-notch attorney SEO services. The most effective marketing plan combines high-quality content with original images. Content quality matters because it forms the basis of what people find when performing searches, and images should be clear, relevant, and professional.

If the goal is to build a large list of potential clients, the site needs plenty of information about the practice. The more interesting the attorney marketing efforts, the more likely a potential client searching for legal services will find the site. The marketing effort should also target the search engine optimization and website marketing strategies designed to attract as many clients as possible, with keywords relevant to the firm’s area of expertise.

A smart attorney will take the time to build a website that is easy to navigate and incorporates effective search engine optimization and website marketing strategies. Those strategies increase traffic and improve search engine rankings, which translates into higher client satisfaction, higher rates of referrals, and a more successful business.

Why SEO alone isn’t enough

Search engine optimization is critical to online marketing, but it should not be the only strategy in place. A complete plan covers all of the marketing tactics used to reach the target audience, supported by a strong website presence. Without a professional website, the firm will not reach its full potential, and a message can only go so far without a physical representation. Attorney SEO works well when paired with a well-designed website that incorporates effective search engine optimization tactics, though keyword research alone is not enough to draw potential clients.

Hiring an attorney for SEO: factors to weigh

When hiring a lawyer or a law firm to optimize a website, consider their experience and portfolio to confirm they are knowledgeable in search engine optimization and can execute the plan. Look at how long they have worked in the field and how many SEO projects they have completed. There are no guarantees when hiring a lawyer or a law firm, so choosing someone with years of experience is the safer bet.

Hiring an attorney for a search engine marketing strategy can feel daunting without clear expectations. Before signing on, discuss goals with the firm and review their experience and portfolio. Taking those steps makes it easier to work with a professional who can deliver the best possible results.

Related coverage

• How to Use Local Search Marketing to Increase Your Search Engine Ranking
• Local Search Engine Optimization