A backlink is a link on any page of a website that links to your law firm's website. Quality backlinks deliver value to your site in three primary ways:

1. 1. Exposure: Whenever your URL appears as a link, your firm becomes visible on that site. More visibility increases visits your website. Especially, on websites that Google ranks highly such as YouTube; legal directories like Lawyers.com, Avvo.com and Martindale.com; or local search engines/business directories like Yelp.
   2. Referral Traffic: The more links that you have on relevant websites, the more traffic you're likely going to get to your firm website from users clicking the link and visiting your site, increasing the likelihood of more leads.
   3. Authority: When Google ranks websites, they assign more authority to those sites with quality backlinks from relevant, thematic and trusted sources.

Not All Backlinks Are Created Equal

A quality backlink comes from a relevant and trusted source. This can take shape in a listing on a directory, a blog or article or even a video on YouTube. Google and other search engines recognize as trusted sources, government entities, educational institutions, reputable local or legal directories, community websites specific to your area of areas you serve your clients, reputable organizations and social media websites.

Law firms use a variety of techniques to create backlinks. Firms might sponsor sports teams, donate to local or national charities, or get involved with community events. Additionally, attorneys from firms might provide legal commentary on local news channels, which can result in links back to their website. Other firms might offer scholarships to students that will generate backlinks to high schools, colleges or universities in the area. You should ensure you have links from a variety of different domains relevant to your firm’s location, clients, practice areas or the legal industry in general.

Types of Quality Backlinks

• • Legal Directories. Reputable legal directories, including Lawyers.com, Avvo.com, Justia.com and Martindale.com, provide law firms with high quality backlinks.  Depending on the site, firms may need to subscribe or may be able to list for free, but the more legal links a firm has, the greater its site authority will be. Potential clients find you or your firm in the directory and then click a link that leads back to your site.

• • Law Schools (.edu links).  Educational institutions, including your law school or undergrad alma mater, deliver quality backlinks to your site. Consider adding a link to your alumni directory profile or providing content to the school’s blog or site.

• • Local Business Directories, like Yelp, Yellow Pages and the Better Business Bureau allow your law firm to create a business profile that includes a backlink to your site.  And don’t forget to claim and optimize your Google My Business profile, which will include a link to your site.

• • Social Media Profiles. Establish your firm’s business profile on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and link back to your site.

One of the best and simplest ways to find relevant, strategic backlinks is to do a Google search for your practice area and geographic location. Check and see which websites pop up on the first or the second page. Look for directory-type websites that will allow you to submit your website URL.

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