Why Your GBP Matters for Family Law Firms
Your GBP is often the first impression potential clients get when searching for family law services online. An optimized profile ensures your firm appears prominently in local searches, especially in Google’s Local Pack and Maps. According to Moz, GBP signals are among the top local ranking factors, directly influencing your firm’s visibility in search results (Moz, 2023).
By completing and optimizing your GBP, you:
- Improve your firm’s search visibility for relevant keywords.
- Establish credibility through client reviews and accurate information.
- Enhance engagement with potential clients through direct calls, messages, and website visits.
Essential Elements to Include in Your GBP
1. Business Name
Ensure your business name is consistent with your legal business name and branding across all platforms. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can lead to profile suspension by Google.
2. Categories and Services
- Primary Category: Choose “Family Law Attorney” as your primary category.
- Additional Categories: Include relevant secondary categories like “Divorce Lawyer” or “Child Custody Lawyer” where applicable.
- Services: List all services you provide, such as:
- Divorce Representation
- Child Custody
- Spousal Support
- Mediation Services
3. Address and Service Areas
If you have a physical office, provide a complete and accurate address. For firms offering virtual consultations, define your service areas clearly by listing specific cities or regions where you practice.
4. Phone Number
Use a primary, direct phone number for clients to contact your firm. Ensure this number matches the one listed on your website and other directories for consistency.
5. Website Link
Link directly to your homepage or a dedicated family law landing page optimized for conversions. Ensure the page is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
6. Business Hours
List accurate business hours, including holiday closures. Keeping this information updated prevents client frustration and missed opportunities.
7. Business Description
Craft a compelling, keyword-rich description that highlights your expertise and approach to family law. Mention your core services, years of experience, and unique value propositions.
Example: “At XYZ Family Law, we specialize in compassionate and results-driven representation for divorce, child custody, and spousal support cases. With over 15 years of experience, our attorneys provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your family’s needs.”
8. Photos and Videos
Visual content can significantly impact engagement. Add:
- High-quality images of your office, staff, and community involvement.
- Team photos to humanize your firm.
- Video introductions or testimonials to build trust.
9. Client Reviews
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your GBP. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to demonstrate professionalism and engagement.
10. Posts
Regularly update your profile with Google Posts about:
- Legal tips and updates in family law.
- Announcements about your firm.
- Success stories (with client consent).
11. Q&A Section
Utilize the Q&A feature by pre-populating frequently asked questions such as:
- “Do you offer free consultations?”
- “What are your rates for divorce cases?”
12. Attributes and Highlights
Include relevant attributes such as:
- Women-led
- Veteran-owned
- LGBTQ+ friendly
These attributes help prospective clients identify whether your firm aligns with their values.
13. Legal Disclaimers and Policies
Add a brief disclaimer clarifying that information on your GBP does not constitute legal advice. Link to your privacy policy for transparency.