Remove your public email address from your website and route all inquiries through a contact form.
Why it works:
- Improves conversion tracking (you can see where leads come from)
- Reduces spam (bots scrape exposed emails)
- Lets you ask qualifying questions on the form (saves you time!)
- Boosts SEO indirectly by improving engagement and goal tracking in tools like Google Analytics
If you’re still displaying your email address on your website, it’s time to upgrade your strategy.
Instead, direct all inquiries through a well-designed contact form. Not only does this cut down on spam, but it also helps you track where your leads are coming from and gather key information before the first conversation. Plus, using forms improves user flow and can even support your SEO by increasing engagement and measurable conversions.
How Hackers Use Public Email Addresses:
- Email Scraping Bots: Bots crawl websites to collect email addresses. Once scraped, your lawyers’ emails get added to spam and phishing lists instantly.
- Phishing Scams: Hackers send fake emails pretending to be clients, opposing counsel, or even internal team members—luring staff into clicking malicious links or attachments.
- Spoofing Attacks: They can spoof (fake) your lawyer’s email address and use it to trick clients or staff into transferring money or sensitive info.
- Malware & Ransomware: Innocent-looking attachments (“contract,” “client file”) can install software that steals data, locks files, or demands ransom.
- Credential Harvesting: A fake login page disguised as a secure portal can collect your team’s passwords if just one staff member clicks the wrong link.
With Love, Laney
