Best Google Business Practices For Moving Your Law Firm

How Law Firms Can Seamlessly Update Their Google Business Profile When Relocating

Relocating a law firm involves numerous logistical challenges, and amidst the hustle, it’s crucial not to overlook your digital presence—particularly your Google Business Profile (GBP). A well-maintained GBP ensures that clients can find and trust your firm online. Here’s a comprehensive guide to updating your GBP effectively during a move.

• Maintain Your Existing GBP: Instead of creating a new profile, update your existing GBP to retain valuable client reviews and search engine credibility. This approach preserves your firm’s online reputation and avoids confusion among clients.
• Update Your Address and Complete Verification: After updating your address in the GBP dashboard, Google may require re-verification, typically via phone or postcard. Opt for phone verification if available for a quicker process. Ensure the listed phone number is correct and accessible. If postcard verification is necessary, plan accordingly, as it may take up to 10 business days.
• Avoid Additional Edits During Verification: Once you’ve initiated the verification process, refrain from making further changes to your GBP, such as altering your business name or category. Additional edits can delay verification or cause complications. Wait until the verification is complete before making other updates.
• Prepare for Google Support Interactions: If you need to contact Google Support during this process, ensure your GBP complies with all guidelines. Have documentation ready, such as business licenses, signage photos, and utility bills, to verify your new location. This preparedness can expedite support interactions and prevent potential suspensions.
• Identify and Address Duplicate Listings: After updating your address, monitor Google Maps for any duplicate listings of your firm. Duplicates can confuse clients and dilute your online presence. If you find any, report them to Google for removal or consolidation.
• Handle Previous Business Listings at Your New Address: If another business previously occupied your new location and still has an active GBP, it could interfere with your listing. Attempt to contact the previous business owner to update or remove their listing. If that’s not possible, use the “Suggest an edit” feature on Google Maps to mark the business as closed or relocated.
• Merge Listings When Downsizing or Closing Locations: For firms consolidating multiple offices, consider merging GBPs to retain reviews and maintain a strong online presence. Contact Google Support to assist with merging profiles, ensuring you have ownership of both listings and have documented their unique identifiers.
• Update Your Website and Online Directories: Reflect your new address across all digital platforms, including your website, legal directories, and social media profiles. Consistency in your firm’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) across the internet reinforces credibility and aids in search engine rankings.
• Monitor and Adjust Your Local SEO Strategy: Relocating can impact your firm’s visibility in local search results. Monitor your rankings and adjust your SEO strategy as needed. This may involve updating local keywords, acquiring new backlinks, and encouraging client reviews to establish authority in your new location.
• Seek Professional Assistance: Navigating the complexities of updating your GBP and maintaining SEO during a move can be challenging. Consider partnering with experts like MileMark Media, who specialize in legal marketing and can ensure a smooth transition for your firm’s online presence.

MileMark Media Has You Covered With All Things Digital

Updating your Google Business Profile is a critical step in relocating your law firm. By following these best practices, you can maintain your online reputation, ensure clients can find you, and continue to grow your practice in your new location. For personalized assistance, MileMark Media is here to support your firm’s digital marketing needs during this transition.