Local Service Ads for Lawyers
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We Manage High-Performing Local Service Ads for Lawyers
Are you looking for ways to grow your business and client base? Curious about Google’s Local Service Ads for lawyers and how they work?
Advertising has always played the biggest role in expanding businesses. These days, advertising focuses more on having a solid digital marketing strategy using digital media (web searches, social media) than it does physical content (billboards, newspapers, magazines).
Google’s Local Service Ads are the latest form of digital advertising. And now, they’re available for attorneys. If you’re looking to grow your law firm, Google Local Service Ads for lawyers are the way to go. Continue reading for more information on Local Services Ads for attorneys and how they benefit your law firm.
What Are Google Local Services Ads?
When someone seeks a service, what’s the first thing they do? They Google it.
Google Ads has recently released a new type of advertising method that harnesses the power for the first search engine results page for service-specific keywords. These ads are called Local Service Ads.
Local Service Ads, or LSAs, refer to advertisements that appear as the top result on Google. These ads top the organic search results, and they even top the sponsored Google Ads– the paid positions at the top of the search engine results page.
Investing in Local Service Ads management means that your law firm will be the first result search engine users see when searching for local services related to your practice areas.
These local services ads for lawyers can drastically increase your website’s visibility online. Which, for most law firms, will increase your business income.
With Google Local Services Ads, law firms aren’t paying for each click, like they would with pay-per-click ads. Instead, they’re paying for each lead on Google search.
This means that when you create Local Service Ads, the service rate won’t apply to the number of clicks. It applies to the number of valid contacts that it generates for those who practice law.
Local Service Ads provide the benefit of only paying for advertising when it works.
Local Service Ads Placement
Google’s Local Service Ads rank higher than traditional Google ads or pay-per-click ads, which rank above Google’s Map Pack and organic search results.
So, to summarize, the priority on Google’s search engine results page is now:
- Local Service Ads
- Local Search Ads (Google Ads or Pay-Per-Click Ads)
- Google Map Pack
- Organic Search Results
How Can Google Local Service Ads Benefit Law Firms?
Google Local Service Ads for lawyers have not always been around. As a preferred law firm marketing team, we were able to see the benefits of Local Services Ads long before local law firms had access to them.
Now that law firms have access to service ads for lawyers, they’re taking off in the legal market. These Local Service Ads have already proven to be successful methods of advertising for many law firms across the country.
As Local Service Ads continue to expand across more fields of business and markets, search engine users will become reliant on using these as a means for research. Potential clients will recognize this option as a trustworthy resource.
Local Service Ads will become the go-to resource for locating local businesses or a local service in the near future.
We are all aware that Google is the world’s largest search engine. Thus, they provide the golden standard for modern-day marketing.
Local Service Ads Level The Digital Playing Field for Smaller Law Firms
Many local law firms are already jumping on the opportunity to increase their visibility online and secure more potential clients using Local Serice Ads for lawyers.
If you’re operating out of a competitive service area, unless you’re working with a well-qualified law firm SEO agency, then you understand how impossible it can be to rank your law firm’s website organically on the search engine results. These Local Service Ads provided by Google Ads give personal injury lawyers or criminal defense lawyers operating in competitive metros a chance to maximize leads and compete at the local level, as well.
Is My Law Firm Eligible For Local Service Ads?
Not every law firm is automatically eligible for Local Services Ads. As we mentioned before, businesses must be Google screened through Google’s screening process. The process itself for being Google screened is a free service.
For lawyers, there are many requirements to meet first. Some of these include:
- Business/Professional Background Check
- Owner Background Check
- License Check
There is a state bar license check for each attorney at the firm.
Because this service is fairly new to law firms, thousands of attorneys will be hurrying to seize the opportunity to get the top spot.
You don’t want your law firm to get left behind. Start the verification process to be Google screened as soon as you can to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Marketing Services
- Law Firm SEO Services
- Local SEO for Lawyers
- Law Firm PPC Services
- Law Firm LSA
- Law Firm Web Design
- Law Firm Content Marketing
- Law Firm Social Media
- Bankruptcy Lawyer Marketing
- Criminal Defense Marketing
- Family Law Marketing
- Personal Injury Marketing
- Immigration Lawyer Marketing
- Divorce Attorney Marketing
- Estate Planning Marketing
Top Performer
P.I. - Family - Criminal - Bankruptcy
*Cost
Qualified Leads
Cost Per Lead
Top Performer
Personal Injury
*Cost
Qualified Leads
Cost Per Lead
Top Performer
Family & Criminal
*Cost
Qualified Leads
Cost Per Lead
*Includes media spend & Digital Logic management fees
Criminal
Criminal
Employment & P.I.
