How to Create a Google My Business Profile for Your Law Firm
Here’s how to do it.
What Is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool that helps you promote your law firm in local google searches and on Google Maps. When someone searches for a business, such as “personal injury law firm,” Google provides a map at the top of the search results along with several local businesses it thinks are the best matches.
Those suggested businesses are called the “local pack,” and earning a place in those top spots could vastly increase traffic to your website.
So how does Google pick which law firms appear in the local pack for a given search? It has everything to do with the quality of a law firm’s Google My Business profile. If you want to get into the local pack, all you have to do is set up and optimize your profile so that Google takes notice.
Now, it’s entirely possible your law firm already has a Google My Business profile without you knowing it.
Try googling the name of your law firm. A panel may appear on the right side of your screen with some basic contact information such as your office’s address and phone number. That’s your Google My Business listing. All you have to do is claim it, verify that you own it, and start customizing.
If you don’t have an existing profile, however, you’ll need to create a new one from scratch. But don’t worry! It’s a quick, easy process—and well worth the effort.
How to Create Your Law Firm’s Google My Business Profile
- First, log into your Google Account. If you don’t have one yet, go ahead and sign up for free.
- Then, head to the Google My Business homepage and click the blue “Manage Now” button. This will bring up a search option where you can enter the name of your law firm. If your practice already has a Google My Business profile, you’ll see it pop up as you type. If not, you’ll have to create a new profile.
- Click “Add your business to Google.”
- Type the full name of your firm and click “Next.”
- Enter your law firm’s full address and click “Next.” (You can add multiple locations, if applicable.)
- Enter your business category. You could choose a broad term like “law firm” or “lawyer,” but selecting the specific area of law your firm specializes in may help you reach more targeted prospects. For example, if you opt for “family law attorney” or “employment attorney,” you’ll be more likely to show up in relevant Google searches. (The good news is that you can always change your selection later—or even add more.)
- Add your law firm’s phone number and website URL.
- Verify your Google My Business profile. You may be able to do this with a simple phone call, text message, or email, but in most cases, Google will want to send a postcard to your firm’s listed address. This postcard will contain a URL and a verification code. Visit the URL, punch in the code, and voila! Your law firm is verified.
Start Promoting Your Law Firm with Google My Business Today
Now that your Google My Business profile is verified, you can start optimizing your Google My Business profile to get in the local pack and connect with potential clients and referrers. (Pro Tip: start by adding some photos and reviews.)
Good luck!
And if you’d like some help with your Google My Business profile—or any other form of social media—we’d be happy to lend a hand. At Let America Know, we help trial attorneys across the nation improve their online marketing strategies through social media and email.
We can give you the expert support you need to build your brand, reach your target audience, and network with your peers.
Next time: Why Google Posts are critical to your Google My Business page.
Click here to learn more about our done-for-you social media program for trial attorneys.