Google Search Results

The new Google SERPs are killing me. What is going on over there? I see that Map listings or "Place Pages" are more important then ever. I've even see Twitter streams in some search results. Leave it to Google to confuse the heck out of all of use "Search Engine Marketing Experts."
Its a good thing I work for a company with a strong relationship with Google. Yellowbook has a call scheduled for next with Google to discuss these changes and how we can better serve our clients regarding those changes. Look for a post next week when I have more information and don't forget to update your 'Place Page' if you haven't recently.

Google and Meta Tags

I've heard a few times over the past few weeks "meta-tags are really important" or "I need to adjust the Meta Tags on my website." For the past couple years now, Google has stated that meta tags are not important for rankings. Other than the Meta Description which is used as your site's description on SERPs, Meta Tags have little or NO value regarding rank. Google will look at Title tags, Headers, Domain Age, Alt. Tags and quality INBOUND links (and other secret factors) when determining where to rank your website.
See Matt Cutts(Google Search Quality Team) speaking more specifically about Meta Tags.
That being said, I wouldn't recommend leaving your meta information blank because last I checked Yahoo, ASK and bing still do look at meta tags. At least for now...

Conversion is Key!

Can your website convert? If not, here are a couple helpful tips.
First and foremost, is your phone number visible somewhere across the top of EVERY page? I can't stand to hunt around for a phone number when I'm looking at a website with which I am trying to do business. Most people want to pick up the phone and talk to someone before making a decision to come in for a consultation. Make sure your phone number is on EVERY page, not just the 'Contact' page or 'Home' page. Plaster it all over the site and watch your conversions increase.
Secondly, Ease of Navigation is key. If you have an effective enough web presence to become an impression AND attract the searcher's click; make sure the searcher can find the information they are looking for. What good is the click and traffic if you can't keep them on the site due to their frustration with the site's navigation?
The Goal of any law firm's website should be to meet, if not exceed the expectations of the searcher. In other words, keep them on the site long enough for them to find what they are looking for and ultimiately retain your services. In other words, get the right message to the right person at the right time.

New Family Law website...

Alicia Franklin practices Family Law in Houston, Texas and concentrates on cases involving children. She has worked in areas of Personal Injury and Estate Planning in the past but is passionate about Family Law. As a Houston Family Attorney, Alicia assists her clients with child support matters, custody modifications, complex and simple divorce matters as well.
Alicia offers FREE consultations and is always very responsive to the needs of her clients. She strives to keep her clients informed during the difficult legal process and realizes that she is truly an advocate for her client.

New site for Mark Montgomery

Check out Mark Montgomery's new site at Houston Criminal Defense. Mark is a former HPD officer and has practiced law for years. He is now retired from the Police Department and practices law full time. Mark's office is located on the Katy Freeway near Echo Lane.
Call Attorney Mark Montgomery or his assistant Rena if you need assistance with any criminal defense matter. He focuses on DWI cases but also welcomes Drug Possession, Assault, Battery and all other areas of Criminal Defense.

Changes to Google's Algorithm...

If SEO is your bag and you put alot of weight in that portion of your online marketing efforts be aware that now load time is part of Google's algorithm. In other words, how long your website takes to load is now a factor when Google indexes your website. Keep tabs on it because images, flash and other factors can all effect load time. Here is the link to the Google Blog announcing this change - Google Webmaster Blog.

Google Maps 'Enhanced' Listings

I got a call last week from someone at Google Maps. He wanted to sign me up for their new 'enhanced' listings in the Local Business Center. He assured me that it does not effect how often you show up just that when you do the listing will be 'enhanced' with added information. In essence Google is keeping 'organic results' seperate from anything 'paid' even in the Maps.
Its $25 a month with NO contract so I was tempted but all it adds is a little yellow box below your listing. If anyone sees an increase in CTR% from adding this enhancement please let me know. I am holding off for now.

New Attorneys ON Board with SEM

Without giving up the names of some new clients so that all you other "SEMConsultants" can hunt them down;I am excited about the recent success of my campaigns.
I love hearing about unpaid wage claims that have the possibility of turning into Class-action suits. I also get stoked when a PI client tells me he just signed up a case from the Google Map listing that I created for him. I currently have 19 live campaigns and I'm always looking for more.
Come to think of it, I don't have ONE Immigration Attorney as a client. What gives? I guess I'll start prospecting that area of law and get back to you soon.