Receiving a lead from a potential client is like hearing the starting gun in a footrace.  From the moment the lead comes in you are in a race to convert that lead into a customer.  But how do you make the transition from lead to customer?  We’ve compiled this list of 5 critical steps to help you win the lead conversion race.

1. Respond as quickly as possible. When you receive a new lead, it’s imperative that you talk to the potential client as quickly as possible.  When users submit website information request they are in a decision-making mindset.  If you reach them soon after they submit their information your chances of converting them into a client are much greater.  Wait too long and the client may change their mind or find someone else who can answer their questions.Your first contact attempt should always be by phone.   If that attempt fails, follow up by email and try another phone call either later that day or early the next.  If you’re still unable to get in touch with the client, try mailing a letter, sending a text message to their cell number or sending an instant message to their email.  Be creative and make your communication as personalized as possible.
2. Listen. Once you establish contact with the potential client, don’t tell them about how great your services are — ask them open ended questions and listen to their needs.  Questions like “What can I do to help you?” or “Tell me about your situation” are great for getting clients to open up.  Be sympathetic and establish a connection with your client.  If you can make the client comfortable they are more likely to use your services.
3. Do Your Homework. Be ready to answer any and all questions your potential client may have.  If you’re not already, become an expert in all aspects of your business and your community.   If a client thinks you don’t know what you’re talking about, they will not want to use your services.
4. Offer an Incentive. Ease the transition from potential client to customer by offering something for free.  A free initial consultation or free first visit is a great way to get a client through your door and into your customer database.  Another great method is to offer free weekly/monthly seminars.  You can see more potential clients in a shorter amount of time.

5. Know when to Move On. Not every potential client will be a good customer.  Fine tune your lead screening process so that you can quickly identify the most promising clients and weed out the rest.  Don’t waste time trying to convert clients that aren’t a good match for your services — instead use that time to focus on converting the best prospects.

If you are an attorney who needs Legal Leads, please visit LegalRow.com to find out about joining our Attorney Network.

The Bankruptcy Lead Generation marketplace is a crowded space full of companies promising to deliver high quality leads through a variety of methods.  Bankruptcy Attorneys are faced with multiple questions when deciding what internet strategies to use to generate bankruptcy leads.  Following is an overview of several common lead generation products.

• Attorney Directories.  There are many “attorney directory” sites that claim to deliver clients to your practice.  However, these sites may not be as effective as you think.   Consider these items when evaluating an Attorney Directory site:
  • Perform a search on the Attorney Directory site for your city and practice area.  How many attorneys are listed in the results?  If there are already many attorneys listed, how will your listing stand out?
  • Does the directory allow you to list a phone number and a link to your website?
  • How does the attorney directory website rank on google for Bankruptcy Attorney and Bankruptcy Lawyer?  Is it on the first page? 
  • How easy (or difficult) is it to use the Attorney Directory lawyer search?  If users get confused or frustrated, they will hit the back button and try another site.
     
• Attorney Website Management.  Another common product in the bankruptcy lead generation marketplace is attorney website management.  These companies promise to build a website for your practice that will generate organic (free) leads for your lawfirm.  However, as with any contract be sure to read the fine print.  Make sure you find out the answers to these questions:
  • Who “owns” the site?  If you decide to terminate your contract do you get to keep the website, domain name, content, etc?  
  • After the site is built, what will the company do to promote it?  Will they give you a monthly report with details about their marketing activities?
  • Who will update and maintain the site?  You or the Vendor?
  • What about Search Engine Optimization?  Does the company use search engine friendly methods of web development?   Do they do any off-page search engine marketing?  
  • Results:  Can the company give you references that illustrate the results they have achieved for other clients?
     
