A successful online presence should include more than just your website. If you are a FindLaw client you already know this as a lot of your traffic is likely coming from your listings and profile on the FindLaw portal. Type your name and the word lawyer into Google and chances are, your FindLaw profile will come up high, often ahead of your website.

Another great way to promote your firm online is through the use of business networking sites like http://www.linkedin.com/.

A Linkedin profile is free and takes just minutes to set up. Besides a great way to stay in touch with friends, (Think 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon but with your business contacts, old classmates, and colleagues.) the site allows you to link several websites, creating a great inbound link to your website. More importantly, as your network expands more people will visit your website. I would also encourage you to write a well written profile with practice specific keywords. Doing so will help your Linkedin profile get ranked by the various search engines and enhance the link value.

Once you start there a couple of ways to build your network. You can send invitations directly to friends/associates or you can search the network for people you know and send an invitation that way. Or you can do nothing and await for people to link with you. Linkedin.com will never disclose your email so you can choose who you want to be linked with.

You can start by linking with me! http://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmorris24