Google My Business OptimizationGoogle My Business (GMB) supplements your current online presence, specifically in regards to Google’s map and web searches. The program has five main benefits:
These are all important elements of business development for lawyers. Please continue reading for a quick look at how optimizing GMB could advance your practice’s goals through improvements in these five categories.
1. Search Insight
Google already collects a great deal of information from its searches. You may be surprised at how much of it the company is willing to share for free through GMB. You wouldn’t need to do much set up to access this data, but you would need to analyze and keep track in order to utilize it to inform business expansion strategy.
2. Local Exposure
One of the most attractive features of GMB for lawyers is the ability to show up in local searches. This is useful in Google Maps, but it also affects traditional search results. Even if you operate your LLC or corporation without a physical address, you can still gain some local exposure by using a service area.
3. Controlled Image
GMB allows you to control the images people associate with your business. You have the option to upload photos that reinforce your brand, underline your values, and generally put your best foot forward. You might already have a library of these types of images from building a website, in which case, incorporating them into GMB would be a simple matter of checking formats, composition, and sizes of your pictures work with the various ways they will be displayed on maps, mobile maps, search and mobile search.
4. Direct Interaction
Word-of-mouth and reputation have always been major drivers of business in the legal profession. These days, many of these types of client-to-client conversations happen online. Some of your clients may even broadcast their opinions on public sites — like Google Maps.
GMB allows you to interact directly with client comments about your business on Maps. Your personal identity is protected — responses will display as if your business is giving direct feedback. Because of this, part of GMB optimization is understanding when and how to interact with client posts in order to encourage discussion and control your online image.
5. Personal Expression
Last but not least, you have the opportunity through GMB to express yourself via a company description. Similar to your business’s profile images, your summary should give potential clients an idea of who you are and which types of cases you are most interested in taking. There are many ways to optimize here, but one general rule is that simpler is better — the description should typically be more of an expanded slogan than a full summary of your practice.
If you’re interested, there is plenty more to know about GMB. Please give us a call at your convenience, and we can see how this tool fits into your business development plan. Contact FORWARD Lawyer Marketing at (888) 590-9687 to speak with a lawyer marketing specialist about how we can help Optimizing your Google My Business.
