Google+ - Can it Really Help Your Internet Marketing Strategy?

Our clients are now asking “what is Google+ and should we start using it”?  Many of our clients have heard about this new platform but wonder why they need to become a part of Google+ when they’re still trying to figure out Facebook.

On June 28, Google launched the trial version of Google Plus (aka Google+) and is an “invitation only” community at this time.  (Get in touch with carole@awarenesscreation.com if you’d like an invitation.) Google plans to outperform Facebook with this new social platform that allows for a higher level of customization, flexibility and privacy.

The one difference between Facebook and Google+ you’ll find appealing is that you can organize your connections in Google+ better than within Facebook.  On Facebook, everybody in your community is a “friend”.  But with Google+ features (such as +Circles, +Sparks, and +Hangouts) you’ll be able to follow, share and communicate with your connections in a more logical, productive and private system.

+Circles. Allows you to organize your contacts into topical groups such as top business resources (Awareness Creation!), business clients, project stakeholders, golf pals, high school friends, etc.  You can easily share specific information, links, videos, etc. with your select circles.

+Sparks. Automatically delivers articles, videos, photos, etc. to you based on your interests.

+Hangouts.  Provides video chat rooms where you can “hangout” with the people in your circles.  A Hangout can accommodate up to 10 users which could be a new option for your webinars, remote meetings, or even catch up time with friends.

Awareness Creation is recommending that you and your company begin to explore Google+ for a number of reasons.

1. Getting to know any new network takes time. Start using the Google+ features while it’s still relatively simple and you’ll be better able to grow within network as more features are added.
2. The features now available are worth getting to know and use.
3. Google+ will be adding the capability to add business profiles. Having a profile that can be indexed by search engines (especially Google) can ultimately strengthen your Internet Marketing – including your SEO.

And last but not least…

Awareness Creation is recommending that the use of any social platform should be included within a strong Internet Marketing Strategy.  When you strategically use online opportunities for the promotion of your company – you can increase your inbound links, website traffic, and client base.

Happy August!

Carole

Lawyer Internet Marketing: Why You Must Have Top Google Positions to Attract New Clients

If you're an attorney, do you find that it's getting harder and harder to get new clients? That's no surprise. According to the American Bar Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the competition is getting tougher and tougher:

• 45,588 students were awarded J.D. or LL.B. degrees from 200 U.S. law schools during the 2008-2009 academic year.
• Approximately 11,000 U.S. lawyers enter independent practices, annually. (As of 2010-2011 ~26% of lawyers are self-employed.)

Top Google Search Positions Should be a Law Firm's #1 Marketing Priority

Because of the increasing competition in the legal industry getting on page 1 of Google Search Listings is one of the most effective lawyer marketing tactics to have in a law firm marketing plan. Results of a survey completed by Greenfield/Belser & the Brand Research Company indicates that decision makers rely on the Internet when researching law firms and other outside professional service providers:  

• 82% of executives now use the Internet for research more than other source.
• 78% of executives now go online to search for outside legal services.
• 85% of executives consider professional services firms' websites as important sources of information in their search for outside professionals.

And - given that Google is the most influential search engine, doesn't it make sense that an effective law firm marketing plan must include Google search engine optimization (SEO) and a Google Adwords campaign? (The answer is 'yes" - actually, the answer is "absolutely").

What to Know About Lawyer SEO & Law Firm Google AdWords Campaign 

The key to getting top listings on Google requires the following:

• Realistic expectations
• Thorough Keyword Research & Development
• On-Page Search Engine Optimization
• Off-Page Search Engine Optimization
• Performance Reporting
• Ongoing Updates

Most important thing to remember about getting to the top of Google search:  it's not a one-time, quick fix. 

The second most important thing to remember:  get professional help.

Happy Friday!

Carole