L&L’s fee-based services begin with no obligation and a confidential review of client’s financial resources, including risk level, assets classifications, and personal objectives. At Lodmell & Lodmell, each Integrated Asset Protection Strategy is updated annually to ensure it keeps pace with changing family, business, and financial circumstances.

Asset Protection Education

• Bankruptcy vs. Asset Protection
• What is an Asset Protection Trust?
• What is the Ultimate Asset Protection Plan?
• Does the FLP really work for Asset Protection?
• The FLP vs The LLC – What’s the difference?
• What is The “Achilles Heel” of Asset Protection?
• How Asset Protection Works – Secrets of Asset Protection

Contact them to make an appointment.

• Have you purchased not just one domain, but multiple domains, perhaps even hundreds?
• Maybe you have the best direct match domain ever – yourcity-injury-lawyer.com or something even snazzier.
• Perhaps you want to take advantage of the power of a direct match domain?

Let’s find out how to properly use that kick-butt domain.

Domain Myths

There are a few myths with domains.  Let’s get rid of those first.

Myth #1 – The belief that each new domain will be indexed on its own and rank high with your existing content on your existing web site. Unfortunately, the belief is wrong.

Myth #1 – The belief is that you can buy 100 domains and increase your search rankings of your main site by just having them point to your site.  Unfortunately, the belief is also wrong.

What Google Wants

Google and other search engines only want to index one version of your web site for its dominant domain.

• Don’t create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content.

Google does not want multiple versions of your web site in its index.  It want’s unique content on all your sites and domains.

Pick One Domain to Use with Unique Content

One tactic is to pick one domain for your web site and redirect the remainder to that dominant domains. This is done through a 301 redirect and Google will only index the dominant domain – but you can still use the others for advertising and tracking purposes.

Use All Domains, but Make them all Have Unique Content

An alternate tactic is that if you want search engines to index every domain independently, then you need to create multiple niche web sites.  This will allow you to have multiple web sites and allow each to rank on their own.

Multiple Domains Cause Ranking Issues

Technically search engines will index as many domains as you want.  I have seen many web sites indexed incorrectly under multiple domains.  In every instance, once we correct the multiple indexing issues, the rankings increased for the dominant domain.

Put simply, the search engines will assign penalties if you have the same content on all domains – this is called duplicate content.  You really want to avoid duplicate content penalties.

301 Redirect Multiple Domains

If you are going to buy tons of domains, realize that in order for proper web site architecture your web firm should only 301 redirect those into your primary domain.  This will allow search to index just one domain and keep duplicate content issues away.  However, you can also use those domains to create new sites – it just takes a lot more effort.

The good news is that 301 redirects are really simple – 15 minutes of work.  The bad news is that they do not take full advantage of your direct match of the keyword phrase of the domain.  It just redirect traffic.

Create Unique Web Sites for the Alternate Domains

An alternate way of using those domains is to create multiple UNIQUE web sites.  The key is that the web sites content must be unique and non-duplicate.

They really cannot just be 1 page placeholder sites as that violates Google’s rules.  The goal should be creating the best resource in your particular area.  Now we have seen that where there is little competition in an area, a 1-page site is fine.  But usually, it takes at least a 5 page site to compete.

For additional domains, you want to create independent web sites with unique content.  They can be blogs, micro, niche, or practice area sites.  If the content is unique and non duplicative, then they will be indexed independently.

Note that you can actually reuse your initial web design and your overall web brand.  So that minimizes costs by a lot – you only have to pay for the building of the new site, not the design.  All you need to do is create unique content to talk about your subject area.  Better yet, plan a campaign to become THE resource for your practice area.

The good news is that if you create multiple web sites, you can rank high for each.  The bad news is that this method increases costs as you have to produce more content and multiple sites.

Conclusion

One tactic is to pick one domain for your web site and redirect the remainder to that dominant domain.  An alternate tactic is that if you want search engines to index every domain independently, then you need to create multiple niche web sites.

