Google Screened For Lawyers
Prospective clients looking for legal representation want to have the utmost confidence and trust that they’re working with a reputable attorney and firm. This is where Google Screened for Lawyers, a type of local service ad by Google, comes in.
Launched in 2020, Google Screened is specifically designed for niche professionals, such as family law attorneys, personal injury lawyers, civil litigators, and criminal defense attorneys. The Google Screened for Lawyers program validates firms that appear in search engine results pages (SERP). It’s an added layer of protection and assurance for clients, indicating that the firm or attorney has been vetted and verified to provide quality legal advocacy.
What Can Google Screened For Lawyers Do For My Firm?
Law firms that successfully complete the Google Screened application and vetting are awarded a badge displaying this on the firm’s local service ad. The bade shows that a stringent screening process has vetted the firm and the advertised lawyer or lawyers.
It’s not as simple as filling out an application and waiting for the badge. There’s a lot of legwork and effort involved. The Matador Solutions team can get you there. We can help you learn how the badge and verification can better fit your firm and guide you through the verification process.
Google Screened can:
- Add a layer of authority to your online performance
- Generate more new leads
- See your firm organically rank higher on SERP, meaning more visibility for clients
- Increase the visibility for local targeting
- Improved credibility and validated reputation
All of these benefits lead to one important reason for working with us for your Google Screened badge: business growth. You’ll see more leads, more inquiries, more requests for consultation, and more clients for your firm. It’s a solid foundation for building brand awareness and improving online visibility.
- Keyword research and selection
- Content development
- Link building (backlinking)
- Website improvements
- Google My Business listing optimization
Practice Area Approved For Google Screened For Lawyers
Not every lawyer or firm may be eligible for a Google Screened verification badge. Currently, 17 Legal practice areas are eligible for the local service ads affiliated with Google Screened. We can help you determine which practice area you wish to feature when you create your account.
Expert Guidance For A Google Screened Background Check
So, how do you get verified for Google Screened? It starts with an extensive background check of your firm and attorneys. Google may request specific information, such as:
- Bar Membership: Every lawyer listed in your firm will be checked to verify they are a member in good standing with their state bar association
- Partner Background Check: At least one partner in the firm undergoes a civil and criminal background check
- Business Background Check: An additional background check is performed for the firm itself, including its history
- Physical Location: Google verifies the physical location of your firm to ensure the online listing is correct and the firm is legitimate
Your firm must also have an average star rating of 3.0 or higher for Google My Business (GMB) reviews before it’s eligible for the screening process.
Interested in testing out Google Screened for lawyers? Contact Matador Solutions, LLC, today to get started!
What It Means For A Lawyer To Be Google Screened
Trust and credibility are paramount for any professional service, especially in the legal field. For lawyers, being Google Screened is essential. One of the services that Matador Solutions provides is Google Screened for lawyers. What is it? It’s a significant advantage that sets you apart from your competitors.
Understanding Google Screened
Google Screened is a verification process introduced by Google to help consumers find trusted and verified professionals in various fields, including law. Lawyers who are Google Screened have undergone a thorough background check conducted by Google. We can guide you through the process, which includes:
- Background Check: A detailed background check that verifies the lawyer’s identity, professional qualifications, and whether they have a clean legal record.
- License Verification: Confirmation that the lawyer holds a valid, active license to practice law in their respective jurisdiction.
- Insurance Verification: Verification that the lawyer carries the necessary professional liability insurance, ensuring they are covered in the event of a malpractice claim.
- Reviews and Ratings: Evaluation of client reviews and ratings to ensure the lawyer maintains a high level of client satisfaction.
Once these checks are completed, the lawyer receives the Google Screened badge displayed on their Google profile. This badge signifies to potential clients that the lawyer is credible, trustworthy, and vetted by Google.
Benefits Of Being Google Screened
The Google Screened badge instantly boosts your credibility as an attorney. It reassures potential clients that you and your firm have been thoroughly vetted and meet Google’s high standards.
Lawyers who are Google Screened often receive higher visibility in local search results. Enhanced visibility means you are more likely to appear in the top positions on Google, especially in the Local Services Ads (LSA) section. Local visibility is essential since most people needing a lawyer seek one in their immediate area.
With enhanced trust and visibility, the chances of converting potential clients into actual clients are much higher. When people see the Google Screened badge, they feel more confident reaching out, leading to higher conversion rates for your practice.
