When should we hire an SEO expert witness?
Consider involving an SEO expert witness when questions about search engine rankings, visibility, or organic traffic are central to claims or defenses. Examples include:
- Defamation cases where harmful content appears prominently in search results.
- Disputes with SEO agencies or contractors over alleged negligence or underperformance.
- Cases involving major traffic declines after a site redesign or platform migration.
- Domain name disputes where SEO value and historical use are relevant to damages.
Early consultation can help you decide whether SEO issues are important enough to warrant full expert involvement.
What data should we preserve for an SEO-related case?
Preserving the right data early can make a significant difference later. In SEO-related matters, the following are often important:
- Analytics data (such as Google Analytics or similar) for several years, if available.
- Google Search Console data showing impressions, clicks, and average positions.
- Server logs, especially around key events like site launches or migrations.
- Backups or archives of the website before and after major changes.
- Contracts, statements of work, and communications with SEO providers.
The SEO Expert Witness Checklist includes a more detailed list of recommended data sources.
How does an SEO expert witness engagement typically work?
Engagements usually follow a structured path:
- Initial consultation to understand the case and potential SEO issues.
- Conflict checks and engagement letter.
- Review of key documents, data, and timelines.
- Analysis and preparation of an expert report, if requested.
- Rebuttal reports, if there is an opposing SEO expert.
- Deposition and trial testimony as needed.
The How to Engage an SEO Expert Witness page walks through this process in more detail.
What types of cases does Bill typically work on?
Bill’s SEO expert witness work commonly includes:
- Defamation and reputation-related matters involving search results.
- Traffic loss and SEO-related damages disputes.
- Domain name and website ownership or transfer disputes.
- Technical SEO failures, migrations, and configuration issues.
For a broader overview, see the SEO Expert Witness Services page and the SEO Expert Witness Experience page.
Does Bill still do hands-on SEO work?
Yes. Bill continues to manage SEO for active clients. That ongoing work keeps him grounded in current search engine behavior, algorithm updates, and real-world SEO challenges. His expert witness opinions are informed by what he sees daily in active campaigns, not just past experience.
Can Bill assist before we decide to file a case?
Yes. Many engagements begin with pre-filing consultations, where counsel wants an initial view on whether SEO evidence will support or weaken certain arguments. Bill can review limited data and provide high-level feedback on what SEO analysis might show, subject to the usual caveats around preliminary opinions.
Will Bill work with both plaintiffs and defendants?
Yes. Bill has experience working with plaintiffs and defendants. His role is to analyze the SEO evidence and present opinions based on the data, regardless of which side engages him.
How far in advance should we contact Bill before deadlines?
Because SEO matters often involve reviewing substantial data and site history, it is best to contact Bill as early as possible, especially before expert report deadlines. Early engagement leaves more time for data collection, analysis, and thoughtful preparation of written opinions.
What does Bill need from us to get started?
To begin, Bill typically needs a short case overview, key allegations, important dates, and information about available data sources (analytics, search console, server logs, and contracts). The Attorney Checklist provides a practical starting point.
How do we contact Bill about a potential matter?
You can contact Bill directly via email or through the form on the Contact page. Please include a brief description of the matter, the general nature of the dispute, and any relevant deadlines so he can respond appropriately.