Websites that convert!

What is the point of capturing a click from the first page of Google if your website can't convert that click into a phone call?
Here is a quick, simple list here to improve the conversion rate of you website:
1- Call to Action (Ex, Call now for a FREE consultation)
2- Ease of Navigation (the end user needs to find what they are looking for quickly)
3- Use Bullet Points ( People scan websites for information, they don't read them like life insurance policies - Bullet points relay important information in an easy to scan format)
4- "Above the Fold" (If the end-user has to scroll down to see what you do and where you're located your site is losing most of them-you have 3-5 seconds to capture someone's attention)
5- Lastly, ADD your phone number at the top of EVERY page on the site; not just the 'contact us' page.
Take a look at Wichita Family Lawyer. The Click to Call Ratio is off the charts.

New Google SERP

Google strikes again. Google released a new version of their SERP last night and the Map Listings (Google Places) are back to where they belong as far as I'm concerned. Make sure the SEO company that you employ for your law firm optimizes not only your site but also your Google Places listing.
You can see that organic rank is great and is still important but now the local listings push them further below the fold. Again, make sure your SEO company provides a COMPLETE program. If not, call me and I will provide the info and assistance to dominate the new Google SERP.

Search Engine Presence

I'm more convinced than ever that an effective Search Engine Presence includes all areas of Search. If you are a lawyer in a major metro like Houston or even a smaller market you need to include ALL areas of Search engine marketing to be successful.
Utilizing Sponsored Ads, website optimization and everything in between can help you compete in a larger market or dominate a smaller market. Keep in mind SEO has changed in the last couple of years. Its more than meta tags, keywords and inbound links. Social Media, Maps, Reputation Management have all changed the SEO landscape. Law Firms are becoming more and more aware of this but should keep in mind that change is the only constant regarding SEO. Just make sure you work with a company or individual who includes ALL factors of SEO and not just bits and pieces. True SEO is a long term investment and needs to be done correctly to drive the right kind of traffic and potential clients to your website.
The same is true for PPC or Sponsored Ads. You should trust your campaign and monthly budget to a company that is 100% transparent. If they don't share your keywords, CPC, Calls, etc. I question what you are truly getting for your money. Sponsored Ads seem simple enough but can be a total waste of money and effort if not managed correctly.

SEO Intrigue and "black hat tactics"

I tell potential clients all the time to be careful with who they use for SEO. Companies that incorporate "black hat tactics" will boost your ranking for a short time but Google will usually find the violation and take corrective action.
Don't think it can happen to you? Think again. BMW Germany and most recently JC Penney have both felt the wrath of Google due to violations. Check out the article (click on the title of this post) on The NY Times website regarding the tactics employed by JC Penney's optimization company.
JC Penney's "boosted organic results" were short lived but did take place during Holiday shopping season so it was good timing but now the company's site is all but invisible on Google. I especially liked the example used in the article regarding Samsonite. JC Penney was in the first organic position on Google for the search 'Samsonite carry on luggage' ahead of SAMSONITE. Questionable SEO tactics may result in short lived gain but now JC Penney is in 78th position for the same search.
Again, be careful who you use to optimize your website. A well-known, reputable company is such for a reason.

The Law Office of Jessica Koester

Jessica Koester practices Criminal Defense in Edwardsville, Illinois. She is no stranger to internet marketing. Jessica has tried AdWords campaigns in the past and even dabbled in SEO recently. When I met with her in November she was a little skeptical of SEO and leery of the changes Google made with their organic results, IE, the new 'blended' map/organic results. I assured Jessica that as Google makes changes in the future and it will, we will change our product to fit those changes.
I'm happy to say that she is enjoying first page placement for most local searches pertaining to her area of practice and is improving rank for other keywords.