Google My Business for Lawyers - A Complete Guide
Updated: May 27, 2022
In an effort to run a successful law firm with high online visibility and rankings on Google, the Google business listing is one of the most effective ways to boost your SEO and generate leads.
Ranking on Google is determined by a number of factors. On top of using on-page and off-page SEO optimization, you can enhance your brand presence and visibility online by setting up Google My Business appropriately. Creating a Google Business Profile for your local law firm is an essential first step towards local SEO success.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why GMB matters to your local business and the comprehensive guide to setting up a Google Business Profile on your own.
What is Google My Business for Lawyers?
Google My Business (GMB) is a free web tool that enables you to manage and optimize your Business Profile on Google. Your Business Profile refers to your Google business listing that appears in Google Maps and in the local results of Google Search.
Google My Business benefits:
Local SEO
Collecting reviews
Business info directly from the search engine
Marketing and communication tool
Google My Business Insights and its benefits for analytics
Free of Costs
Ease of Use
GMB helps local businesses achieve higher visibility on Google Search for relevant local searches. Optimizing your listing can help your business stand out against your competitors in your local area.
Importance of Google My Business for Lawyers
One of the most interesting things about Google My Business is that 46% of all Google searches are for queries with local intent. They use the search engine to find specific local businesses, products, or services.
GMB helps local businesses achieve higher visibility on Google Search for relevant local searches. That means by using GMB, you can optimize the local search to improve your local reach on Google search. It helps customers find you and your services at the right time when they are searching for legal firms or services nearby.
Guide to Set Up A Google My Business for Lawyers
Setting up the listings for your law firm can be quickly and easy, with just 3 following steps:
Step 1: Launch your profile
If you have not yet claimed your business listings, then go to this website Google My Business. You can use your own account, but it’s advisable to create a new account just for your business purpose. After signing in, visit the Google My Business page and click Manage Now to get started. Google will lead you through adding all of the information about your business, including:
The name of your law firm: Be sure to use the official name. It should be clear to your potential customers and used across all of your online profiles and your websites.
Your firm’s address: This piece of information should be accurate. If you offer services to your clients at a specific location, make sure you include a map marker for a brick-and-mortar location.
Your location on the map: You will choose the exact location of your business by moving the market to the spot you want your client to go.
Your service area: In case your services serve a large area, type in the names of locations you target to ensure google will show your firm to all your target customers. For example, enter “personal injury lawyer” instead of “lawyer” to get specific and better target your audience.
Your business type: Set your business as a law firm. This allows Google to provide your information when someone is searching for terms related to finding the legal area.
Your contact information: Adding the right phone number can ensure a good experience for your customers. If you have a website, you can provide the link so your customers can learn more information about your business before reaching out to you for your legal issues.
Step 2: Verification
Now you have completed the initial Google My Bussiness setup, you need to do some steps to verify with Google that you’re actually the owner of your business. Typically, Google will send you a postcard at your registered business address with a code on it. Sometimes, Google may allow you to verify your address via phone or online.
When you get the code, make sure to complete the process. If not, your law firm will not show up in the search results or on the map.
Step 3: Adding more information
After verifying your location, you can add more information to your listing to make it as clear as possible. Consumers who use Google to find a service expect a certain level of information in a listing. Take the time to log into your account and add more details:
A description of your firm that explains your practice area and the value provide your clients. Make it concise and contain the keywords related to your field.
Fill out the business hours so potential clients know when you are available.
Add a profile picture, photos of your locations, team member, or images from any professional or charitable events you attend.
The more detail you provide, the more you will be able to generate potential clients’ trust, establish trust and help them make a personal connection with you.
To get help promoting your law firm locally, whether it is assisting with setting up your GBM listing or boosting your website ranking, schedule a free schedule with an expert at OC SEO.
>> More: SEO for Lawyers: 10 Google Ranking Factors That Matters
>> More: How to Create Law Firm Marketing Strategy