Keywords for Attorneys
Content is one of the strongest tools attorneys can use for online marketing. But in order to work content needs to be high-quality. Content needs to be well-written, interesting, and informative. It must also able to appeal to search engines and be SEO-friendly. Choosing the right keywords for attorneys is an important part of content creation and SEO.
Keywords are the foundation for getting the attention of search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
What are Keywords?
Keywords are the words and phrases used in content that summarize the content’s overall topic. They make it possible for search engines to figure out what content is about. They also zero in on important features of your firm, such as its location and your area of expertise.
Proper use of keywords for attorneys makes sense to readers because they are related to the content and feel natural. Keywords and phrases are carefully crafted to catch the attention of search engines but fit into content without sounding out of place. Making the most of keywords in your field is an important part of search engine optimization (SEO). Content creation and SEO work together to make your site as effective as possible at attracting new clients.
Think of it this way: your content is sending a message to the internet and keywords make it louder. Because of keywords, search engines are easily able to get your message to your firm’s target audience.
Improving Search Engine Ranking with Keywords for Attorneys
In the old days of search engine optimization – known as SEO – website owners, designers, and content marketers would load websites with keywords. This was known as “keyword stuffing” and for a while, it worked.
It didn’t matter whether a keyword or phrase made sense in a piece of content, they’d stick it on there as many times as possible.
After some time, Google and other search engines got wise to the tricks and began to favor high-quality content over keyword-stuffed content. Search engines now penalize websites for keyword stuffing by ranking them lower. Now, the likelihood of your firm’s site being found is doubtful if you’ve splattered it with attorney website keywords just for the sake of using keywords.
Google has rolled out numerous updates since keyword stuffing fell out of favor. Each one aimed to make the user experience more important for ranking. Keywords for attorneys are still an important part of building a quality site, but they need to be used in the best way possible. They must be naturally included in content that is relevant and valuable for readers. Content creation and SEO work hand-in-hand to boost your site and offer professionally written information your clients can use.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Keywords and Incorporating Them into Your Site’s Content?
There are plenty of tips for using keywords effectively, but it can be overwhelming if you try to incorporate all of the tips into your content all at once.
Where should you begin?
Choosing keywords for attorneys is a three-step process:
- Define your ideal clients
- Identify your firm’s most important features
- Check your competition
First, consider your ideal clients. Who are they, what are their needs, and what questions are they likely to need answers to? Your content is a tool to reach clients before they contact your firm directly.
Next, think about your firm and its most important features. Consider things like your location, your firm size, your areas of expertise, and what makes you different.
Finally, take a look at the websites of your competitors. Get a general feel for the keywords they’re using and how they are fitting them into their content.
Make Your Keyword List
Once you’ve got an overview of your ideal client, your firm, and what your competitors are doing, you can compile a list of keywords to target. Keep the list a reasonable length and don’t feel as if you need to use every keyword or phrase in every piece of content you post.
Also don’t feel as if you completely need to revamp your website, though sometimes this is necessary. It might be possible to edit existing content to include keywords and phrases without it sounding forced or unnatural. And then going forward, you’ll want to use your list of keywords for attorneys when creating new content.
SEO & Keyword Magic Takes Time
When it comes to law firm SEO slow and steady wins the race. You might see an immediate improvement in your rankings as you improve your keyword game, but it might also take time for your ranking to rise. Just know that if you’re doing things right, you’ll be improving your site and what you’re offering potential clients. This is the case even if the boost in SEO is slow.
If you’d like more information or you’re ready to make keywords a powerful part of your firm’s online marketing strategy, give us a call at 888-480-3585 or schedule a free consultation.