What Clients Google Before Contacting a Lawyer
Before anyone picks up the phone and calls a lawyer, something else happens: They open Google. They type in questions — sometimes uncertain, sometimes very specific. And it is precisely in that moment that the decision is made whether your law firm is found or your competition is. Most law firm websites talk about themselves: practice areas, team photos, firm history.
That is not wrong — but it does not answer a single question a potential client actually asks.
The Awareness Phase: Do I Even Need a Lawyer?
The very first question is not "Lawyer in Vienna". It is: "Do I need a lawyer or can I handle this myself?" People in this phase often do not even know whether their problem is a legal one.
They have received a dismissal, have a neighbour dispute or an inheritance — and are unsure whether it has reached "lawyer level". Other typical search queries: How much does a lawyer cost per hour in Austria? How do I recognise a good lawyer? Can I use my legal expenses insurance?
How does an initial consultation with a lawyer work? What is the difference between a lawyer and a notary? Every single one of these questions is an opportunity. If your website provides an honest, understandable answer, the searcher begins to trust you — even before they have contacted you.
The Cost Question: The Elephant in the Room
No topic is googled more frequently than costs.
"How much does a lawyer cost?" is one of the most searched legal questions in Austria. And most law firm websites remain silent on the matter. That is a mistake. People who search for costs have a real problem and want to assess whether they can afford professional help. Those who are transparent here will win.
This does not mean you have to put a fixed price on the website. But a page that explains how lawyer costs in Austria are structured — initial consultation fee, hourly rate, assessment basis according to the RATG — gives the searcher orientation. And orientation builds trust.
Practical tip: A dedicated subpage on the topic of "Costs and Fees" with concrete example calculations can generate more enquiries than any image brochure.
The Search for the Right Lawyer: Specialisation Beats Generalist
Once someone has decided that a lawyer is necessary, the targeted search begins: Employment lawyer in Graz Divorce lawyer Salzburg experience Tenancy law lawyer Vienna reviews How do I find out if a lawyer has experience in my case? The searcher now wants to know: Is this lawyer the right one for my specific problem?
For your website, this means: Every practice area deserves its own, detailed page. Not three sentences under a dropdown menu, but a proper landing page with case studies (anonymised), typical processes and frequently asked questions. Google rewards specialisation. A page that deals in depth with tenancy law ranks better for "tenancy law lawyer Vienna" than a generic practice areas overview.
The Trust Question: What Happens If Things Go Wrong?
In the consideration phase, the critical questions arise: What happens if I lose the case? Can I change lawyers if I am dissatisfied? Is there free legal advice in Austria? Do I have to pay the lawyer if they lose?
These questions reveal: The person is afraid. Afraid of financial consequences, of making a wrong decision. A law firm that openly discusses litigation risks comes across as confident rather than sales-oriented. It takes the fear away from the potential client — and that is precisely what leads to them making contact.
How to Implement These Insights on Your Website
Create an FAQ page that answers real questions — not the ones you would like to answer. 2. Give each practice area its own landing page with concrete information and case studies. 3. Talk about costs — with comprehensible explanations and initial consultation fees.
- Make getting in touch easy — contact form, phone number and online appointment booking on every page. 5. Think about local SEO — Google Business Profile with current opening hours and reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Law Firm Websites
Why can't clients find my law firm website via Google?
In most cases, it is because the website does not answer the questions that people actually search for. Law firm websites that only talk about themselves have little chance of achieving good rankings. Those who publish helpful content on frequently searched legal topics are classified by Google as a relevant source.
Is a blog worthwhile for a law firm?
Yes, significantly. A blog that covers practical legal topics attracts exactly the people who currently have a legal problem. Every blog article is an additional door through which potential clients can reach your website.
How important are Google reviews for law firms?
Extremely important. Over 80 per cent of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Actively ask satisfied clients for a Google review — one of the most effective levers for local visibility.
Should I as a lawyer be active on social media?
Social media can be a useful complement, but it does not replace a well-optimised website.
LinkedIn is suitable for commercial law and B2B mandates. The advantage of a website: Your content belongs to you, is permanently searchable and works around the clock. Your law firm website should not just look good — it should answer the questions that your future clients type into Google at 11 pm tonight.
This is exactly how WelleWest supports law firms across Austria: with websites that get found, build trust and generate enquiries — from 89 EUR per month.
