First off, what is Google Authorship? Great question! Google Authorship connects a person's online Google+ profile (identity) with the content they have contributed to the Internet in the form of a website or blog.
Over the years, Google has continually changed the way it serves up information for the end-user in an effort to produce the best possible content and user experience. Allowing for experts such as attorneys to claim ownership of their content, Google Authorship will help to build trust and fend off spamming schemes that can have a negative impact on user experience, which can negatively impact Google's business.
When you perform a Google search for local attorneys in your market, you might notice that some of the lawyer’s results have a small image next to it. That’s Google Authorship! Google Authorship helps attorneys to stand out among the rest, resulting in heightened click-through rates by as much as 67%.
“Within search results, information tied to verified online profiles will be ranked higher than content without such verification..." - Google Chairman Eric Scmidt
Don’t Wait Any Longer
Because Google ranks over time, the more verified quality content you add, the more authority you build as a trusted “author” and contributor. When Google trusts you as an authority for your specific practice focus, Google will serve you up more prominently to the end users (prospective clients!)
Here is an example in case you haven't seen one:
If you do not have a Google+ profile account, BWM Lawyer Marketing can help you set one up. Our social media marketing experts can give you all the tools you need to succeed.
It is estimated that just 1% of law firms use rich snippets created by Google Authorship. Since this is still relatively new, it presents a strong competitive advantage for early adopters. And for those lawyers who wait too long…
Don't Risk Irrelevance!
Google’s Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt, is quoted in the new book, The New Digital Age:
“Within search results, information tied to verified online profiles will be ranked higher than content without such verification, which will result in most users naturally clicking on the top (verified) results. The true cost of remaining anonymous, then, might be irrelevance”.
- Build authority
- Build trust
- Rank higher
- Connect with more clients
Take a Look at Your Marketplace
Spend a little time doing local keyword searches and see who shows up. Are you there? Are your competitors showing more prominently? BWM Lawyer Marketing can help you change that. Contact us today to set up a free consultation over the phone or at your office. We can go over in more detail how adding Google Authorship to your overall online client development strategy can more effectively control your brand and boost your business.