How To Become Google Screened
There are a few simple steps to becoming Google Screened. Your Matador Solutions account manager can complete much of the process on your behalf, as part of our overall SEO strategy for your firm:
- Start by signing up for Google’s Local Services Ads (LSA). This is the platform through which the Google Screened badge is offered.
- Provide necessary information, including your professional credentials, licensing details, and insurance information.
- Complete the background check process. This may involve providing personal information and consent for Google to conduct the check.
- Continue to uphold high standards of service and professionalism. Client reviews and ratings are an ongoing part of the Google Screened verification, so maintaining positive feedback is crucial.
Is Google Screened For Lawyers Right For You?
Being Google Screened is a powerful tool that enhances credibility, increases visibility, and boosts client trust. This badge provides a distinct advantage in a competitive local legal market that can set your practice apart. Contact your Matador Solutions client care representative today to get started!
The Benefits Of Being Google Screened For Lawyers
Google Screened has emerged as a valuable tool for lawyers looking to enhance their online presence and attract more clients. It’s one of the newest strategies that the Matador Solutions, LLC, team has used with great success for attorneys and law firms. If you haven’t heard of Google Screened for lawyers, you’re not alone.
Here are several key benefits that being Google Screened can offer to law firms:
Enhanced Credibility: Being Google Screened affirms that Google has verified the legitimacy and authenticity of your law firm. This validation significantly boosts your credibility in the eyes of potential clients, as they are more likely to trust businesses that have been vetted by Google.
Increased Visibility: Google Screened listings are displayed prominently at the top of relevant search results, above organic listings and even paid ads. This prime placement can greatly increase your law firm’s visibility to individuals searching for legal services in your area, leading to higher click-through rates and more website traffic.
Competitive Advantage: Achieving Google Screened status sets your law firm apart from competitors that have not undergone the screening process. With fewer firms eligible for this designation, being Google Screened is a competitive edge in your local market and positions your firm as a trusted provider of legal services.
Trust and Confidence: For individuals seeking legal representation, the decision to hire a lawyer is often based on trust and confidence. By displaying the Google Screened badge next to your firm’s listing, you can instill greater trust and confidence in potential clients, reassuring them that your firm meets Google’s stringent standards for quality and professionalism.
Quality Leads: Google Screened is designed to connect consumers with reputable businesses that offer high-quality services. As a Google-screened law firm, you are more likely to attract leads who are actively seeking legal assistance and ready to engage with your firm. This can result in a higher conversion rate and, ultimately, more clients for your practice.
Improved Click-Through Rates: Studies have shown that Google Screened listings tend to receive higher click-through rates compared to non-screened listings. The presence of the Google Screened badge can make your firm’s listing more attractive and compelling to users, increasing the likelihood that they will click on your listing to learn more about your services.
Trust-Building with Reviews: Google Screened allows law firms to display their client reviews prominently alongside their listings. Positive reviews can further reinforce your firm’s credibility and reputation, helping to build trust with potential clients and encouraging them to contact your firm for legal assistance.
Let Matador Solutions Handle The Google Screened For Lawyers Process For You
Obtaining Google Screened status offers numerous advantages for lawyers seeking to establish a strong online presence and attract more clients. From enhanced credibility and visibility to a competitive edge and higher-quality leads, being Google Screened can significantly benefit your law firm’s marketing efforts and overall success.
The process is a bit lengthy, and involves a background check on your firm and your attorneys. That’s where we come in. As part of your overall SEO strategy, Matador Solutions can complete the Google Screened process on your behalf and assist with gathering the proper backup for Google. Contact us today to get started!
Maximizing Visibility
How our search engine optimization strategies can help grow your reach
Transform your online presence
For over ten years, the Matador Co-Op has specialized in SEO for law firms, mastering the art of enhancing digital presence in the legal sector. Our strategy begins with in-depth keyword research and selection, ensuring your firm’s content aligns perfectly with potential clients’ search queries. This is complemented by our dedication to developing authoritative content, positioning your firm as a trusted source in your area of law.
Our comprehensive SEO efforts also include strategic link building to elevate your website’s credibility and specific improvements to enrich site performance and user experience. A key part of our strategy involves optimizing your Google My Business listing, significantly increasing your visibility in local searches. These tailored strategies have consistently achieved significant growth for our Co-Op members, boosting inquiries and enhancing client acquisition.
Troubled by a dwindling flow of new cases?
