Lawyers! Hope your day is wonderful and nice so far.

Today I’m talking about why Google Maps is important when it comes to advertising.

And in this video which is part 1, I’m talking about your website and Google Maps.

Do not pay for advertising without understanding this content first.

But first… you should know that this is a Re-Post!

This episode is back by popular demand! Of the whole year last year emailing you every Thursday at noon, this was the most popular post from the whole year! (Thank you to my thousands of lawyer friends)

This was originally part 1 in a 3 part series, but I’m only sending you “part one” this time! The other 2 parts are on here on the website if you snoop around in the search bar.

I hope you enjoy this post because it is still really is important and possibly even more crucial these days for you to understand how Google maps has become the NEW SEO rather than your website being in the top of the searches!

So let’s jump into this important content!

What’s in this 3 Part Series?

In this 3 part series I’m talking about Google Maps and advertising as the wider topic, then how Google Maps relates to each of your assets.

• PART 1: Google Maps and how it relates to your Website, especially when you are doing, (or planning), paid advertising.
• PART 2: Google Maps as it relates directly to paid ads like TV, Facebook, or YouTube Ads, and
• PART 3: Google Maps and how it relates to law firm intake.

Why is Google Maps Valuable?

Google Maps is one of the single most important assets you have, and only 3 law firms will show up where it’s valuable at all. Pretty much no one clicks on anything past the first 3.

Sure someone might click view more results, but in my years of experience (getting top Google Maps results for law firms), the inquiries drop off like a rock when you slip out of the top 3 positions.

So how does Google Maps relate to your website when marketing?

One of the top ways anyone sees your website these days is through your Google Maps listing.

They mostly check out your website through Google maps first

So having your listing up to date with regular posting is crucial for most law firms these days.

One of the biggest problems I’ve found with Google Listings and Websites

One of the biggest problems is Lawyers not really knowing what goes on with Google maps listings, or their website.

Maybe you’re wondering why the client inquiries are dropping off.

This could be why:

• You may have lost your ranking on Google Maps, or
• Your website may have become broken. (Websites need regular updates and maintenance).

Why do websites need to be updated?

Think of it this way, every time your cell phone needs an update, so does your website. This is because people are viewing your website on their phones.

Browsers, devices and operating systems update, and every time that happens your website likely needs to update too. Someone should be checking your website weekly if not daily to be sure it’s functioning. (Because none of these companies are warning the webmaster ahead of an update).

Why its Dangerous to Spend on Advertising with a Broken Website

You’ll be sending those potential clients to your competition whose website does work.

You never want to spend money on marketing, and have your website show up as broken in any way.

People will check our your website. And if things don’t work, it’ll seem like your law practice is the same way. This is their introduction to you.

You probably wouldn’t walk into a room to meet a valuable client with your clothes ripped or your lunch in your teeth. This is what it feels like to me when I see a law firm website that doesn’t work properly.

You don’t want to frustrate your potential clients

Here’s what happens:

Download the eBook… no such luck.

Watch the Video (you paid to produce)… And it doesn’t work!

This is not good because you are likely paying for someone to maintain your website.

Often the lawyers who have these issues have no trouble practicing law or getting a great win for a client, often they are top of the top (créme de la créme), very caring and hard working real attorneys.

Homework

So when was the last time you went through your website page by page and clicked on all the links to see how they work?

When was the last time you went to a Google Search and put your practice area in to see where your law firm shows up?

Go do this now!

Do not pay for advertising if your Google Maps and website are not in order

• The reason you don’t want to pay for advertising without a Google Maps listing in the top three is that you will be sending your leads to the competition.
• The reason you don’t want to pay for advertising with a Google Maps listing and a broken website is that you’re also sending your leads to the competition.

Because this is a Re-Post, I’m no longer offering my online course to “How to optimize Google Maps”. (apologies)

But if you’re interested in learning how, I’d be happy to do some one-on-one coaching if we have time! A lot has changed and it’s crucial to any law firm. Reach out anytime!