How One Law Firm Turned Local Visibility Into Long-Term Growth

In highly competitive professional services industries like legal, visibility isn’t optional — it’s essential. Prospective clients don’t browse endlessly. They search, compare quickly, and contact the firm that appears most credible, accessible, and trustworthy in that moment.

For the Law Office of Robert P. Karwin, that reality became clear early on. As a solo practitioner competing against large firms with deep marketing budgets, Robert knew he needed a smarter, more sustainable way to stand out locally without sacrificing time spent practicing law.

That’s what led him to Thryv — and why he’s been using the platform continuously since 2015.

Nearly a decade later, Robert’s story is a powerful example of how the right marketing foundation can deliver consistent growth, stronger credibility, and long-term peace of mind for professional service providers.

Thryv® has really helped me take control of my time because I don’t have to worry about marketing… Thryv is my in-house marketing team. They handle everything from social media posts to website updates and finding new ways for me to reach clients.

From Invisible to Impossible to Ignore SEO 

When Robert first focused on improving his digital presence, his firm struggled with a common challenge: he wasn’t showing up in local search results when potential clients needed legal help.

Through Thryv’s ongoing local SEO support and automated business listing management, his firm’s information became accurate, consistent, and optimized across the directories and search platforms that matter most. Over time, this consistent visibility built authority with search engines.

The result? Robert’s firm moved from being virtually invisible online to ranking #1 in local search results for key terms — driving a steady increase in inbound calls and qualified leads year after year.

Trust Is the Real Competitive Advantage

Strengthened by Reputation Management Tools

In legal services, trust is often the deciding factor between a phone call and a missed opportunity. Robert understood that strong reviews weren’t just nice to have, they were essential.

With Thryv’s review monitoring and response tools in place, Robert consistently collects, manages, and showcases client feedback across major platforms. This makes it easier for potential clients to see real proof of his professionalism and results before ever reaching out.

A strong review presence now works around the clock to build confidence, reduce hesitation, and reinforce his firm’s credibility in a crowded legal market.

A Professional Presence That Reflects the Practice

First impressions matter, especially when clients are evaluating legal representation. An outdated or inconsistent online presence can undermine trust before a conversation even begins.

With the assistance of Thryv’s website builder, Robert’s updated website gives potential clients a polished, professional experience, while active social media channels help reinforce his expertise and visibility. By managing these touchpoints within a centralized marketing platform, his firm maintains a cohesive brand across every digital channel.

This professional consistency helps potential clients quickly understand who he is, what he offers, and why they should choose his firm, without friction or confusion.

More Time for Law, Less Time on Marketing

Marketing shouldn’t distract from the practice of law. Thryv Marketing Center and Leads centralizes campaign management, lead tracking, and performance insights, Robert no longer has to juggle multiple platforms or vendors.

Inbound leads flow directly into one system, making it easy to respond quickly and track what’s working. Instead of managing tactics, Robert can focus on clients, while his marketing engine continues to run behind the scenes.

In many ways, the platform functions as an in-house marketing team, without the overhead.

One of the things I’ve noticed about our revenue stream is that we can see growth year after year in the number of calls and the number of new clients.

Built for the Long Game

What makes Robert’s story especially powerful is its longevity. This isn’t a short-term success, it’s nearly a decade of consistent growth fueled by ongoing optimization, strategic guidance, and adaptable tools.

As search algorithms, consumer behavior, and digital expectations evolved, his marketing strategy evolved with them. That long-term partnership has helped ensure his firm remains competitive, visible, and trusted year after year.

For professional service businesses — especially law firms — Robert’s experience proves that sustained success comes from investing in a marketing foundation designed for long-term growth.

Ready to experience the same kind of growth and peace of mind Robert did? Let Thryv handle your marketing, so you can focus on what you do best—serving your clients.