With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, many business owners have feared that marketing as we know it is coming to an end. After all, Google Gemini is routinely surfacing AI-generated responses over organic search results, AI content is abundant, and AI-driven tools are being used more than ever to automate tasks previously performed by human marketers.

But it’s not all doom and gloom over here—there are many ways in which digital marketing, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) —is alive and well. This is particularly true for the legal industry, where there are many limits to what AI can do in terms of content creation and client acquisition.

Here’s how the world of SEO is being impacted by AI, and what this means for your law firm marketing.

Law Firm Marketing in the Age of AI

The Economist put it best: the development of AI has resulted in a “tsunami of digital innovation”. From ChatGPT’s world-changing AI model to the invention of “smart” coffee machines, AI appears to be everything. And it has certainly shaken up the world of law firm marketing.

Some of these innovations include AI chatbots for client engagement, tools like Lex Machina and Premonition that use predictive analytics to generate better leads, and AI-assisted legal research. Countless more tools and formulas have emerged to help law firms streamline their operations, optimize their marketing campaigns, create content, and even reduce overhead.

So, what’s the impact? 

With AI, law firms have reduced their costs, leveraging automated tools instead of manual efforts. Legal professionals have access to more data to identify (and convert) quality leads. And it’s now easier than ever to create content at volume.

At the same time, though, many people question the quality and accuracy of AI content. Some argue that AI cannot capture the nuance of the human experience or understanding complex (and often emotional) legal issues. Even more, AI-generated images and content often lack a personalized touch.

One area of marketing that’s particularly impacted by this is SEO, as it is largely driven by real human behavior, interactions, and needs.

So, is SEO Dead?

Even though many of the tools and techniques of SEO for lawyers have changed, the impact of SEO is still alive and well. Businesses continue to benefit from SEO strategies, allowing their brands to surface in the search results and attract new customers. In fact, there may even be more opportunities to rank than ever before.

For instance, Google showcases not only organic results but paid search results, Google Map Pack, Images, News, Knowledge Panel, Shopping, and many more pieces of digital real estate. This gives businesses different content formats and keyword opportunities to choose from.

Also, evolution in the SEO landscape is nothing new. There have been countless algorithm changes over the years, often in response to user behavior and new technology. SEO may be different, but it’s not dead.

Why SEO Still Matters for Law Firms

With the SEO industry alive and well, it’s still important for law firms to have a strong organic presence. This is because Google remains the leading medium through which people search for legal services. If you aren’t ranking high in Google, it will be difficult to get found by potential clients.

Here are some of the many ways SEO still matters for law firms, even in the age of AI.

1. Prospective clients still use search engines

Despite the rise of AI-based tools, your potential clients rely heavily on search engines when searching for your services. Whether they’re looking for legal counsel or content related to specific legal issues, search engines remain a primary point of entry.

Now, AI tools can often assist in this search process, but they rarely replace it entirely. SEO ensures your firm is visible when potential clients search for these services.

2. Your competitors are ranking in Search

Conduct a quick Google search of “law firm near me,” and you’ll likely see a few of your competitors in the search results. Whether they’re implementing SEO or not, their presence is a clear indication that you’ll need some organic momentum in order to compete.

Again, potential clients are using Google to search for the types of services you offer, but if they encounter your competitors first, they’re likely to inquire with a different firm. With SEO, you help your law firm stand out in the search results and become the obvious choice for potential clients.

3. AI relies on search engine data

The reality is that AI tools actually harness search engine data to train their models. This means the success of AI largely depends on people using search engines on a regular basis. Google isn’t going anywhere, so AI isn’t likely to go anywhere, either!

Whether it’s voice search through virtual assistants or AI-driven legal content suggestions, these systems still rely on the vast resources that search engines like Google organize. Strong SEO practices are essential to ensure your law firm’s website is part of that data pool. AI can’t bypass search engines entirely, so optimizing for search ensures your firm remains discoverable.

4. AI can’t replace personalized content

Only as a lawyer do you have the experience and training to advise clients on complex legal issues. AI content — even if only in your marketing — will only take you so far. Potential clients want to read content that’s helpful, relatable, and applicable to their needs.

While AI can generate content and provide answers, legal services are inherently personal. Writing your own content or hiring a writer might be your best bet for creating informative, well-researched content. AI can’t replicate the nuanced understanding that comes from a real lawyer, as your firm is best equipped to address clients’ specific legal issues.

5. SEO is more than just “content”

In the field of SEO, a lot of focus is put on content creation. And while content is certainly important (in terms of providing information and targeting keywords), it’s only one piece of the pie. AI tools are not as skilled at the various aspects of SEO, such as technical SEO and local search strategies.

Local SEO is essential for law firms, as most law firms serve clients within specific geographical areas. Google’s algorithm uses localized signals to determine which businesses to show in search results. This requires an intentional targeting strategy, optimizing your Google Business Profile, submitting your business information to online directories, and other activities AI tools have yet to master.

AI doesn’t replace the need for local SEO—if anything, AI-enhanced local search algorithms make these optimizations even more critical!

Goodbye AI, hello SEO?

Overall, the legal industry is a trust-based business. Clients want to know they work with reputable attorneys who understand their issues. AI is often ill-equipped to provide that level of expertise and personalized service.

Further, AI tools have limitations regarding what they can optimize, create, and manage. AI has not done away with SEO but has undoubtedly changed the landscape. SEO is an essential part of any law firm’s online marketing strategy.

AI is unlikely to disappear any time soon, and neither is SEO!

Copyright 2024 © Hennessey Digital by: Jason Hennessey of Hennessey Digital For more news on AI and Law Firm Marketing, visit the NLR Communications Media Internet section.