• Lead Delivery Services. The final product we’ll look at are bankruptcy lead delivery services.  These are traditional lead generation companies who gather data from clients and then sell it to attorneys.   When looking at lead delivery services, consider these questions:
  • How are the leads delivered?  Email? Text Message? Instant Message?  Are the leads delivered real-time or is there a processing delay?
  • What data is sent with the lead?  
  • Are phone leads “warm transferred” to your office?  If so, is this a feature that you will be able to support or will these leads go to voicemail?
  • Does the vendor provide a method for dealing with bad or duplicate leads?
  • Is there a back-end lead administration website that will allow you to track and work your leads?
  • If you have any issues is there an account manager you can contact for help?
  • Are the leads in your area sold exclusively to you or are the leads sold to multiple attorneys?
  • How can you terminate the contract?  Is there a 6, 12 or 18 month contract term?

If you’re ready to start receiving Bankruptcy Leads through the internet, or if you are looking to supplement your existing bankruptcy lead pipeline, we’d love to talk to you.  Please complete our Attorney Bankrupty Lead Generation form and one of our sales representatives will contact you to explain the many options LeadRival offers for Bankruptcy Lead Generation.  

Everyday Yellow Pages has contracted with LeadRival to provide search engine optimization (SEO) services for its local directory Web site, www.EverydayYellowPages.com. The site provides directory information for persons looking for businesses in Arlington, Irving, Coppell, Grand Prairie, Keller, Southlake, Midlothian, DeSoto and other cities in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Hurst, TX October 17, 2008 — Everyday Yellow Pages has hired LeadRival, a Dallas Fort Worth Based Search Engine Optimization agency, to help the company increase the visibility of its Web site, www.EverydayYellowPages.com, in the top search engines.

Everyday Yellow Pages publishes complete directories serving local communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Its Web site offers visitors an online search of its publications and also provides information to advertisers who would like to increase their visibility in published directory.

The publisher provides a complete directory of residential and business listings in Arlington, Cedar Hill, Colleyville, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Kennedale, Keller, Lancaster, Mansfield, Midlothian, Red Oak, Southlake and Trophy Club/Westlake. Everyday Yellow Pages also provides a wealth of community information, including area attractions, shopping, community services, mass transit and airport information.

“LeadRival is excited to use its expertise to help more users and advertisers find Everyday Yellow Pages online,” said Kye Duncan, SEO Manager of LeadRival. “We are well equipped to refine the directory’s online approach.”

LeadRival, founded in 2004, is a leader in the search engine marketing (SEM) industry. The firm has worked with both large and small businesses. LeadRival specializes in search engine optimization, paid search and professional Web site design. In addition, the agency also provides content creation, lead generation and local search strategy.

About LeadRival:
Founded in 2004, Leadrival is a leading Web marketing agency with extensive experience helping businesses succeed online. The agency provides custom Web marketing solutions for both local and national clients. LeadRival offers search engine optimization, website design, pay per click management, content creation and online consulting services through their unique Search, Leads, Results platform.

About Everyday Yellow Pages:
Everyday Yellow Pages was established to provide Arlington, Coppell, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Irving, and North Tarrant County with superior telephone directories, customer service and distribution. It has offices in Arlington at 2206 W. Park Row Drive, Suite 102. Its corporate headquarters is located in Amarillo, Texas.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Kye Duncan or a representative of Everyday Yellow Pages, email media @ leadrival.com.

A new poll conducted by BankruptcyHome.com shows Barack Obama is favored by individuals seeking bankruptcy protection. Conducted in September, the poll questioned over 1200 people who visited www.BankruptcyHome.com and completed a free bankruptcy evaluation form. Respondents provided their opinions on 16 separate questions on topics ranging from the Economy to the War on Terror.

October 9, 2008 — BankruptcyHome.com conducted a presidential poll to see how people facing financial difficulties feel about the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates. The results mirrored the national polls that show Democrat Barack Obama with a slight lead. Full poll results are available on the BankruptcyHome.com website.

Almost 75 percent of respondents said that the 2008 presidential election was very important to them. Over 80 percent said that they were very likely to vote.

Visitors to BankruptcyHome.com are provided with helpful information about personal bankruptcy, debt consolidation and rebuilding credit. Recent turmoil in the credit markets has brought economic issues to the foreground of the presidential race and BankruptcyHome.com was curious how its users would vote.

