Esq Sites Blog

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and is the process of adjusting a web site so that it appears higher up on the search engine results pages and experiences an increase in site traffic. Often times we’ll get attorneys that are looking to add a little extra visibility to their site’s search engine rankings, so here is a little free advice that really works:

• Submit your site to a few search engines like Google, Yahoo, and maybe even MSN (the big three). Skip the 1000’s of other engines as the big three drive about 90% of web traffic.
• Create a few online profiles that link back to your web site at places like merchant circle and Mojo pages just to name a few. Search engines will think your site is worthy for top placement if you have lots of other web sites that “recommend you”. These recommendations are know as “links”. For example, when web site “A” links to web site “B”, then web site “B” is getting a recommendation and will rank a little higher in the search engines.
• Get recommendations that say something specific about your site. Search engines don’t just look at the number of recommendations you have but also what each recommendation is saying. If you create recommendations that are saying you are a “lawyer in san diego” then the search engines begin to weigh in on what those recommendations are saying about your site and start to rank you accordingly!
• Place a short description of what you do into your page TITLE tags. Our ESQ dashboard lets you do this to any page on your site. FYI: Title tags are the portion of your site at the top of a web browser and are what also show up in the search engines results pages as the “blue” links - they are the first thing a potential client sees before entering your web site, so make it good! Try to keep your TITLE tags at around 65 characters because Google, for example, only shows Title tags that are 65 character in length or less.
• Write well thought out pages with lots of useful information about what kind of law you practice. In fact, take the time to fill out all of your pages. Search engines love content rich pages that offer value to searchers. If your pages are good, the search engines will think so too and will begin ranking you better.

These are just a few quick SEO tips for your site. There are many more things that can be done to a web site to help it’s search engine rankings. For the time being, ESQ does not specialize in search engine optimization but you might find after reading a little on the subject can help you understand the value and power that a good Search Marketing campaign can offer.

If you have more questions about SEO or designing a legal web site, you can contact ESQ Sites today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN DIEGO, CA - June 20, 2007 - EsqSites123.com, an industry leader in legal website design and hosting services announced today that it has reached an agreement with New York State Bar Association. At the core of EsqSites123.com proprietary web based software, is its content management system allowing legal professionals to create and edit their own web sites.

“The agreement between EsqSites123.com and the New York State Bar Association really speaks volumes for the strides the company has taken the last couple of years. Our products and services are now available to over 200,000 attorney’s nationwide,” said EsqSites Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthony E. Kalikas.

For more information on EsqSites123.com, you can visit the website at www.EsqSites123.com.com or view an online demo at http://esqsites123.com/presentation.php

Press Contacts:

Anthony E. Kalikas (619) 237-5422, or at

media@esqsites123.com, or by mail at

401 West “A” Street, Suite 1615

San Diego, CA 92101

About EsqSites123.com
EsqSites123.com is a leading provider of legal web site creation and hosting packages for lawyers. The company’s web based software allows solo and small firm practitioners to market their services on the internet by at an affordable price. Most large law firms have the financial resources to maintain an IT person on staff to develop and maintain the firm’s web site. Solo and small firm practitioners are usually at a financial disadvantage, thus creating a barrier to entry to the legal internet market. Using EsqSites123.com web based software, busy legal professionals can obtain a domain name and create a web site in under ten minutes. In most case, the web site can then be accessed on the internet within 48-72 hours. EsqSites123.com is an American company based in San Diego, CA and founded in 2004. It was built by lawyers and for lawyers, with the input of solo practitioners. EsqSites123.com’s mission is to “level the playing field” for solos and small firms by creating new choices in the marketplace.

About the New York State Bar Association
The 74,000 member New York State Bar Association is the official statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Founded in 1876, New York State Bar Association programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more than 130 years.

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EsqSites123.com, EsqSites123.com, Inc., EsqSites123.com and EsqSites123.com logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of EsqSites123.com, Inc.

All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN DIEGO, CA - May 19, 2008- EsqSites123.com, a leading provider of legal web site design and hosting services for solo and small firm attorneys announced today that it has reached an agreement with the New Jersey State Bar Association (“NJSBA”). Under the terms of the agreement, NJSBA members will receive discounted pricing on EsqSites’ products.

EsqSites123.com’s proprietary software gives legal professionals the ability to manage the content of their web site using basic internet and word processing skills. EsqSites has made the process of creating and editing a law office web site simple and affordable. With just a few “mouse clicks” attorneys can change the look of their web site using EsqSites quick edit system ™.