PaperStreet is a leading web design firm in Florida, passionate about both our work and our play.   We have designed more than 350 sites in the past seven years!  We did it working 35 hour weeks, with no overtime, and actual vacations.  We did it in the comfort of sunny Florida, about 5 minutes away from the beach (its 72 degrees right now a few days before Christmas).

We are looking for someone who is talented, fun and passionate about the web.

What We Need in a Designer:

• Talent.  Talent. Talent.  Show us your Portfolio, we want to be wowed.
• Work under the Creative Director and Senior Designer to further develop exceptional web designs, print collateral and brands/logos.
• Ability to work on multiple projects, manages time deadlines, and prioritizes tasks accordingly.
• Communicate ideas and offer suggestions to Creative Director and Senior Designer.
• Collaborate with other designers on projects as needed.
• Keep up to date on cutting edge technology and its impact on design and keep the team informed of upcoming trends & changes.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Kick-Butt Portfolio.
• 2+ years experience in relevant fields with exceptional web design and/or print portfolio.
• Excellent knowledge with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other design programs.
• Relevant education and training in design field with solid typography and graphic design skills.
• Ability to use animation programs / code (Flash, (x)HTML and CSS) is a huge plus.
• Understand the technical possibilities and limitations of web development and print production.
• Must be team oriented, but self-motivated.
• Must be onsite, or willing to relocate, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Here’s what’s in it for you:

A real work-life balance (35 hour work week); 2 weeks of vacation to start; competitive compensation package, including free medical benefits; a cubicle-free work environment in our newly renovated open office space; a fun, work-hard/play hard atmosphere (we throw around movie-quotes a lot).

So, come on, if you fit the bill, make an impact on a growing firm.  To apply please do the following only:

1. Send an email to
2. Send an email to .
3. The Subject must be:  Designer – Fill In Your Name
4. Attach a PDF Resume
5. Include a short paragraph about yourself in the email.  Be witty, be professional, but be yourself.
6. Include a link in the email to your online portfolio.

Thanks for applying and sorry, no phone calls please.

PaperStreet is a leading web design firm in Florida, passionate about both our work and our play.   We have designed more than 350 sites in the past seven years!  We did it working 35 hour weeks, with no overtime, and actual vacations.  We did it in the comfort of sunny Florida, about 5 minutes away from the beach (its 72 degrees right now a few days before Christmas).

We are looking for someone who is talented, fun and passionate about the web.

What We Need in a Senior Designer:

• Talent.  Talent. Talent.  Show us your Portfolio, we want to be wowed.
• Work with Creative Director to brainstorm concepts for web and print development.
• Generate and Translate wire frames & mood boards based on creative direction from clients
• Work with clients as needed to present ideas, obtain feedback, implement new ideas, and offer suggestions for marketing goals & plans.
• Manage key project elements and team members as necessary to ensure project success.
• Keep up to date on cutting edge technology and its impact on design and keep the team informed of upcoming trends & changes.
• Ability to work on multiple projects, manages time deadlines, and prioritizes tasks accordingly.

Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years experience in relevant fields with exceptional web design and/or print portfolio.
• Relevant education and training in design field with solid typography and graphic design skills.
• Expert proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other design programs.
• Ability to use animation programs / code (Flash, (x)HTML and CSS) is a huge plus.
• Understand the technical possibilities and limitations of web development.
• Must be able to direct outside vendors as necessary.
• Must be team oriented, but self-motivated.

Here’s what’s in it for you:

A real work-life balance (35 hour work week); 2 weeks of vacation to start; competitive compensation package, including free medical benefits; a cubicle-free work environment in our newly renovated open office space; a fun, work-hard/play hard atmosphere (we throw around movie-quotes a lot).

