The Search Bar: Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional.

Eric Ritter
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional. Hosted by Eric Ritter, the SEO Sommelier and founder of Digital Neighbor. The Search Bar is where law firm owners and attorneys get practical strategies and real success stories to build a thriving, sustainable practice. We cover the whole business: strategy, finance, operations, client experience, team, and the marketing that fuels it:SEO, AEO, PPC, local search, social, email, and content. Every week, Eric sits down with leading voices in the legal world to share proven insights and clear next steps you can apply right away. You’ll leave each episode with 1

  1. The New Rules of Real Estate Valuation: What Law Firms Need to Know

    3D AGO

    The New Rules of Real Estate Valuation: What Law Firms Need to Know

    Tired of valuations that don’t hold up in court? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with expert appraiser Michael J. Lester to discuss how law firms can ensure their property valuations stand strong in litigation. Learn how technology like AI and AVMs are transforming the industry and why human judgment still plays a crucial role in getting accurate, defensible results.Michael also shares tips on choosing the right appraiser, preparing for cross-examination, and navigating the nuances of commercial real estate disputes. Plus, he pairs it all with a wine recommendation that reflects the balance of precision and expertise required for successful valuations.Today’s pour: a crisp B and A from Boydie Vineyards, a balanced white wine that pairs perfectly with real estate valuations as well as any fine meal. Show links: Connect with Michael J Lester on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-howard-905988136/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Learn more about Willowbrook Valuation & Advisory Services at: https://willowbrookvaluation.com/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    26 min
  2. Maximizing Law Firm Growth with Email Marketing ft. William Howard

    OCT 21

    Maximizing Law Firm Growth with Email Marketing ft. William Howard

    Struggling to stay top-of-mind with clients? Email marketing might be the secret weapon your law firm needs. In this episode, Eric Ritter talks to William Howard from Intuit MailChimp about leveraging email to boost visibility, retention, and more. Learn expert tips on crafting compelling subject lines, building segmented lists, and automating campaigns that actually convert. Whether you’re starting out or refining your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your firm grow. Show links: Connect with William Howard on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-howard-905988136/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Connect with William at: william_howard@intuit.com Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    30 min
  3. Fix Your Intake: Stop Losing Cases Before They Start ft. Evan Polin

    OCT 6

    Fix Your Intake: Stop Losing Cases Before They Start ft. Evan Polin

    Are you leaving cases and revenue on the table without even realizing it? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with Evan Polin, president of Polin Performance Group, to uncover why law firm intake processes fail and how to fix them. Learn five actionable strategies to convert more leads, streamline your intake, and make clients feel valued from the very first call. Don’t let a broken intake process silently kill your growth. And sip a crisp Riesling while you listen, letting its balanced sweetness and bright acidity remind you that even small adjustments can transform the experience. Show links: Connect with Evan Polin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanpolin/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Visit Polin Performance Group: https://www.polinpg.com/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    39 min
  4. Navigating AI in Law: Protecting Your Firm, Clients & IP ft. Randi Karpinia

    SEP 22

    Navigating AI in Law: Protecting Your Firm, Clients & IP ft. Randi Karpinia

    Worried about the impact of AI on your firm’s confidentiality and intellectual property? As AI transforms the legal landscape, law firms face the challenge of balancing innovation with safeguarding sensitive information. In this episode of The Search Bar, Eric Ritter sits down with Randi Karpinia, CEO of Sagacity Legal, to explore how law firms can safely integrate AI into their practices while protecting client data and intellectual property.From understanding AI’s potential risks to implementing best practices, Randi shares valuable insights on how law firms can embrace AI responsibly, mitigate legal pitfalls, and stay ahead of evolving regulations.Much like a fine wine, integrating AI into your firm takes time, care, and the right approach to ensure it ages well. Take the steps now to protect your practice and embrace the future with confidence.Show links:Connect with Randi Karpinia on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randikarpinia/Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Visit Sagacity Legal: https://sagacitylegal.com/Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    37 min
  5. From Practitioner to Owner: Make Your Law Firm Sellable ft. Brian Zapf

    SEP 8

    From Practitioner to Owner: Make Your Law Firm Sellable ft. Brian Zapf

    Is your law firm overly dependent on you? Feeling like there’s never enough time in the day to focus on growth? Join Eric Ritter on The Search Bar as he talks with Brian Zapf, founder of Flight Financial, about making law firms sellable and sustainable. From reducing founder dependency and building strong systems to mentoring your team and preparing for future growth, Brian shares insights that help attorneys reclaim time, protect their legacy, and create firms that deliver results without constant oversight. This episode is packed with practical advice for solo practitioners and growing firms alike, helping you move from working in your business to working on your business. Show links: Connect with Brian Zapf on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdzapf/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Visit Flight Financial: https://www.flight.financial/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    33 min
  6. The Attorney’s Guide to Scale Without Burning Out ft. Dominic Grew

    AUG 27

    The Attorney’s Guide to Scale Without Burning Out ft. Dominic Grew

    Feeling stuck in survival mode while running your law firm? Many attorneys are so busy putting out fires that they never find time to actually build the business they envisioned. In this episode of The Search Bar, host Eric Ritter sits down with Dominic Grew, founder of Elevate Business Coaching, to break the cycle of chaos and help lawyers step into confident, intentional leadership.Whether you're a solo practitioner or running a growing team, you'll walk away with a blueprint for building a modern firm that doesn’t fall apart the moment you step away.Show links:Connect with Dominic Grew on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-grew/Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Visit Elevate Business Coaching: https://elevatebusinesscoaching.com/Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    40 min
  7. Authentic Visibility for Law Firms ft. Thembi Bheka

    AUG 11

    Authentic Visibility for Law Firms ft. Thembi Bheka

    Want to boost your law firm’s visibility and client trust? In this episode of The Search Bar, host Eric Ritter sits down with Thembi Bheka, an internationally recognized visibility strategist, to explore how law firms can build authentic visibility and connect with potential clients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger firm, Thembi shares actionable insights on how to grow your brand, establish trust, and dominate your market without resorting to gimmicks or trend-chasing.Show links:Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/Connect with Thembi Bheka on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thembibheka/Visit Thembi Bheka's Website: https://thembibheka.com/Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    39 min
  8. Networking for Lawyers: Build Trust, Boost Business

    JUL 28

    Networking for Lawyers: Build Trust, Boost Business

    Having trouble getting referrals for your law firm? Sip, sit back, and enjoy this episode of The Search Bar as we dive deep into the power of strategic networking. Host Eric Ritter is joined by Audra Kemmerling, Regional Director of ProVisors, a national network of trusted professionals, who shares how intentional connections can unlock significant growth for law firms and professionals. Learn how building a network of trusted relationships can propel your business forward in today’s competitive market. This episode breaks down the steps to building a sustainable professional network and how your law firm can benefit from strategic, long-term partnerships. From understanding the value of trust to using networking as a tool for business development, this conversation offers actionable insights for attorneys looking to elevate their brand and visibility. Law Firm Growth. Wine optional. Whether you're seeking bigger cases, larger retainers, or simply more meaningful connections, this episode is packed with the wisdom you need to grow your law firm effectively. Connect with Audra Kemmerling on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audra-kemmerling Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    30 min
See All (51)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional. Hosted by Eric Ritter, the SEO Sommelier and founder of Digital Neighbor. The Search Bar is where law firm owners and attorneys get practical strategies and real success stories to build a thriving, sustainable practice. We cover the whole business: strategy, finance, operations, client experience, team, and the marketing that fuels it:SEO, AEO, PPC, local search, social, email, and content. Every week, Eric sits down with leading voices in the legal world to share proven insights and clear next steps you can apply right away. You’ll leave each episode with 1

Information