Online law directories can be a great marketing tool for attorneys because they have good SEO and rank well in the search engines.
Two of the law directories I recommend making an effort to get listed in are Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers.
To be listed on Martindale-Hubbell, you must be “AV Rated.” To become “AV Rated,” you need to have a certain number of peer reviews through attorney references that you submit. Client reviews help with your ranking as well.
Martindale-Hubbell suggests that you submit 18 attorney references to write a review of you. As some attorneys won’t respond, I recommend submitting at least 25. Here is a link to the overall process and the instructions for submission.
Super Lawyers also provides information on the selection process of being named a Super Lawyer. There is not a “secret sauce,” but if you learn about how the process works (here), you’ll have a better likelihood of becoming a Super Lawyer eventually.
Law directories can be a good online marketing tool, but not all directories are worthwhile. There are many spammy ones in which you can get listed by paying a fee and submitting your information. I would not suggest those. Those just make you “look good” to unassuming people looking to hire an attorney, but they don’t mean squat.
At least with Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers, due diligence and peer reviews have to occur.
Poke around at some attorneys you know and see what comes up for them on these online directories. Imagine a client looking up an attorney to hire. You’d want to go with the one who has a higher rating and some peer and client reviews, right?
Take the time to put in these submissions upfront, and it will be worth your time in the long run. Not only will it allow potential clients an opportunity to see what others have to say about you, but it will also help you to rank as high or higher than your website in the search engines.
