In the digital age, Google reviews play a significant role in shaping a law firm’s online reputation and search engine rankings. A Moz study found that a whopping 96% of US adults read local business reviews. And 86% of consumers said reviews are either the “most important” or “somewhat” important factor.
So it’s easy to see the huge impact that online reviews play in your Elder Law or Estate Planning Practice’s future success. In this blog, we will dive into the intricacies of Google Business Profile, reviews, and their effect on your law firm’s reputation and SEO.
By learning to harness the power of online reviews and customer testimonials, you can enhance your online presence and target better-quality clients without spending a ton of money.
Understanding the Impact of Client Reviews on Law Firm SEO and Your Google Ranking
Google reviews can be a great asset for any lawyer striving to enhance their online presence and SEO.
Reviews can improve your law firm’s visibility in the eyes of potential clients, as well as increase its trustworthiness and credibility. Google reviews also play an important role in how quickly and accurately search engines index websites. Having a large number of positive Google reviews will make your law firm more visible on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Prospective customers searching for legal services in your vicinity will be able to observe the star ratings next to your business name, making it simpler for them to pick you over other law firms lower ratings or none at all.
Additionally, having multiple positive reviews will give searchers the confidence that they’re choosing a reputable firm.
The Benefits of Positive Google Reviews for Your Law Firm
Google reviews also have a significant effect on how people perceive your law firm online. Positive feedback from customers can build trust with potential clients and give them peace of mind when considering hiring you for their legal needs. Negative comments, however, can be detrimental to SEO rankings. If you receive a negative review, it’s essential to address it promptly and professionally.
Positive Google reviews also create an opportunity for word-of-mouth marketing. Satisfied customers may share their experiences with friends and family members who are looking for similar legal services. This type of organic growth can be invaluable as it allows you to reach new audiences without any additional effort or cost on your part.
Furthermore, positive Google reviews have been shown to increase customer loyalty and retention rates by building trust between attorneys and their clients. When people read good feedback about an attorney’s service or experience working with them, they are more likely to return when they need additional legal assistance in the future—or refer others looking for similar help.
Strategies to Get More Google Reviews for your Law Firm
By leveraging Google reviews, law firms can gain a competitive edge and draw in new clients. Here are some techniques to help you expand your digital presence and acquire more favorable reviews:
1. Send Email and Text Message Review Requests to Clients
Once you helped a client achieve their goals, you should ask them to leave a review. To maximize success, craft emails that stand out in crowded inboxes. Make sure to use catchy subject lines that will grab attention, such as “How was your Experience?” Additionally, be sure to include images or videos in your emails if possible – this helps draw readers into the content of your message.
In addition to email, you should ask for reviews via text message. While email isn’t dead, text messages are shown to have a 78% higher open rate.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by providing direct links within the text message and email that take them straight to a page where they can rate you and provide feedback.
Our Bambiz Reputation Management system allows you to request reviews via email and text on autopilot. It’s available with any of our Marketing Packages.
2. Respond Quickly & Professionally To Reviews
Whether positive or negative, you should respond to all reviews that you receive. This serves the dual purpose of demonstrating that you truly value what people think about your practice while simultaneously providing current clients with a sense of security that they have made the correct decision in hiring you to address their needs.
According to a Harvard Business Review analysis of hotel reviews on Google, businesses that respond to customer comments receive 12 percent more reviews and increase their rating by 0.12 stars.
Not only does responding to reviews show customers that you are engaged with their feedback, but it also helps boost your overall rating on Google.
Crafting Responses Carefully
When crafting responses to negative reviews, be careful not to get defensive or argumentative with the customer.
Instead, use this as an opportunity for growth and improvement within your business. Many customers view their reviews as living documents and can be persuaded to change their opinion if the business makes a genuine effort in attempting to rectify the situation.
Our Bambiz Reputation Management system allows you to respond efficiently to your Google Reviews in a few clicks. It’s available with any of our Marketing Packages.
3. Use Physical Reminders for Digital Reviews
Collecting reviews doesn’t have to be a digital-only process. There are old-school methods that can still help you get more good reviews, such as providing a 5×7″ review request card in their completed binder.
Google review cards are an effective way to remind customers of their experience and encourage them to leave feedback online.
Make sure your card is easy to understand and use. Include a link or QR code along with instructions on how to leave the review. Make sure the link takes them directly to the page where they can leave their feedback.
Remind clients that sharing their experience helps others who may be considering working with you in the future and is a huge compliment to you and your firm.
We created free 5×7″ Elder Law & Estate Planning Google review request templates to get you started. Click here to access.
Google Reviews are Important for Attorneys
The importance of online review sites for Elder Law and Estate Planning Law Firms cannot be understated. By understanding the impact on SEO, leveraging the benefits of positive reviews, and implementing strategies to increase them, attorneys can take advantage of this powerful tool to build their reputation.
Looking for help so you don’t have to do it all yourself? All of our Bambiz Marketing Packages include Reputation Management.
Our easy system allows you to automate review requests by sending email and text reminders to clients. You can monitor reviews you received, respond to reviews, and see how you’re trending. Schedule a free 15-minute call to learn more.
A little effort put into managing your reviews can help boost your reputation both online and off.