Bankruptcy
Workers Comp & Estate Planning
Immigration
How Does A Local Service Ad Work?
Google Local Service Ads are simple enough. A user Google searches for a service they’re in need of. In this case, let’s say they search “personal injury lawyer in Shreveport, LA.”
This is where they will find Local Services Ads at the top of the search results page.
The user clicks on the Local Service Ad. It will then direct them to the Local Services Ads landing page. This landing page will contain information about the business.
Law Firm Information on Local Service Ads
For example, the user may find the following on the lawyer’s business listing:
- Business name
- Headshots of the professional team
- Google Screened badge or Google Guarantee badge
- A general overview of the business
- Business address with a hyperlink to Google Maps
- Business hours
- Phone number
- Practice areas
- Customer reviews
- Service area(s)
The user can then contact the law firm via the landing page. You, as the attorney, are only charged when potential clients contact you directly through this page.
So, for example, if a searcher finds your business address and doesn’t call your office but drives by your law firm during normal business hours and then pays for your services, you wouldn’t need to pay for this.
On the flip side, if a searcher calls your law firm and asks questions about one of your specific services but does not hire you as their lawyer, then you would still have to pay for this Local Service Ads click.
So, What About Disputed Charges?
So what if you’re contacted by a user, but the lead proves to be invalid? The great thing about Google Local Service Ads for lawyers is that you can dispute these invalid charges.
Each call or email to your business gets recorded to use as evidence of invalid activity.
At Digital Logic, we have an in-house disputer that can dispute leads for you. Our disputer will listen to each of the recorded calls and tracked emails. If a lead from one of your Local Services Ads proves to be invalid, your account manager will contact Google to ensure you get your money back.
This verifies that the money spent on Google Ads will go straight into valid leads. No more pay-per-click ads that lead to nowhere.
You’re also able to select what services or practice areas you want to promote in each Local Service Ad. (Feel free to jump ahead to the comprehensive list of the practice areas and their subcategories at the bottom of this page.)
Say you offer several legal services but only want to advertise for specific practice areas.
If you receive a lead from the Local Service Ad that results in a legal service you did not advertise on that page, you can dispute it.
This doesn’t mean you can’t accept them as a client. But since you did not select that specific practice area to run Google Service Ads for, you have a case to dispute the charge.
Each dispute gets processed usually within one week. If Google determines your dispute was accurate, you’ll have your refund within 30 days credited back to your account.
Google Guaranteed vs. Google Screened
How Are Local Service Ads Different for Attorneys?
Google Local Services Ads are different for attorneys than for other business professionals. One of the differences is the way that Google certifies your business. The certification comes in the form of a badge shown on the ad.
You will either get a “Google Screened Verification Badge” or a “Google Guarantee Badge.”
Professional services like Law, Real Estate, and Financial Planning get a Google Screened status. This means that they go through more extensive licenses and background checks. This ensures that the firms have been thoroughly inspected and Google can vouch for their reputation. Each lawyer must have their own separate background check completed to become one of the “Google Screened Lawyers” we’re speaking of.
Other industries like plumbing, housekeeping, and moving services are Google Guaranteed. They are still screened and required to pass a qualification process, but not as extensive as those for firm services.
Both types of badges intend to build a level of trust in prospective clients searching for services.
How Much Do Local Service Ads For Lawyers Cost?
This determines the number of qualified leads you are seeking per week. As stated before, you’re only paying for those leads that seek the legal services you advertised for.
There are cases where you would spend more on leads than what you stated for your average weekly budget. However, your law firm will never exceed your monthly max running Local Service Ads. Any lead received after you’ve reached your monthly max gets refunded back to your law firm.
You can also select a maximum weekly budget, but we’ve found the first approach is the best for reaching your target audience while remaining within budget for your overall digital marketing strategy.
For other professionals using Local Services Ads, there is a fixed cost per lead. But with Local Service Ads for Lawyers, the budget is different. Google will provide a recommendation based on the average budget for competing law firms in your region.
You are also able to customize your budget. The cost spreads between a minimum and maximum amount. This can be anywhere from $40 per lead to $100 or more.
The more money you allow in your maximum weekly budget, the more potential clients you will bring in. This also helps determines your spot on the top of the search results page.
