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.
About Barry B
Barry is a long-retired attorney who spotlights as a copywriter and social media enthusiast. He applies his experience in the legal world with his new-found passion for all things internet and he's loving every minute of it.