Obama was the choice of 48.17 percent of the over 1,200 respondents when asked witch of the candidates was best equipped to handle the economy. That compares to Republican candidate John McCain, who was favored by only 21.39 percent.

The results mirror polls that show Obama pulling ahead of McCain in the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Michigan. McCain though is still holding slight leads in polls conducted in Indiana and Missouri. National polls have the pair close to even.

Obama was also the choice of 50.74 percent of respondents as the better candidate to handle health-care issues, the only time one of the candidates received more than 50 percent of the response, compared to 21.39 percent for McCain. A medical crisis can be one of the leading causes for families to file bankruptcy.

McCain led his Democratic opponent in one category of the poll. Results show that respondents felt that the Republican was the more experienced candidate.

More information about the poll is available on the BankruptcyHome.com Web site. Full Results of the Poll are available on the Presidential Poll Results page.

More about BankruptcyHome.com
BankruptcyHome.com is a nationally focused website that helps people seeking information about how to file bankruptcy and what to do when they are overwhelmed with debt. The site connects users with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in their area. The bankruptcy lawyer will provide individuals with a free consultation and advise them of the best course of action tailored to their individual case.

September 11, 2008 — Higgins & Associates a Dallas Fort Worth Bankruptcy Law Firm has teamed up with LeadRival to increase its visibility on the internet.

Higgins & Associates provides clients in crisis with help to solve their financial problems. Its Web site is a resource for those seeking information on protection from creditors through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

We at LeadRival are ready to work with Higgins & Associates to use search engine optimization to help consumers gain better access to information about what to do when they are considering bankruptcy

With offices in southwest Fort Worth and Hurst, Higgins & Associates is conveniently located to provide legal services to all of the residents of Tarrant County.

LeadRival will work with the firm’s existing Web site to create a more user-friendly experience and optimize its position in the top search engines to draw more potential customers.

“Higgins & Associates is glad to have LeadRival to help generate more leads and increase our presence on the internet,” said founding partner Robert Higgins. “Working in our clients’ best interest is why we are here. That is why we want to get as much information about bankruptcy protection out to as many people as possible. Bankruptcy is a great option for people trying to avoid foreclosure. There is no reason for someone to struggle through a financial crisis alone.”

LeadRival, founded in 2004, is a leader in the search-engine marketing (SEM) industry. The firm has worked with both large and small businesses. LeadRival specializes in search engine optimization, paid search and professional Web site design. In addition, the agency also provides content creation, lead generation and local search strategy.

“We at LeadRival are ready to work with Higgins & Associates to use search engine optimization to help consumers gain better access to information about what to do when they are considering bankruptcy,” said Kye Duncan, SEO Manager of LeadRival. “We look forward to bringing Higgins & Associates special skills to customers in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.”

About LeadRival:
Founded in 2004, LeadRival is a leading Web marketing agency with extensive experience helping businesses succeed online. The agency provides custom Web marketing solutions for both local and national clients. LeadRival offers search engine optimization, website design, pay per click management, content creation and online consulting services through their unique Search, Leads, Results platform. LeadRival can be found on the web at www.leadrival.com.

About Higgins & Associates:
Higgins & Associates is a full-service bankruptcy law firm in Fort Worth that is dedicated to protecting the assets of its clients who are experiencing financial difficulties.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Kye Duncan or a member of the Higgins & Associates, email robbeard(at)leadrival.com.

“Content is King!” is a rallying cry for thousands of SEO specialists and web designers. While on-page search engine optimization tactics will help any website, traffic and search engine rankings ultimately come from inbound links. Quality content is what inbound links are linked to, and so quality content is at the heart of any SEO project.

A great option for building quality content for website owners who might not be webmasters themselves is a blog. Whether on-site or off-site, blogs give you a venue for publishing topical information about your product or industry. Blogs also provide a forum for your visitors to interact with you, and for you to transform casual visitors into loyal readers.

At Leadrival we’ve used blogs on several of our client sites including those covering bankruptcy and social security disability. These forums let us stay on top of the latest developments in these areas, and provide quality link targets for inbound links.

Long live the King!