“More and more attorneys are beginning to recognize the internet is a source for reaching current and prospective clients. I have said it before and I will say it again. The internet is no longer being used for airfare and hotel reservations. If someone wants an answer to a question or information on a particular topic, they Google it.” said EsqSites Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthony E. Kalikas. Attorneys are not immune from this process. The internet age has given individuals the power to obtain information, at any time. The web site is the “vehicle” which allows attorneys to communicate their message”. added Kalikas.

The days of spending thousands of dollars on radio, television, and yellow page advertising are long gone. EsqSites offers affirmable pricing on web sites for lawyers starting at under a hundred dollars.

For more information on EsqSites123.com, you can visit the website at www.EsqSites123.com.com or view an online demo at http://esqsites123.com/presentation.php

Press Contacts:

Anthony E. Kalikas (619) 237-5422, or at

media@esqsites123.com, or by mail at

401 West “A” Street, Suite 1615

San Diego, CA 92101

About EsqSites123.com
EsqSites123.com is a leading provider of legal web site design and hosting solutions for lawyers. The company’s web based software allows lawyers to market their services on the internet by at an affordable price. Using EsqSites123.com web based software, busy legal professionals can obtain a domain name and create a web site in a matter of minutes. EsqSites123.com is an American company based in San Diego, CA and founded in 2004. It was built by lawyers for lawyers, with the input of solo practitioners.

About the New Jersey State Bar Association
The New Jersey State Bar Association incorporated in 1899 is dedicated to the continuing education of lawyers and the public, to reforming and improving the legal system and to aiding in the administration of justice. Visit the Association’s website at www.njsba.com

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EsqSites123.com, EsqSites123.com, Inc., EsqSites123.com, and EsqSites123.com logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of EsqSites123.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Each year, many of us sit down and write out, jot down or scribble a few things we would all like to achieve in the calendar year. The perennial favorites are…. lose those few extra pounds, spend more time with our families and less time in the office, earn more money, take a vacation, etc. The list goes on. Some of us are able to meet the goals we set, many of us fall a bit short.

Would you like to know a resolution you can complete in under ten minutes? Give up? Its a website for your office.

Why is a Website important for your law office? There are several reasons why you should consider establishing a website for your office. Below are my top 5 reasons why every business - lawyers included - should have a website:

1. Credibility: The internet has come of age. With computers and internet access becoming more and more affordable, the percentage of internet users grows by leaps and bounds daily. If someone wants to learn something about a product, or in the case of lawyers, a service, what do they do? Often they go to Google and type in their search terms. The search results usually take the form of websites. People have come to expect to find information on the internet. If they are not able to locate you through an internet search, it may reflect negatively on their perception of you and your professionalism. In short, an internet presence enhances your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.

2. Information: Once a client locates your website, hopefully they will read the content. Many solo and small firm practitioners practice in more than one area of law. Suppose you have a practice which services clients with domestic as well as criminal matters. A few years ago, you assisted a client with a divorce and obtained a positive result. The client was very satisfied with the level of service provided. But it has been years since you have seen or heard form that client. Recently, one of his co-workers attended a holiday party, decided to get behind the wheel after tipping a few back. On the way home, he is arrested for driving under the influence. Your client gets the call and bails the co-worker out of jail. After stopping off at the local Denny’s for the grand slam special and a cup of coffee, the co-worker asks your former client if knows of a lawyer that would handle his case.

You would like the opportunity to represent the co-worker. Its right up your alley. But how does your former client know you also handle criminal cases? Does he even remember you? If you are one of those attorneys who regularly sends out marketing materials for your practice, your former client may pass your name and number along to his co-worker. With all the hats attorneys wear, from buying office supplies to paying bills to handling the case load, is there really any time left over to actively market yourself?

We all know that word of mouth clients are much more cooperative and easier to deal with than those that walk into your office off the street. A website is an extension of your business card. It allows you to subtly “toot your horn”. You can share information about the law and the results you have obtained for other clients in similar situations–with a disclaimer of course! Considering the cost of maintaining a website is next to negligible these days why would you want to pass up an opportunity to disseminate information about yourself and your practice?

