Naughty Naughty Findlaw
August 18th, 2008 by Mark Britton, CEO
In an article entitled, “FindLaw gaming Google, and possibly scamming lawyer customers,” Kevin O’Keefe is reporting that Findlaw has been selling links a BIG no-no in the Google Universe. Kevin covers it all quite well, so take a look. Kudos to the Oilman for breaking the story. This will be interesting to watch.
As for linking to Findlaw in this post (which would be good blogging form), I just need them to send me $1,000 and their SEO-optimized anchor text. :-)
Ah, the wild world of the worldwide web.
Mark
p.s. Matt Cutts I’m just joking about the $1,000 . . . honest
August 18th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Heard about this today, and all I can say is “Ugh”.
I have a hunch on “how” this happened but will not elaborate.
For me, It feels like finding out that an ex-girlfriend turned into a petty thief or something. I don’t like it.
At the same time, I feel sorry for her because lesser-known petty thieves who do the same thing throw stones at her simply because she is so well-known. Lots of pots and kettles dancing with each other.
There’s a reason for that cheezy metaphor :)
August 19th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Paul I agree that there are certainly other pots and kettles out there. I am guessing you are referring to Bob Ambrogi’s post on this (http://www.legaline.com/2008/08/these-lawyer-sites-mislead-consumers.html). I think from Google’s pov, the big differentiator is whether people are selling their page rank or simply selling advertising. Yes, Bob certainly highlights an egregious advertising practice, but GetLawyerLeads.com is not attempting to sell trust they have built up with Google. Not trying to beat-up FindLaw here, just trying to clarify how I think Google looks at it.
August 19th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Mark, you read me like a book. :)
Part of it was from Bob’s post and that’s where the pot/kettle lil’ light occurred. I don’t know him, but his blog is now going to be a regular read for me.
The blogosphere has been quite active regarding this and there are other posts slamming FL. Looking at their sites, a few are doing the exact same thing with the whole paid linking/anchor text thing. They just hide it better.
BTW, your Avvo listings are in Minnesota now and I’m loving it! I’ll be pushing attorneys to claim their profiles.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Glad you are enjoying the product Paul. We are very happy to finally be in your fine state. Thank you for your support now and in the future!
Mark
November 14th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
It was pretty well known that if you wanted top rankings, you would have to buy a Findlaw Firmsite in order to the link juice. Thanks for the great read.