So, come on, if you fit the bill, make an impact on a growing firm.  To apply please do the following only:

1. Send an email to .
2. The Subject must be:  Senior Designer – Fill In Your Name
3. Attach a PDF Resume
4. Include a short paragraph about yourself in the email.  Be witty, be professional, but be yourself.
5. Include a link in the email to your online portfolio.

Thanks for applying and sorry, no phone calls please.

What is the Big Idea of the New Rules?

Law Firm sites are no longer “requests for information”.  Therefore your web site must comply with all advertising rules, except the filing requirement.

What does this mean to my firm?

1.  You can no longer have testimonials on the web site.

2.  You can no longer have past results on the web site.

3.  You can no longer have laudatory statements.

That is all you need to know for now. If your site has any past results, testimonials and laudatory statements you must change by January 1, 2010.

Our Thoughts

Below is our analysis and quick thoughts about this rule change.

Is a Click a Request for Information?

The Supreme Court fails to recognize that clicking on a link is a request or action on the users part.  Put simply, this wrong.  Just because it is easy to make a click, does not mean it is not a request for information.  A user is actively requesting information when they make a click.  It just happens to be easier than picking up the phone.

Anytime someone picks up the phone, asks a lawyer for information, they can respond with testimonials, past results and laudatory statements.  If asked, a lawyer can tell the person about their verdicts, so long as it is all true.  However, because a user clicks on a link, wanting the same information, the firm cannot give that out online.

This seems at odds with common sense.  Every click should be considered a request for information.  If a person is wanting information and trying to compare law firms quickly online, should they not have access to that information?

Is the Consumer Even Really Hurt by Testimonials or Past Results?

This is more of a theoretical question.  Are consumers hurt or helped by testimonials and past results on web sites?  If they are truly hurt, then should they not be banned in all situations?

The main reasoning for Florida Bar Rules on advertising by lawyers is to protect the consumer and the practice of law.  How is the consumer hurt by testimonials and listing past results though? The bar states:

“[Testimonials] are extremely troubling because they have the most potential for abuse, as well as the most potential for further denigrating the justice system and the legal profession in the minds of the public.”

That is a really bold statement and no citation to a study that says testimonials are abused or denigrate the justice system.

Yes, there are always going to be firms that poorly market themselves and market unethically.  This will happen even after these rules.  Those firms will make false claims, get odd testimonials, run up the scoreboard with big verdicts on their site, and make outlandish claims like they invented the question mark.  However, when lawyers cross the line, we have the misleading / false information rules to slap them around with.

Why is there a need to disadvantage firms that are actually good at what they do and have happy clients?  Testimonials and past results are great resources for any business, including law firms.  I believe it actually increases the standing of lawyers and improves their image if done properly.

Instead of empowering good firms, we are now stating that all firms are equal, when that is not the case.

I Want a Winner.

If a firm does consistently win, wouldn’t you want to know that?  I sure would.  When I hire a lawyer, I want the best.  I want to know who has won, settled, or helped the most clients.  I want a firm that has verdicts, trial experience, and can organize their information effectively to showcase their talent.  This proves to me that they know what they are doing.

Yes, wins do not always equate with being the best, but it is a good indicator.  Yes, big wins make an influence on a consumer, and may lead them to believe they will get the same result in their case.  However, there are ways to combat this with informed disclaimers (a la the financial system “past results are not an indicator of future results”).  Moreover, the law firm itself will always want to match expectations with realities of a case.  So if a firm lists huge wins only, then they do so at their own peril.  Otherwise, they are always going to have dissatisfied clients, even with successful outcomes.

What this rule change does is level the playing field.  Now all firms are as experienced in the eyes of the public, when we know that is not true.  Now the best firms can’t actually advertise that they are the best.  Imagine if Audi could not advertise that it won 8 of the last 10 LeMans 24 hour races.  Imagine if Toyota could not represent that they consistently win consumer awards and races.  Imagine if doctors could not represent that they performed thousands of surgeries all with great outcomes and great testimonials from their patients.  They would be on the same playing field as other inferior car brands and medical quacks.  Only in the legal profession do we limit the ability to advertise when a firm is in fact great at what they do. 

