You’d expect Google to always get it right when showing your firm’s information, but that’s not always the case. Even something as small as how your phone number is formatted can affect how it shows up in search results.
For law firms, that tiny detail could mean a potential client calls your competitor instead of you.
How Formatting Can Confuse Google
Google’s systems are smart, but they still rely on patterns. If your phone number, address, or other business details are formatted differently than what Google expects, it can sometimes pull the wrong information into search results.
For example, writing your phone number as 555-123-4567 instead of (555) 123-4567 could make Google’s AI misinterpret it, or worse, show a competitor’s information instead.
Why Consistency Matters for Law Firms
When it comes to local SEO, consistency across your online presence is critical. This applies to:
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Firm names
- Office hours
If the information on your website doesn’t match what’s on your Google Business Profile or legal directories, Google can get confused and lower your visibility in search results.
How to Protect Your Firm’s Listings
Here are a few simple steps your law firm can take:
- Use a consistent phone number format across your website, Google Business Profile, and legal directories
- Make sure your firm’s name is always written the same way (avoid “Law Offices of” in one place and “Smith Law” in another)
- Double-check that your address matches USPS or Canada Post formatting exactly
Setting Your Firm Up for Visibility
Small formatting details might not seem important, but they can have a big impact on how Google displays your law firm’s information. By keeping your details consistent everywhere online, you reduce the risk of mistakes that could cost you valuable client calls.
At PointClick, we specialize in helping law firms manage their online presence so potential clients always find the right information. Want to make sure your listings are set up for maximum visibility?
