Need an Local SEO's expert opinion regarding a client trying to improve their rankings.

[BrianJGomez]

I have a business i'm working with right now who wants to improve their rankings in a very competitive legal niche.

Are there any Local SEO gurus out there that would be willing to explain in a paragraph or two what's going wrong?

Let me know if you'd like to help and I'll PM you the domain.

[MiriamEllis]

Hey Brian

It's totally understandable when it's not possible to share a client's domain in public. We do have some really talented folks in the Local SEO space here, but if the client is trying break into a competitive legal pack (those can be so tough!), chances are you are going want to do a complete audit of their Local SEO. A paragraph or two may fail to generate the thorough feedback and strategy your client will need. I'm hoping a couple of suggestions will help:

1. Here is our Local SEO Checklist, which you can go through bit by bit to identify any problems that might be holding the client back.

2. Here is our 2015 Local Search Ranking Factors survey, which pools industry knowledge regarding the elements that are believed to have the greatest impact on rank. Your client will need to excel at all of these to compete.

3. Here is our recommended Local SEO companies list. On that list, I know NiftyMarketing to be particularly skilled in the legal industry. In fact, they have a unique business called niftylaw.com that specializes in marketing for the legal industry. You or your client may need to consult with a real heavy-hitter in this area, given the competitiveness of your market.

I hope these resources will prove helpful!

[BrianJGomez]

Thank you Miriam. Those are awesome resources all of which I am familiar with

There are some obvious issues with the backlink profile on this particular site. I've pointed it out to the client as something hazardous and their current SEO is framing it as a difference of opinion when in reality he is putting the client at great risk (in my opinion).

My hope was get a third party to look at this and offer an honest assessment to the client.

Btw, I'm not opposed to paying someone for their time here.

Thanks again!

[MiriamEllis]

You're welcome, Brian, and I hope you'll be able to find a consultant who can offer a second opinion. Sounds like you are trying to save your client a big headache!