If you’re facing a drop in calls, our SEO strategies can boost your law firm’s positioning in search results. Our members see improvements both in organic and map listings, increasing visibility to potential clients. Additionally, with call tracking and monthly reports, we provide actionable insights for your intake staff, ensuring every client opportunity is maximized.
Co-Op Membership Benefits
Our core strategies for strengthening search rankings
When you join forces with Matador Solutions, you’ll tap into our complete array of SEO offerings. Crafted to fine-tune every aspect of your marketing strategy, these services include:
Targeted content development
At Matador Solutions, our content strategy is all about precision and results. We kick off by researching the keywords specific to each law firm’s market. Our team then consistently produces fresh, relevant content every month. Additionally, we provide strategic guidance on when to shift focus to new markets, enabling firms to expand their reach effectively.
Link building
Our approach to backlinks is to build high quality valuable links. We do this through creating keyword focused content, as well as leveraging press releases, scholarships, and community involvement to bolster backlink portfolios. We work to ensure that each law firm’s link-building efforts are strategic and effective in enhancing their online visibility and authority.
Website improvements
When we improve websites for better search engine results, we focus on making them both more user-friendly and effective in bringing in new clients. This means putting clear buttons and links in easy-to-find places so visitors know what to do next. We also use tools like title tags, headers, page speed improvements, meta descriptions, and schema markup to help search engines understand the website’s content better. By incorporating client reviews and updating the user interface regularly, we not only boost search engine visibility but also attract and convert leads effectively.
Google My Business listing optimization
Google My Business listings are key for SEO, increasing a law firm’s local search visibility, especially in map listings, and driving website traffic and conversions. This includes adding relevant products and services, along with regular updates to keep profiles fresh and engaging. Additionally, we offer guidance on managing negative feedback to uphold a positive online reputation. Through our strategic approach, we assist law firms in effectively attracting more local clients.
Your Success is Our Success
The Matador Solutions advantage
A decade in legal marketing
With over a 10 years of experience in law firm marketing, our Co-Op has developed a deep understanding of what works and what doesn't. This extensive experience allows us to craft effective keyword strategies tailored to the unique needs of law firms, driving high-quality keyword movement.
Full ownership
Member firms retain full ownership of the intellectual property produced by the Co-Op. Unlike some vendors, you have complete control over your website, content, and all associated accounts.
Transparency
We operate in some of the country's most competitive markets. Monthly, we collaborate with you to assess your keyword rankings. Should a keyword encounter difficulties, we address it head-on rather than conceal the issue.
“We are exceptionally satisfied with the service we have received from Matador. We’ve partnered with them for over a decade and owe a great deal of our own success to their insight and forward-thinking approach to marketing.”
Chris Patterson, Esq.
Membership Impact In Numbers
Why choose the Matador Co-Op as your marketing partner
100s
of quality keywords moved to top 10 ranking positions for our Co-Op members.
4-12x
average ROI. Our marketing strategies increase new client acquisition through a mix of SEO, paid marketing, and improving on-site conversion.
200%
average increase in calls. This surge translates into a significant opportunity for your firm to connect with a broader client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on search engine optimization
Interested in understanding more about search engine optimization for your legal practice? Explore our FAQs:
While there’s no guarantee, you should see results within 6 months. Search engine optimization is a long-term game and is highly dependent on what practice areas you’re looking to target and the competitiveness of the geographic area. A brand new personal injury firm in New York City can expect rankings to take longer to move than a PI firm in Montana. Results can also depend on your budget, the more tools your firm can invest in the better your results.
Backlinks are vital. They send the signal to Google that your site is reputable and they should show it to users searching for relevant information, driving traffic to the site. But the type of backlink is also important. We focus on building high-quality links that are relevant to your practice areas. Backlinks from a low ranking domain authority site or a site with a high spam percentage can actually end up hurting your site rather than helping.
Undertaking SEO of your site on your own is possible, and there’s a wealth of resources available to help you learn the basics. However, SEO, especially in the competitive legal industry, involves complex strategies and ongoing adjustments that require a deep understanding of both search engine algorithms and current trends. With 10 years of experience in the space, we save you the headache and produce results quickly.
While social media doesn’t directly influence SEO rankings, it can significantly affect your SEO efforts indirectly. Sharing content on social media can increase brand exposure, drive traffic to your website, and enhance your firm’s online presence, leading to more backlinks and improved search rankings.