3. Cost: In reality, most solo practitioners rarely, if ever sit down and consider a marketing budget. If they do, it is usually prompted by a decrease in caseload. Also, it usually takes the form of placing a random ad in the local newspaper, or if they rely want to splurge, developing and airing a commercial or taking out an ad with the local mustard pages. Though still in existence, these traditional marketing mediums are rapidly becoming antiquated. Despite their recent decline in popularity, they are still very expensive avenues to get your marketing message to your target audience. Moreover, these forms of advertising evaporate. Once a thirty second spot is aired, its gone…forever. A newspaper with your two line classified ad could very well be used by the local fish monger to wrap the daily catch. I think you get the point. The Internet provides a continuous presence for your law ofice– at a fraction of the cost.

4. Fear: Mention the word lawyer to someone….anyone. Leaving aside the jokes and expletives, lawyers are often associated with money. The have been and ARE viewed as being very high priced and expensive. For that reason alone, despite having a legal problem, many clients with limited resources are reluctant to call a law office to discuss their legal problem. Their fear stems from the dreaded consultation fee, the hourly fee, the pound of flesh they have to give you so they can tell you their problems and hopefully receive a solution. The Internet and specifically a website allows an individual to learn information about you in the comfort and safety of their own home at 2:00 a.m. in their pajamas. In short, the anxiety clients experienced about calling a lawyer is completely eliminated. Why? Because they are able to learn information about you when they want, how they want… in the safe haven of their own home.

5. Profitability: You probably have used the internet to purchase airline tickets, make hotel reservations and purchase holiday gifts. For many, that’s the extent of their use of the Internet. However, millions of people are making life changing decisions every day using information they find on the internet. If you don’t believe me, just look at the thriving success of such sites as eHarmony.com, Match.com and other popular dating sites. The individuals using these sites are placing their trust and faith in the internet to assist them in selection of the person they will potentially spend the rest of their lives with.

Searching for a lawyer is not much different. Aside from the cost, most consumers try to do some homework on the person who will represent their legal interests. In short, lawyers are not immune to the power of the internet. Like it or not…its here to stay. Now, consider it costs you less than 50 cents a day to maintain a website. That’s right, half a dollar. I am not sure what that buys you these days. Certainly not a cup of coffee or otherwise that example would have been used in this article. One call, one client can pay for your website for quite a long time.

Of course, there are other reasons to have a website, but those mentioned in this article are meant to illustrate some of the issues which may cause you to reconsider establishing a website for your office. Once your website is established, you will need to make sure its content is kept “fresh”. Just think if you had to read the same novel over and over again, your favorite football team plays the same opponent every week and the score is always the same. Why bother, right? So if you have a significant development you would like your clients, former and prospective, your colleagues (other lawyers can be a good source of referrals) and friends (also a good referral source) to know about, include it on your website.

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Anthony Kalikas has been licensed as a California attorney since 1991. He has served on the executive committee as well as chair the solo and small firm practice section of the Sate Bar of California. In 2005, Mr. Kalikas formed EsqSites123.com, an Internet based company which provides attorneys the ability to create and edit their own websites using “practice specific” templates. EsqSites has formed numerous relationships with state and local bar associations nationwide which offer its products and services to their members. Using EsqSites’ web based software, even two fingered typists can create a website in less than ten minutes for less than $100.00 (a one time fee). For more information visit www.esqsites123.com.

SAN DIEGO, CA - January 14, 2008 - Legal Website provider EsqSites123.com announced today the Queens County Bar Association has joined its family of bar associations to offer its members discounts on its content management based web sites. The Queens County Bar Association is the seventh bar association in less than a year to offer its members discounted web sites through EsqSites123.com

“We are extremely happy to have the Queens County Bar Association on board. With 2,200 members strong, we are looking forward to establish a strong presence on the east coast.”, said EsqSites Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthony E. Kalikas. “That’s the beauty of the internet. It knows no boundaries. The fact we are headquartered on the west coast does not diminish our desire or efforts to have attorneys nationwide take advantage of our products and services.”…added Michael Shannon, EsqSites Chief Information Officer.

With just a basic understanding of the internet and word processing skills, lawyers can create a professional-looking legal website quickly and inexpensively. Using the ESQ123 “Practice specific” templates, attorneys can save themselves the time and expense of finding and working with a professional web developer and graphic designer.

And, EsqSites123.com’s web-based software provides attorneys with the ability to update their website easily - and from anywhere and any time they have an internet connection. Attorneys can edit the content on their web pages by utilizing basic word processing skills and “swap out” the design of their web site with just a few simple mouse clicks.

For more information on EsqSites123.com, you can visit the website at

www.EsqSites123.com or view an online demo at

http://esqsites123.com/presentation.php

Press Contacts:

Anthony E. Kalikas (619) 237-5422, or at

esqsites123.com/media@esqsites123.com

401 West “A” Street, Suite 1615

San Diego, CA 92101

About EsqSites123.com
EsqSites123.com is a leading provider of legal web site creation and hosting packages for lawyers. The company’s web based software allows solo and small firm practitioners to market their services on the internet by at an affordable price. Most large law firms have their financial resources to maintain as IT person on staff to develop and maintain the firm’s web site. Solo and small firm practitioners are usually at a financial disadvantage, thus creating a barrier to entry to the legal internet market. Using EsqSites123.com web based software, busy legal professionals can obtain a domain name and create a web site in under ten minutes. In Most case, the web site can then be accessed on the internet within 48-72 hours. EsqSites123.com is an American company based in San Diego, CA and founded in 2004. It was built by lawyers and for lawyers, with the input of solo practitioners. EsqSites123.com’s mission is to “level the playing field” for solos and small firms by creating new choices in the marketplace.

About the Queens County Bar Association

Founded in 1876, the Queens County Bar Association seeks to facilitate interactions between its members and members of the Bench, to enhance and foster the public’s understanding of the practice of the law and the judicial system by providing public outreach and educational programs, to cultivate professional competence, development, education, cooperation, collegiality and diversity among its members.

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Esqsites123.com, EsqSites123.com, Inc., EsqSites123.com and the EsqSites123.com logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of EsqSites123.com, Inc.

All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Today we’ve released a new web site design with a general theme in mind:

If you’re an ESQ member, you can utilize our new design with just a click of a mouse - there is no waiting when it comes to changing your site’s layout design, just browse to your member login, click on “Web Site Administration” and then “Change Site Look” and choose which design best suits your practice.

SAN DIEGO, CA - March 4, 2008- Legal website provider EsqSites123.com announced today that an agreement has been reached with the Massachusetts Bar Association to offer its products and services to their membership.

This latest alliance with the Massachusetts State Bar Association now brings the total number to 100,000 attorneys nationwide that have access to EsqSites’ products and services. “Since our inception, we have always believed that our products and services fill a definite need for “middle class” segment of the attorney population, the solo and small firm practitioner.” said EsqSites Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthony E. Kalikas also a licensed California attorney. “Large and mid sized firms (“the upper class”) have the financial resources to create and maintain a website for their office. We are pleased to welcome the Massachusetts Bar Association aboard and look forward to a long an mutual relationship.” added Kalikas.

For more information on EsqSites123.com, you can visit the website at www.EsqSites123.com.com or view an online demo at www.EsqSites123.com.http://esqsites123.com/presentation.php
Press Contacts:

Anthony E. Kalikas

(619) 237-5422, or at

esqsites123.com/media@esqsites123.com

401 West “A” Street, Suite 1615

San Diego, CA 92101
About EsqSites123.com
EsqSites123.com is a leading provider of legal web site creation and hosting packages for lawyers. The company’s web based software allows solo and small firm practitioners to market their services on the internet by at an affordable price. Most large law firms have the financial resources to maintain an IT person on staff to develop and maintain the firm’s web site. Solo and small firm practitioners are usually at a financial disadvantage, thus creating a barrier to entry to the legal internet market. Using EsqSites123.com web based software, busy legal professionals can obtain a domain name and create a web site in under ten minutes. In most case, the web site can then be accessed on the internet within 48-72 hours. EsqSites123.com is an American company based in San Diego, CA and founded in 2004. It was built by lawyers for lawyers, with the input of solo practitioners. EsqSites123.com’s mission is to “level the playing field” for solos and small firms by creating new choices in the marketplace.
About the Massachusetts Bar Association

Founded in 1910, the Massachusetts Bar Association is a non-profit organization that serves the legal profession and the public by promoting the administration of justice, legal education, professional excellence and respect for the law. The MBA represents a diverse group of attorneys, judges and legal professionals across the commonwealth.

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EsqSites123.com, EsqSites123.com, Inc., EsqSites123.com., and the EsqSites123.com logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of EsqSites123.com., Inc.

All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN DIEGO, CA - July 2, 2008 - National legal website design and hosting services provider, EsqSites123.com, announced today it has reached agreements with th Akron Bar and Clark County Bar Associations. EsqSites123.com’s company philosophy seeks to provide affordable website design and hosting services to solo and small firm practitioners.

