The first thing you need to know about law firm directories is to be careful. There are many law firm directories, some legitimate, others not so much. You don’t want to find your firm bounced off of Google because of a law firm directory. Next, you probably want to know what a law firm directory is, and why do you need to be listed?
A law firm directory is an aggregator of law firm listings that in some cases occurs almost naturally, like Avvo, Super Lawyers or Martindale, by the simple virtue of being a list of attorneys and law firms. Others are curated lists of lawyers, where attorneys are selected, and still others are automatically populated from other directories.
High quality law firm directories are far more than simply lists of attorneys. They are information-driven websites, rich with content, loaded with articles and high quality links to bar associations and legal publications.
In some markets, an online search for an attorney will result in a large number of paid ads from directories, followed by a number of organic results, also from directories, with individual law firms and attorneys coming in behind the directories.
Law firm directories have become a big business.
What should your estate planning and Elder Law firm do about law firm directories?
You and your firm are likely already present on some of them. Just make sure that all of your NAPS—name, address, phone number—are consistent on each site. How to find out where you are? Google yourself.
Paid listings are not a bad thing. Yes, free is always easier, but certain directories are paid only. That does not guarantee that you’ll get an amazing flurry of traffic, but should keep you away from the link farms and low quality directories that can harm your quality scores and could put your site at risk for black hat SEO. Remember, cheaper is not always better.
Not sure about a directory? Submit a support ticket and we’ll be happy to help. Remember that IMS does far more for our clients than build lawyer websites. We serve as strategic advisors to our clients, helping them navigate digital marketing, firm development and profitability.