Price Law Group has teamed up with LeadRival to provide website development and search engine optimization (SEO) services for its national bankruptcy attorney network found at www.pricelawgroup.com. The site will help clients seeking information about filing Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Encino, CA August 14, 2008 — Price Law Group has hired LeadRival, a Dallas Fort Worth Search Engine Optimization agency, to help the company increase the visibility of its website in the top search engines.

Price Law Group, a law firm with 26 offices throughout California, Nevada, and New York, maintains www.pricelawgroup.com, and LeadRival will help them to create an up-to-date resource for consumers looking for information on ways to improve their financial lives.

Price Law Group is dedicated to helping clients through the process of correcting financial crises. Its attorneys are licensed to practice in 12 states and it maintains a nationwide network of experienced bankruptcy attorneys. Users may browse this network by visiting www.pricelawgroup.com/Front_Door/locations.asp. The firm’s website provides clients with information about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Those seeking to declare bankruptcy can also complete a free bankruptcy evaluation form and will be matched to an attorney in their area. The free evaluation form is located at www.pricelawgroup.com/Front_Door/get_started.asp

LeadRival, founded in 2004, is a leader in the search engine marketing (SEM) industry. The firm has worked with both large and small businesses. LeadRival specializes in search engine optimization, paid search and professional website design. In addition, the agency also provides content creation, lead generation and local search strategy.

“LeadRival is perfectly positioned to work with Price Law Group to use search engine optimization to help consumers gain better access to information about what to do when they are considering bankruptcy,” said Kye Duncan, SEO Manager of LeadRival. ” We look forward to creating an interactive and user friendly experience to connect PLG’s clients to useful information and an attorney to help them with their situation.”

About LeadRival:

Founded in 2004, LeadRival is a leading Web marketing agency with extensive experience helping businesses succeed online. The agency provides custom Web marketing solutions for both local and national clients. LeadRival offers search engine optimization, website design, pay per click management, content creation and online consulting services through their unique Search, Leads, Results platform. LeadRival can be found on the web at www.leadrival.com.

About Price Law Group:

Price Law Group is a California based organization that provides legal help to consumers who face financial hardship. With attorneys licensed to practice in 12 states, it also maintains the PLG Nationwide Bankruptcy Network with attorneys in all 50 states to serve you. They have helped over 60,000 clients out of financial trouble — even in the most complex situations. They have more dedicated attorneys than any other debt-relief law firm.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Kye Duncan or a member of the Price Law Group, email robbeard @ leadrival.com.

Berry & Associates has updated and redesigned their website, www.GeorgiaDebtLaw.com, to better help consumers who need to file Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Georgia.

Atlanta, GA July 18, 2008 — Berry & Associates, an Atlanta based consumer bankruptcy law firm, is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, www.GeorgiaDebtLaw.com. Berry & Associates partnered with LeadRival, a Dallas Fort Worth based web design firm, to redesign and enhance the site. The new, user-friendly site contains updated information about the bankruptcy process in Georgia.

Berry & Associates has helped thousands of clients file bankruptcy in Georgia. Their new website provides clients with articles and information about the bankruptcy process. Those seeking to declare bankruptcy can contact Berry & Associates electronically through the site, and they can view Berry & Associates' nine office locations on an integrated Google map.

LeadRival has been a leader in the online marketing industry since 2004. The agency has worked with both large and small businesses. LeadRival specializes in search engine optimization, paid search and professional website design. In addition, the agency also provides content creation, lead generation and local search strategy.

"We are passionate about helping consumers who need to file for bankruptcy in Georgia", explains Matt Berry, Founder and Principal of Berry & Associates. "Our newly redesigned website will help us reach more consumers who are considering bankruptcy and will help those consumers better understand Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy law."

Kye Duncan, SEO Manager of LeadRival said, "The relationship between Berry & Associates and LeadRival is an excellent opportunity to help consumers gain better access to information about filing bankruptcy in Georgia. The new GeorgiaDebtLaw website will prove to be a valuable local bankruptcy resource for residents of northwest Georgia."

