SEO for Solicitors: How Broken Links Could Be Hurting Your Law Firm’s Website
A law firm’s website can attract and convert clients. However, broken links can negatively affect SEO efforts, harm user experience, and reduce conversions. A well-maintained website builds trust with both potential clients and search engines.
Broken links signal to Google that your website may not be well-maintained. This can damage rankings and make it harder for people to find your firm. As part of your legal SEO strategy, regularly checking and fixing broken links is essential for maintaining online visibility and credibility.
What Are Broken Links and Why Do They Happen?
Broken links are hyperlinks that no longer lead to the intended destination. Instead, users encounter an error message like "404 Page Not Found." They can appear anywhere on a lawyer's website, from blog posts to key service pages.
Common causes include:
Pages being deleted or moved without a redirect
Mistyped URLs when updating content
External websites changing or removing linked content
How Broken Links Harm SEO for Solicitors
Google prioritises websites that offer a smooth browsing experience. When a site contains multiple broken links, search engines may interpret it as outdated or poorly maintained. This can lower rankings and make it more difficult for clients to find your firm online.
From a technical SEO perspective, broken links disrupt how search engines crawl and index your site. If key pages are not properly connected, Google may struggle to understand your website’s structure, further impacting search visibility.
Poor User Experience and Reduced Conversions
A website should make it easy for potential clients to find the necessary information. If they repeatedly encounter broken links, they may become frustrated and leave. SEO for solicitors can suffer if a website has a high bounce rate, as it signals to Google that visitors aren’t finding value in the content.
In addition, broken links can make navigation more difficult for visitors. If someone clicks on a link expecting information about a legal service but encounters an error page, they may struggle to find what they need. Strong legal SEO goes beyond rankings—it also helps ensure that every website interaction is smooth and builds confidence in your firm’s services.
Google’s Perception of a Poorly Maintained Website
Google’s algorithms favour well-maintained websites. A site with multiple broken links can indicate neglect, which may result in lower search rankings. This makes it harder for your firm to compete online.
Fixing broken links is a key aspect of technical SEO for lawyers. Regular website audits show Google that your site is active, well-managed, and relevant. This can help improve your search rankings and attract more potential clients.
How to Identify and Fix Broken Links
A website without broken links supports better SEO for solicitors. Here’s how you can stay on top of it:
Use tools like Google Search Console or third-party SEO software to detect broken links
Regularly check and update internal links on your website
Set up redirects for pages that have been moved or removed
Review external links and replace outdated ones with reliable sources
Need Help Optimising Your Law Firm’s Website?
Broken links negatively impact user experience and SEO for solicitors. If left unaddressed, they can reduce conversions and lower your search rankings. As part of an effective legal SEO strategy, law firms should regularly audit their websites and fix broken links to maintain credibility and visibility.
By prioritising website maintenance and addressing broken links, your firm can improve online legal marketing results, enhance search rankings, and ensure a seamless experience for potential clients.
At Legal Content Solutions, we help law firms strengthen their online presence with expert technical SEO. Get in touch today to ensure your website stays optimised, professional, and client-friendly.
