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Local search is becoming an increasingly essential element to any online marketing plan. With the emergence of the iPhone and other mobile devices for web browsing, a business that has taken the time to sign up with various online local directories like Yelp has a significant advantage over businesses who haven’t.

Until recently, Yelp’s “Nearby” function was leading the search space in its smartphone apps for local search. “Nearby” provides users of iPhones and the like quick access to the nearest restaurants, bars, banks and other local businesses.

Now Google is primed to take over that space with “Near Me Now,” which has the benefit of being built into Google with no further installation required. A user just has to access Google from their mobile device’s browser, let Google access their location via GPS, then click on the “Near Me Now” link that will appear.

How can a local law firm use this to its best advantage? Here’s an example:

Let’s say you are an Ohio birth injuries attorney with a practice in Cleveland. First, list your firm on Google Local, Yelp, Brownbook and other online local directories.

Next, when filling out your firm’s profile on these directories, make sure you set your location as Cleveland, and include other nearby towns, cities and counties from where you want to pull in leads.

Finally, use “birth injuries attorney” and other key phrases about your practice areas in your profile’s business description field.

Taking a couple hours to get your law firm listed in online local directories is the small step that could bring miles of benefits as web searching via mobile devices gains momentum.

Latest Tech Tips

Thursday, June 25, 2009
posted by techgal
computer animation

Latest Tech Tip on Call Tracking

Lawyers understand the advantages of technology in the day-to-day running of their firms, and you probably have plenty of top software packages and communications gadgets that help you do your job and handle clients more efficiently.  From a marketing perspective, one particular tech development is getting notice among legal firms, and it’s something you might not have heard of or considered.

Most lawyers with a web presence provide a toll-free 800 number for prospective clients to call for more information or to set up a consultation.  There’s a marketing resource to be had with distributing this information via web that many have left un-tapped: online call tracking.

Effective Lead Tracking Technology

When a client calls your 800 number, call tracking captures a wealth of useful information you can use to determine the effectiveness of your online campaigns.  The information will also help you to target specific demographics from whom you might be getting lots of attention, or you can utilize the demographic info to figure out which important markets you just aren’t reaching and re-evaluate your strategies.

How it Works

When you opt to use call tracking, you’ll need a unique phone number that will only be used on particular marketing materials – this way you can track which pages and materials are the most effective, and what demographic your information is reaching and enticing (don’t worry, the numbers are for tracking only – all calls will be routed to your normal firm line).

The software you choose will provide you with reports that include caller demographic information such as location and name, along with other details.

Online call tracking is a valuable tool that allows you to determine where your marketing efforts are paying off, where they need to be boosted, and what kind of leads they’re generating for you.  You’ll save money by not wasting time on strategies that just aren’t working or aren’t getting you the clients and leads you’re looking for.  Best of all is the high level of insight the technology offers into your existing and potential client markets.