Updated on February 17, 2023
Google Maps can help potential clients find your law firm. The web service provides detailed information to those looking for a business. So, if an individual recently injured in a car accident searches “lawyers near me”, law firms close by will come up in search results.
If your firm is located on the south side of your city but the client was injured on the north side of the city, your firm will be most likely closer to the bottom of their search.
The good news is there are ways you can optimize your Google Maps presence and rank higher! Search Engine Optimization and Schema are important to your firm's overall ranking on Google. It may be beneficial to have an SEO expert perform an audit of your website and give advice on improvements you can make.
Here are some ways according to LawyerMarketing.com to improve your presence on Google Maps:
Google My Business
First, make sure you are using your Google My Business to its fullest potential. Claim your listing and fill out all of the information as prompted. Add photos, your hours, phone number, address, etc., and make sure all your information is always up to date.
You should also post on your Google My Business listing regularly with relevant keywords included. You can post about blogs, events, firm updates, etc. For our blog on using Google My Business to your advantage, click here.
Research
Figuring out where you show up on Google Maps can take some time and depend on location. Typically, business or law firms that are closer to the potential client will show up closer to the top of Google Maps. If you are located on the north side of town and the client is on the east side of town you are less likely to show up.
The best way to know when or where you show up on the Google Maps search is to test it for yourself. Go to Google Maps and type in your firm’s name. If your firm does not show up in Google Maps then click on the “add a missing place” button and provide the firm name, category, and location. Once you’ve confirmed you are there, try typing in key phrases into Google like “law firms near me” to see where you stand.
Consistency is Key
Information on your website is key to helping your Google Maps location. Make sure on every page of your website your address, firm name, phone number, and practice area are listed in the same way. You will also want to make sure your Google My Business page has the same, exact information as your website. The address should be spelled out the same way in all places, including any outside legal listing websites where your firm may be listed.
According to an article by WordStream, another way to improve your Google Maps ranking is to embed a Google Map onto your website like on the contact page.
Reviews
Local reviews are important to Google’s search engine. The more reviews you have, and more positive reviews will ensure you will be at the top of a web search.
For more information on Google Maps for your firm, click here or here for additional resources.
Photo Credit: deagreez, 123rf.com