When conducting a search on Google’s homepage, you may have noticed a little button to the right of “Google Search” which says “I’m Feeling Lucky”. Originally, the feature was a fun way to explore the web. Click “I’m Feeling Lucky,” and you go straight to the top-ranking website connected to your search while skipping the search results page. Today, Google uses the button to help Googlers discover art,…
Mar 14
Google adds mobile-friendly usability factors to its mobile search algorithm
Google has announced that mobile-friendliness will be a ranking factor for all mobile searches starting April 21. Pages that are mobile-friendly according to Google’s usability tests will receive a boost in results for searches performed on a mobile device.
According to Google Webmaster Trends Analyst Gary Illyes, the update will run page-by-page. There is no site-wide penalty. If your site were to have 20 mobile-friendly pages and 10 pages Google does not deem to be mobile-friendly, the 20…
Read MoreMar 9
Adwords can connect your law firm to the suburbs
Search engine marketing often focuses on getting top placement for the most popular keywords related to your law firm’s practice area. This strategy generally delivers the most leads, and it’s a solid approach. But when a big-city search doesn’t perform as well in the suburbs, a pay-per-click campaign might fill the void.
For several years, Google has been using the geographic location of the searcher to determine what search results to display. When you are looking for a place to…
Read MoreMar 7
Trending: 5 web design practices that have outlived their usefulness
Many web design trends catch on for good reason. Innovations allow developers to create visually appealing layouts that serve the best purposes of the site owner and visitors. Beautiful design and function can coexist.
However, trends have a habit of becoming ubiquitous. When industry group-think starts to drive design decisions, it is time to reconsider which trends are actually helping to enhance the user experience. Here are five trends that have outlived their usefulness:
1. Slideshows
Large header…
Mar 4
Getting people to use your law firm’s app
Many law firms see a mobile app as just another item on the list of desirable marketing tools. Once it’s built, they cross it off the list and don’t think about it again, even if it attracts very little attention. They don’t realize that an app needs a marketing plan of its own to really succeed.
If you build it, they won’t necessarily come.
Getting your law firm’s app in the Google Play…
Read MoreFeb 28
Make your website visitors feel welcome
Many people view the prospect of hiring an attorney with some trepidation. They may fear the process or the outcome, or they may be under stress due to their situation, causing them to feel a general anxiety about the whole system.
Text filled with legalese surrounded by hackneyed attorney symbolism does not provide a warm welcome. Most people want to be in a courtroom about as much as they want to visit a doctor, so try to steer them…
Read MoreFeb 24
Why does a law firm logo matter?
Legal marketing is tricky in ways that marketing for a business like a restaurant or clothing manufacturer is not. People are always going to need to buy clothes and most want to eat out every now and then. But any given individual may not need legal services for years or decades at a time. This challenge exposes the need for firms to create a distinct and memorable identity. Developing a logo is an important piece of the process.
No,…
Read MoreFeb 23
If your firm’s website doesn’t go mobile, Google will tell you.
Google has started notifying webmasters of their incompatible websites. These notices are sent out through Google Webmaster Tools or via email. If you have received one of these notices, here is what you need to know.
- It’s not a penalty. Google is not penalizing your website for any wrongdoing. It’s not a warning or a manual action.
- It may affect your ranking. Last year, Google introduced the “mobile-friendly” tag on the…
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Feb 17
Local SEO for 2015
In July 2014, Google released the Pigeon algorithm update. As 2015 gets underway, learn how important it is for law firms to understand the effects of Pegeon on local SEO strategies.
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Read MoreFeb 14
7 Search Marketing Myths Your Firm Should Forget in 2015
Google is constantly tweaking its algorithm in an effort to deliver the best information to its users. Big releases like Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird and Pigeon combine with smaller daily and weekly updates to create an environment in which search marketing tactics must continuously adjust. Some methods have remained relatively solid over the years, while others, like keyword stuffing and search engine submission, became obsolete long ago.
What are some common search marketing myths? What tactics can your firm drop in…
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