You can earn more client calls with a Google Screened badge.
Every day, people in Florida search for a lawyer and trust results with a badge. Muzeum will show you how to get that badge and help you stand out.
What Is Google Screened and Why Does It Matter
Google Screened is a badge that appears next to your law firm’s name in local ads. It tells prospects you passed a background and license check. As you are aware, trust is challenging to establish online. But a badge makes it easy for someone to pick up the phone.
Law firms grow faster when clients feel safe.
How to Qualify for Google Screened
- Be a licensed lawyer in your state. You need an active bar record.
- Pass background checks on your practice and staff. Google partners with a vendor to confirm you have no serious complaints.
- Maintain good standing with your state bar. The Florida Bar allows you to check your status online.
Google requires you to work in one of its eligible areas. Check the Florida zip codes list on their site.
Step-by-Step Setup
Follow these steps in order:
- Claim your Local Services Ads account
- Go to the Local Services Ads signup page.
- Enter your business info exactly as the Florida Bar lists it.
- Submit your license
- Upload a photo of your bar license or a PDF.
- Enter your license number, expiration date, and issuing state.
- Complete background check
- Provide owner and staff details.
- Schedule fingerprinting if asked.
- Set your budget
- Choose how much you want to spend per lead each week.
- You can pause or adjust at any time.
Completing each step gets you closer to new leads.
Tips for Better Performance
- Use tactics for search engine optimization Florida lawyers rely on to boost clicks on their website.
- Add FAQ pages that answer common legal questions in plain words.
- Collect 5-star client reviews and ask Google to link them.
- Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate hours, high-quality photos, and comprehensive services.
Also, update your profile every month to stay current. A fresh profile wins more clicks.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Lawyers often make these mistakes:
- Ignoring negative reviews.
- Using jargon like “tortfeasor” without explaining it.
- Setting budgets too low so the badge never shows.
How an SEO Agency in Florida Can Help
Navigating the complexities of online visibility and digital marketing can be challenging for busy legal professionals. This is where a specialized SEO agency in Florida can provide invaluable assistance. These agencies possess the expertise and tools to:
- Track your Google Screened badge status: An SEO agency can ensure your compliance, monitor its status, and address any issues that may arise, safeguarding this valuable credential and the credibility it provides.
- Improve Online Visibility: By optimizing a law firm’s website and online presence for relevant keywords, an SEO agency can help it rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential clients in Florida to find their services when they need them most.
- Manage Online Reputation: Agencies can implement strategies to monitor online reviews, facilitate positive feedback, and develop approaches to address negative comments professionally and ethically, safeguarding the firm’s online image.
- Translate Legal Expertise into Engaging Content: SEO professionals can work with lawyers to create informative and accessible website content, blog posts, and articles that explain legal concepts in plain language, attracting and educating potential clients.
- Develop Targeted Marketing Campaigns: By understanding the specific needs and demographics of a law firm’s ideal clients, an SEO agency can create and manage targeted online advertising campaigns that reach the right audience at the right time.
- Track Performance and Optimize Strategies: SEO agencies utilize data analytics to monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts, providing valuable insights and making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results and a strong return on investment.
By partnering with an experienced SEO agency, law firms in Florida can focus on providing excellent legal services while entrusting their online growth and visibility to dedicated professionals. This strategic collaboration can be a powerful catalyst for attracting new clients and achieving long-term success.
Measuring Your Success
Track these numbers weekly:
- Number of badge impressions
- Click-through rate on your ads
- Calls booked from badge clicks
You can use Google Ads reports and your phone system logs. A clear view of results helps you tweak budgets.
FAQs About Google Screened for Lawyers
Q: What’s the difference between Screened and Guaranteed?
A: “Screened” is for professional services like law, while “Guaranteed” applies to home services.
Q: How long does verification take?
A: Usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on background check speed.
Q: Can I run ads without the badge?
A: Yes, but click rates drop by up to 30 percent.
Conclusion
You’ve learned how to earn a badge. Now, put this into action. Start by gathering your license info today. Then follow the setup steps above.
Your firm’s growth starts with the first call.
Our team at Muzeum specializes in SEO for lawyers and can set up your Google Screened ads in Florida. We know how to make your practice stand out.
Ready to improve your local reach? Read our post on Maximizing Google Guaranteed: A Lawyer’s Blueprint for Boosting Local Calls.
Get your badge and watch new clients call.
