Link schemes place unnatural hyperlinks in web content to try to manipulate search engine rankings. These links can damage website credibility and result in penalties from search engines like Google, so it’s critical that attorneys and law firms know about the potential consequences of these black hat search engine optimization (SEO) methods.

Disturbingly, law firm websites can be involved in link schemes without the website owner ever knowing about them. Understanding the dangers of link schemes for lawyers and law firms, as well as how they can happen, is key to mitigating potential damage.

Link Schemes for Lawyers: What You…
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The legal marketing industry is flush with companies offering services that are either built or rely heavily on proprietary technology and platforms offered exclusively to their law firm clients. This is all fine, in theory. But for law firms, choosing a web hosting platform or content management system (CMS) built on proprietary legal marketing technology can result in problems with content ownership, integration of additional services, and more.

Like frustrated mobile phone customers trapped in unclear contracts and extended payment plans, many law firms find out too late that their practical ability to leave their current provider is difficult at…
Continue Reading Proprietary Legal Marketing Platforms: Who Owns Your Content?

Magic can be fun. We all love an illusion that defies the laws of reality. However, when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO) for law firms, it is critical to know if you can trust what you see. Specifically, some law firm marketing agencies may lead you to believe they can pull a rabbit out of their hat by making inbound links to your law firm website magically appear. In this blog, we will discuss why law firms should avoid black hat link building techniques, focusing instead on proven strategies that boost your website’s credibility and authority over time.
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Heather Banner Kane, an attorney and Legal Content Director at TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC, has earned two of the top digital marketing certifications in the US: Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) and Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) in Digital Marketing.

These certifications are granted by two authorities in the marketing industry, the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) and the American Marketing Association (AMA), respectively. The extensive coursework required to earn the CDMP and PCM credentials included training in online advertising, analytics, social media, content marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing, website optimization, and digital marketing strategy.

Certification as a CDMP and…
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Nathan Chase, a member of the TOPDOG Legal Marketing team, has expanded his skills as a Google online advertising professional. Having completed the Google Ads Search Certification, Google Ads Measurement Certification, and Google Analytics Individual Qualification, the AZ legal marketing specialist continues to expand and demonstrate his proficiency in online advertising and analytics and put these skills to work on behalf of TOPDOG clients nationwide.

A resident of the greater Phoenix area, AZ paralegal Nathan Chase holds an associate degree in Applied Science in Paralegal from Rio Salado Community College. After starting with TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC as…
Continue Reading Nathan Chase of AZ Legal Marketing Team Completes Google Certifications

Law firms and attorneys who want to attract new clients must stay competitive online. One of the essential ways to develop an effective online presence is to generate high-quality law firm website content that appeals to search engines and provides value to people. As search engines like Google continually refine and update their algorithms, knowing how to develop and present content that follows search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and meets your clients’ needs is more important than ever.
Law Firm Website Content and SEO Best Practices
As a lawyer, your focus is to help your clients by making…
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TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC is thrilled to announce the promotion of Lynn Kessler to Content Production Specialist. An invaluable part of TOPDOG Legal Marketing since 2018, Lynn has excelled in not only her prior role as Editorial Associate but also as an overall team member.

A cum laude graduate of West Virginia University, Lynn has over 15 years of writing and editorial experience. Her passion for research and skill in communication help make TOPDOG an effective force in legal marketing.

“We’re so happy to announce Lynn’s promotion to Content Production Specialist,” said TOPDOG CEO Krista Duncan Black. “She is one…
Continue Reading Lynn Kessler Promoted to Production Specialist at TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC

Indiana attorney Heather Kane has been promoted to the position of Legal Content Director at TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC. A 25-year attorney with experience in the publishing industry, Heather’s skill set is perfectly tailored to the position, and TOPDOG is emphatically pleased to have her in the role.

Heather received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She has bachelor’s degrees from Purdue University in Organizational Communication and German. To her work at TOPDOG, she brings skills from her time in private practice, as a judicial clerk, and as a court staff attorney.

As a Visiting Clinical…
Continue Reading Attorney Heather Kane Promoted to Legal Content Director at TOPDOG Legal Marketing

TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC is happy to announce that Paula Roberts of Nitro, WV has been promoted to the position of Creative and Administrative Director. In this role, Paula directs the company’s creative service line as well as leading the administrative team.

Paula’s team provides creative services, including law firm web design, infographics, CLEs, brochures, and social media ads. They also provide critical support and structure for internal processes such as task management, financial systems and goals, and general administration.

Paula’s previous experience as a paralegal, secretary, benefits coordinator, accounting clerk, and the owner of a small business offering crafting…
Continue Reading Paula Roberts Named Creative and Administrative Director at TOPDOG Legal Marketing

TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC is excited to announce the newest member of its growing legal marketing team. Nikki Conley joined the agency in January 2022 as an administrative assistant.

A graduate of West Virginia University, Nikki has a bachelor of arts in psychology. While raising four children with her husband, Brian, she has worked over the years in the mental health and social services, child care, and real estate industries. Her experience in various areas, including administration, human resources, and accounting, are an asset to TOPDOG as the company continues to thrive and carve out its niche in law firm…
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Krista Duncan Black and Heather Banner Kane, the CEO and chief production officer of TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC, recently celebrated the milestone of 25 years as licensed attorneys. Prior to their swearing in, Black and Kane graduated from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, where they were roommates and Moot Court partners.

Black and Kane have maintained continuous licensure since becoming members of the bar—Kane in Indiana and Black in West Virginia and Arizona. Both worked as attorneys in private practice and government positions before Black, recognizing the value of a legal marketing agency led by lawyers, founded TOPDOG in…
Continue Reading Legal Marketing Agency Execs Celebrate 25th Bar Anniversary

Krista Duncan Black, founder and CEO of TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC, recently completed the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders Initiative training series as a member of the 2021 Phoenix Cohort. The intensive, award-winning program arms C-level executives of promising small businesses with tools and knowledge to accelerate business growth and improve operational strategies.

The SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative delivers the Interise StreetWise “MBA” program to selected C-level executives. The program has been found to increase revenue and contracts for participating businesses while creating more jobs at higher salaries. Each executive who completes the program drafts a three-year Strategic…
Continue Reading Phoenix Legal Marketing CEO Completes SBA Emerging Leaders Program