This Puts Florida Law Firms at a Competitive Disadvantage

With this new opinion, every law firm in Florida is put at a disadvantage to firms in other states.  The internet creates a new marketing bubble, one that allows any firm anywhere to market nationwide.  No longer are Florida firms only competing with other Florida firms.

Firms in other states target Florida with their marketing efforts.  Those firms who sign the client may ultimately co-counsel or refer the case to a Florida firm, but smart firms are target their practice area nationwide.  They use web sites, blogs, and social media as their tools.  Their web sites, blogs and social media tools are not bound by Florida’s more stringent rules.  Because those firms are in another state they  do not have to comply with these rules.  This puts a significant disadvantage to all firms in our state.

Moving Forward

All Florida firms must comply with this ruling and strip out testimonials, results and laudatory statements from their web site by January 1.  We are working with our firms to comply with this decision and one possible idea is to create an actual request for information contact box.  This may allow firms to comply with the ruling, allow users to gain access to the information, and also be a win-win by capturing great contact info.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our thoughts.  Feel free to comment as this is a work in progress on our opinion of this ruling.  I know my team will be busy next month on advising clients.

The firm has helped citizens across Wisconsin receive fair compensation for their injuries. They take pride in providing clients with easy access to the attorneys. While their offices are located in Milwaukee, they don’t limit their practice to southeastern Wisconsin. They travel all over the state, making sure that their clients are informed and up to date on their cases, and visit potential clients to inform them of their legal rights.

Practice Areas

• Auto Accidents Caused by Trucks or Tractor Trailers
• Car Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accident Victims
• Farming Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Personal Injury
• Spinal Injuries
• Dangerous Prescription Drugs
• Product Liability

Contact them now to make an appointment.

Looks like it’s plaintiffs work leading the way with the top six phrases, followed by aviation (go figure), bankruptcy, and then criminal law rounding out the top 10.

If you could capture just 1% of the search volume for the top phrase and convert them into clients, that would mean 121 new cases a year. Nice.

Keyword Phrase – What people type in to Google

Competition - The rate of competition in the PPC program of Google. Higher = more advertisers.

Search Volume – Running monthly average of searches for that term.

Note that this was just a simple search using Google and using the attached keywords. We redacted any terms that did not contain any results. Obviously there are more search terms, but this is some quick research to get you going on SEO for the legal market.

PaperStreet creates new web sites and revitalizes aging ones. Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we have designed over 350 custom web sites in the past seven years.

Here’s what we are looking for:
You need to be able to multi-task. While we only work 35 hours per week, we work in turbo all the time. You will be jumping from project to project each day. You need to be capable of communicating properly when speaking clients (this means you should know about the web).

If you are still with us, the job description requires 4 major qualifications:

Handling Client Relations
• Advising clients on technologies and services available.
• Communicating with clients via the phone or in-person.

Managing Inbound Sales
• Be the first point of contact with approximately 1 to 5 new inquiries per day.
• Your goal will be to increase sales.

Overseeing Project Management
• Assisting Creative and Web Director with projects
• Project Management of timeline, affiliates and content

Office Management
• Assist with Vendor Relations
• Some small office management tasks (supplies, organization).

Working at PaperStreet has some sweet job perks. You’ll get:
We value free time. We offer a 35-hour work week and two-weeks off per year starting. We offer a competitive compensation package, including free medical benefits if you go full-time, a cubicle-free work environment in our newly renovated open office space; a fun, work-hard/play hard atmosphere (we throw around movie-quotes like it’s nobody’s business).

There is no travel needed for this position, however, a qualified candidate must be in the Fort Lauderdale area and be able to commute to our office.

So, come on! If you fit the bill, make an impact on a growing firm (we have designed more than 450 sites in the past seven years) and apply now: