The majority of people who are looking for information online will perform searches through Google. Any changes that Google makes to the way it returns search results can have a huge impact on a site’s ability to be found in online searches. This illustrates the importance of search engine optimization (SEO), since websites that follow the correct practices are much more likely to show up in search results and be found by people who are searching for information online. Website owners will want to be aware of the following changes that Google has made that may affect them throughout 2022 and beyond:

• Page Experience Update - One of the most significant updates Google made over the past year involved a focus on the experience that users have when they access a website. Google searches will now consider factors known as “core web vitals” that measure how quickly a page loads, the speed at which a site responds when people click a link or perform other interactions, and whether the visual elements of a site are stable or shift unexpectedly while someone is viewing a page. Google will also look at whether a site is easy to use on mobile devices, whether there are any intrusive ads or pop-ups that affect users’ experience, and whether a site is secure.

• Multitask Unified Model (MUM) - Google has worked to incorporate artificial intelligence into its search algorithms in order to better understand what people are searching for. According to Google, MUM is 1,000 times more powerful than its previous AI techniques, which were known as BERT. These changes will help refine topics people are searching for and suggest subtopics that can provide relevant information. MUM will also help incorporate visual searches, return translated search results from content in multiple languages, and understand misspelled words in search queries.

In the 21st century, nearly everyone uses online services on a daily basis, and information about many people and companies is stored in a variety of systems. While data is protected by passwords, firewalls, encryption, and other methods, security breaches occur all too regularly, resulting in the potential exposure of sensitive information. One recent security breach demonstrated the potential risks that may affect some websites that use the WordPress content management system (CMS). By understanding the security issues that can affect them, website owners can make sure they are taking the correct steps to protect their data and continue operating their sites successfully.

GoDaddy Managed WordPress Sites Hacked

On November 17, 2021, GoDaddy announced that it had discovered a security breach that affected WordPress websites managed through the GoDaddy environment. Beginning in September of 2021, hackers exploited a vulnerability in GoDaddy’s systems and gained access to its WordPress platform. This breach resulted in the potential exposure of 1.2 million customer email addresses, and hackers were also able to access these customers’ websites and install malware.

WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world, and it is used by millions of websites. However, because this platform is so widely used, and due to its open-source nature and the extensive use of plugins, it is often targeted by hackers. There are many vulnerabilities in WordPress software, and when a site is hacked, malware or other types of code may be installed that is used to gain access to sensitive information or spread viruses.

At OVC, INC., we work with a wide variety of attorneys and law firms throughout the United States, helping them build effective marketing strategies that will allow them to connect with potential clients. In addition to working with established firms, we want to encourage future generations of attorneys to learn how they can be successful as they begin practicing law. Our “Market Yourself” scholarship program helps support future lawyers. We are pleased to announce the winner of our Spring 2022 scholarship: Tristin Minx.

Tristin Minx is a student at the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. She is a native of Cook County, and during her time in law school, she has gained hands-on experience in criminal defense cases. For the “Market Yourself” scholarship, she submitted an essay that effectively expressed how she plans to promote herself to potential clients. As the winner, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be used for tuition and other educational expenses. To learn more about Tristin, you can read her winning essay.

About OVC’s Scholarship Program

Scholarships are a great way for law firms and other companies to give back to the community and support future attorneys or other students. By sponsoring a scholarship, a law firm can promote its values and help encourage the growth of the legal field by assisting future generations. Scholarships can not only recognize and support students who have demonstrated a passion for the law and a drive for success, but they can also provide a firm with other benefits.

Every website has an address known as a domain name. A domain name usually takes the form of www.yoursitename.com, and a website owner will need to make sure they maintain ownership of their domain name so that anyone who types that address into their internet browser will be directed to their website. 

As part of our website development services, we help our clients register new domain names, and we also ensure that they renew their domain names when necessary. Recently, we have found that some people have begun receiving notices in the mail that appear to be bills requiring them to pay a certain amount in order to maintain ownership of their domain names. These notices usually contain language such as “To ensure listing of your website, please submit payment by [DATE].” These letters can be very misleading, and they may cause website owners to worry that they will lose their domain name, causing their site to go down. To address confusion about this issue, we wanted to explain exactly what domain names are and how website owners can make sure they can maintain ownership of their site’s internet address.

What Is a Domain Name?

A website will have an address that can be typed into a browser in order to load the site. This address is known as a domain name, and it will consist of a string of characters followed by a domain extension such as .com or .net. Most domain names also use the prefix of www, although other types of prefixes may be used to create subdomains that direct users to specific sections of a website.

Law firms have a number of ways that they can connect with potential clients. While a well-designed website and a robust digital marketing strategy are essential, it is also important for attorneys to emphasize the personal touch they bring to the services they provide for their clients. A great way to do so is to make sure they have high-quality photos on their website and other marketing materials. This will allow clients to pair a name and a face, giving them an understanding of who will be addressing their legal concerns. By working with a marketing firm that also provides photography services, law firms can ensure that they will be able to provide their clients with the personal touch they are looking for.

Using Photos in Marketing Materials

Images taken by a professional photographer can be used in many ways, including on a firm’s website, print advertisements, billboards, or other marketing materials. These photos may include:

• Headshots/portraits - Photos of an attorney’s face can help them convey friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism to potential clients. A good photographer can help an attorney use the right pose and facial expressions to convey the attitude they want to demonstrate, and they can also ensure that the most favorable lighting and backgrounds are used. These photos can be used on an attorney’s profile page on a law firm’s website, as well as on business cards, online directories, or printed materials handed out to clients.