Without meeting a minimum amount, your Google Ads campaign likely won’t receive results. Similar to running PPC ads, you’ll want to spend more money than competing law firms. This can result in a higher rank in the search results and, therefore, more leads.
What Do Our LSA Services Include?
Profile Setup
We set up your Local Service Ad profile to match your business information that is published elsewhere online, such as your Google Business Profile.
Optimize Profile
We optimize your profile the same way we optimize Pay-Per-Click Ads and SEO to maximize your ROI & get you the case types you desire.
Campaign Setup
Our experienced campaign managers create targeted campaigns to capitalize on the most profitable case types in your practice area(s).
License Verification
We'll take care of sending Google the necessary credentials to have you verified and receive your Google Screened Badge as quickly as possible.
Guaranteed Cost Per Lead
Lawyers will only pay for new, qualified leads within your hand-selected practice area(s). No exceptions.
Headshot Graphic
Our award-winning graphic design team will edit your headshot and make you stand out from the pack.
Ongoing Lead Dispute
We'll take care of the phone calls Google charges you for and get that cost added back to your budget in the event of an unqualified lead.
LSA Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For Lawyers to Get Approved for Local Service Ads?
The process to get your Google Screened badge can take anywhere between 2-5 weeks. Depending on how many professionals work at your firm, it may take longer.
For example, if your law firm’s founder has to maintain multiple offices with multiple lawyers, the screening process may not begin until all of the lawyers from every individual law office have turned in their information
Insurance and licensing information are generally approved within three days. Background checks for service ads are what take the most time.
How Can I Make Sure I’m One Of The Top 3 Attorneys Using Local Service Ads for Lawyers?
A top position on Google’s paid listing can be attributed to several things. Your location or physical proximity to the prospective client and the number of positive reviews you have help determine your ads rank with Local Service Ads.
Yet the most important aspect is your budget. What you are willing to spend on a weekly budget has the most significant impact on your spot amongst the Top 3 Google Ads for Local Services.
How Do I Get Reviews For My Local Service Ads?
You are able to ask your customers for positive reviews from the Local Services Ads dashboard. You can also link your Google My Business listings and use the positive reviews that you already have there.
How Are Valid Leads Determined Using Local Service Ads for Lawyers?
Unlike PPC ads, Local Service Ads only charge when one of the paid listings is clicked by a Google user that at least has the intention of converting for that specific service area.
Here are some examples of valid leads using Local Services Ads:
- A booking request from a potential client.
- Speaking with prospective clients over a phone call.
- A voicemail from a potential client.
- Texts or emails from prospective clients.
How Are Invalid Leads Determined With Local Service Ads for Lawyers?
With Local Service Ads for law firms, an invalid lead is essentially any person that does not call in relation to the services your law firm is running service ads for.
Here are a few examples of invalid leads from Google Ads:
- It is not a customer that calls. This could include a person who dialed the wrong number, a solicitation call, a sales call, spam, or a bot (not a human).
- The location of the customer doesn’t reflect the target market shown on your Local Service Ads.
- The requested job isn’t advertised in your Local Service Ads.
- You didn’t interact with a customer, and you’re unable to reach them again. This means that they used a line with no caller ID or they left an invalid email address.
- You received more than one charge for the same lead within a 15-day period.
Let's work together
Let us know how we can help you with your law firm marketing efforts.
Local Service Ads Practice Areas
There are several practice areas you’re able to select for advertising when using Services Ads for lawyers. The practice areas for Local Service Ads are as follows:
- Bankruptcy Lawyer
- Business Lawyer
- Contract Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Disability Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Estate Lawyer
- Family Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- IP Lawyer
- Labor Lawyer
- Litigation Lawyer
- Malpractice Lawyer
- Personal Injury Lawyer
- Real Estate Lawyer
- Tax Lawyer
- Traffic Lawyer
There are also subcategories that indicate the service types provided by each lawyer. You are only charged for a lead that you advertise a specialty area for.
Google currently supports local services ads for the following legal service categories:
Ready to Maximize Leads and Grow Your Law Firm?
If you are interested in boosting your law firm with Google Local Service Ads, contact us at Digital Logic today.
We specialize in legal marketing and local online marketing. So, we’re happy to provide information and testimonials on every sector in the legal field, including but not limited to criminal defense marketing, personal injury marketing, family law and divorce marketing, estate planning marketing, and bankruptcy lawyer marketing. We work with smaller law firms to law firms with multiple offices.
