Google Places are the map results on the Google search results page, typically labeled with lettered thumbtacks. Google Places have become extremely important and valuable virtual real estate.
Onboard Google Places Optimization Tips For Lawyers
- Only include the company name in the title – do not “keyword stuff” because it is against the TOS (terms of service) and may cause your listing to be taken down.
- Make sure the phone number is the main number for your business. Do not include dynamic tracking numbers or vanity 1-800 numbers in the listing.
- Include the website URL to your main site. Do not include a micro-niche or area of practice URL. Use the main URL that identifies your law firm.
- *IMPORTANT* – Categories are the most important areas where you can improve your search engine rankings. Include keyword specific categories. If you are attempting to rank for “Criminal Defense Attorney” then it should be included as a category. Make sure every category description field is filled in and every category is keyword specific.
(Additional Tip – Check the top ranking law firm listings and see what they are using as their categories) - When you write your description for your law firm, make sure the description is unique. Do not copy a description directly from your website. If you want to include a keyword, make sure the description still reads well for your visitors.It is very important to understand how tedious and active you have to be in order to get great local position rankings for Google Places. In order to do so, you have to submit your site to as many niche specific directories and local directories as possible as well as thousands of other legitimate business directories. Below is a list of a few recommended directories but it will take many more to get excellent attorney placings.
Offsite Google Places Optimization Tips For Attorneys
- When link building for your website, make sure your information is consistent across the board. For directory submission, use the same information that is on your attorney Google Places listing; exact phone numbers, addresses and contact information.
- The best external links for Google Places are from local business listings like the chamber of commerce and legal specific directories. Lawyer directories are very good places to improve your Google places ranking.
- There are two main directories that determine rankings for Google Places. These are the main directories that feed information to Google for local businesses. They are Localeze and InfoUSA. These listings should be claimed because they greatly impact your local listing visibility. Here are some other local directories that are very important: Yelp, Bing, Yellowpages, Supermedia, Zidster, Yellowbot, Local, etc..
Reviews
Reviews are an excellent way to improve your lawyer Google Places ranking for several reasons. First of all, customers who use location or keyword specific phrasing will help identify your Places account with that location and practice area. For example, if someone says “Excellent St Louis Personal Injury Attorney” in the customer review area. It will help identify your places account with the St Louis location and also identify your places account in the personal injury practice area.
Another very important reason to have Google Places reviews is because positive reviews provide social proof for your business. It will help qualify the consumer and improve the chance in which they will convert into a customer.
Google Places is very important for lawyers because it will turn into more visitors and leads for your business. Because of the competitive nature of law-based listings, good Google Places rankings need a lot of attention. An entire comprehensive approach is necessary to get better rankings in such a competitive market.
Here at PowerAdvocates we offer this comprehensive approach to improving your Google Places rankings along with many other services such as law firm website design, law firm marketing, and Google Adwords. Contact PowerAdvocates today for your marketing needs: (866)-625-8800.