“From the very start, our focus has always sought to keep the cost of doing internet advertising reasonable. The alliances formed with the Akron and Clark County Bar Associations allows us to continue on this course. I have to credit Clark County Executive Director, Eric Mann, and Technology Director for the Akron Bar, Kathy Sinclair, for instantly recognizing the value of adding such a service to the member benefits packages. After investigating and reviewing the service, both Eric and Kathy moved very swiftly to make this happen.” said EsqSites Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthony E. Kalikas. “To say we are pleased is an understatement.” added Kalikas.

For more information on EsqSites123.com, you can visit the website at www.EsqSites123.com.com or view an online demo at http://esqsites123.com/presentation.php

Press Contacts:

Anthony E. Kalikas (619) 237-5422, or at

media@esqsites123.com, or by mail at

401 West “A” Street, Suite 1615

San Diego, CA 92101

About EsqSites123.com
EsqSites123.com is a leading provider of legal web site creation and hosting packages for lawyers. The company’s web based software allows solo and small firm practitioners to market their services on the internet by at an affordable price. Most large law firms have the financial resources to maintain an IT person on staff to develop and maintain the firm’s web site. Solo and small firm practitioners are usually at a financial disadvantage, thus creating a barrier to entry to the legal internet market. Using EsqSites123.com web based software, busy legal professionals can obtain a domain name and create a web site in under ten minutes. In most case, the web site can then be accessed on the internet within 48-72 hours. EsqSites123.com is an American company based in San Diego, CA and founded in 2004. It was built by lawyers and for lawyers, with the input of solo practitioners. EsqSites123.com’s mission is to “level the playing field” for solos and small firms by creating new choices in the marketplace.

About the Clark County Bar Association
The purpose of the Clark County Bar Association is to provide meaningful services to its members as well as opportunities for collegiality and social interaction. The bar also seeks to perform outreach services to the community at large and promote professionalism.

About the Akron Bar Association
The Akron Bar Association, through education, advocacy and community service, empowers its members to reflect the highest professional standards, enabling them to earn the community’s utmost respect so our legal system will be recognized as fair, accessible and just.

*****EsqSites123.com, EsqSites123.com, Inc., EsqSites123.com and EsqSites123.com logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of EsqSites123.com, Inc.

All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

SAN DIEGO, CA - February 1, 2008 Legal website provider EsqSites123.com announced today the Suffolk County Bar Association has agreed to offer affordable website solutions to its membership. The agreement illustrates the rapidly increasing trend of bar associations to offer technology based benefits to lawyers. "We’re thrilled to be working with Suffolk County Bar" said Anthony E. Kalikas, CEO and Co-Founder of EsqSites123.com.

“When the annual due statement is mailed out, it makes it a little easier to write the check when your members know their bar association is hard at work and actively negotiating on their behalf” added Kalikas. The relationship with Suffolk County Bar reinforces Esqsites’ increased emphasis on servicing lawyers nationwide. In the past year, EsqSites has announced partnerships with the Los Angeles County Bar Association, State Bar of New Mexico, the New Hampshire Bar Association, the Vermont Bar Association, Queens County (New York), and the Hampden County Bar Association.

“With all the demands placed on solo and small firm practitioners, most lawyers usually have little or no time to devote to marketing, especially when such marketing efforts require technology. We have not only simplified the process of developing a website, but have destroyed any barriers to entry for those lawyers that wish to market their services on the Internet. As I tell most attorneys, for a one time $99.00 set up fee you can’t afford NOT to have a website.” added Kalikas.

For more information on EsqSites123.com, you can visit the website or view an online demo.

Press Contacts:

Anthony E. Kalikas (619) 237-5422, or at media@esqsites123.com

401 West "A" Street, Suite 1615 San Diego, CA 92101

About EsqSites123.com

EsqSites123.com is a leading provider of legal web site creation and hosting packages for lawyers. The company’s web based software allows solo and small firm practitioners to market their services on the internet by at an affordable price. Most large law firms have financial resources to maintain an IT person on staff to develop and maintain the firm’s web site. Solo and small firm practitioners are usually at a financial disadvantage, thus creating a barrier to entry to the legal internet market. Using EsqSites123.com web based software, busy legal professionals can obtain a domain name and create a web site in under ten minutes. In most case, the web site can then be accessed on the internet within 48-72 hours. EsqSites123.com is an American company based in San Diego, CA and founded in 2004. It was built by lawyers and for lawyers, with the input of solo practitioners. EsqSites123.com’s mission is to "level the playing field" for solos and small firms by creating new choices in the marketplace.

About the Suffolk County Bar Association