One unique characteristic of GeorgiaDebtLaw.com is the site's focus on Georgia Bankruptcy law. The site contains a bankruptcy articles section with up to date information about bankruptcy in Georgia.    Additionally, the site provides answers to many frequently asked bankruptcy questions.

With offices in Atlanta, Marietta, Duluth, Jonesboro, Rome, Dalton, Gainesville, Newnan and Cartersville, contacting Berry & Associates is easy. The firm offers free consultations for consumers considering bankruptcy and can be reached through their toll free number - (800) 414-3328 - or on their website at www.georgiadebtlaw.com/contact.php

About GeorgiaDebtLaw.com:

GeorgiaDebtLaw.com is maintained by Berry & Associates. Berry & Associates helps consumers in Georgia with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Learn what Berry & Associates can do to help consumers facing bankruptcy by visiting www.GeorgiaDebtLaw.com.

About LeadRival:

Founded in 2004, LeadRival is a leading web marketing agency with extensive experience helping businesses succeed online. The agency provides custom web marketing solutions for both local and national clients. LeadRival offers search engine optimization, website design, pay per click management, content creation and online consulting services through their unique Search, Leads, Results platform. Visit LeadRival today at www.LeadRival.com.

Roberts Law Partners has hired LeadRival to provide search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) services for BetterBankruptcy.com. The site helps clients seeking information about filing Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. In addition to articles about bankruptcy law, the site contains exemptions and disclosures for Florida bankruptcy, Texas bankruptcy and the rest of the United States.

Ormond Beach, FL (PRWEB) July 17, 2008 — Roberts Law Partners has hired LeadRival, a Dallas Fort Worth Based Search Engine Optimization agency, to help the company increase the visibility of their website in the top search engines. Roberts Law Partners maintains BetterBankruptcy.com, a website devoted to helping consumers learn about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

LeadRival has been a leader in the search engine marketing (SEM) industry since 2004. The agency has worked with both large and small businesses. LeadRival specializes in search engine optimization, paid search and professional website design. In addition, the agency also provides content creation, lead generation and local search strategy.

BetterBankrutpcy.com helps thousands of clients learn about bankruptcy law. The website provides clients with articles and information about the bankruptcy process. Those seeking to declare bankruptcy can also complete a free bankruptcy evaluation form and will be matched to an attorney in their area.

"Roberts Law Partners has created a vast library of bankruptcy information," explains John Roberts, Founder and Principal of Roberts Law Partners. "With the help of LeadRival we are able to better educate the public about how to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy."

Kye Duncan, SEO Manager of LeadRival said, "The relationship between BetterBankruptcy.com and LeadRival is an excellent opportunity to use search engine optimization to help consumers gain better access to information about filing bankruptcy and to help clients locate a bankruptcy attorney in their area."

One unique characteristic of BetterBankruptcy.com is the site's focus on state-specific Bankruptcy law. The site contains a state exemptions page which lists bankruptcy exemptions available in each state. In addition to state-specific exemptions the site also provides details on federal bankruptcy exemptions.

BetterBankruptcy.com is updated frequently with new articles covering current bankruptcy topics. The site aims to provide valuable, up to date information to clients in all stages of the bankruptcy process.

About LeadRival

Founded in 2004, LeadRival is a leading web marketing agency with extensive experience helping businesses succeed online. The agency provides custom web marketing solutions for both local and national clients. LeadRival offers search engine optimization, website design, pay per click management, content creation and online consulting services through their unique Search, Leads, Results platform.

About BetterBankruptcy.com

BetterBankruptcy.com is maintained by Roberts Law Partners. Roberts Law Partners Bankruptcy Lawyers are Attorneys that can help with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Learn what we do to help consumers facing bankruptcy by visiting www.BetterBankruptcy.com.

Designing and creating new websites is a skill that every good SEO jockey needs to maintain. Some may consider SEO/SEM to be strictly marketing functions, but programming is the Structural leg of the SEO tripod.

In keeping with this philosophy, we’ve just completed a first pass of our latest website for Fort Worth Bankruptcy. We’re still working on the content and some polishing of design and structural aspects, but we’re hoping this “build it right from the beginning” approach to SEO pays off for our client.