Understanding the Six-Filter Matching System
Quick Answer
Heritage Web's six-filter matching engine automatically connects client requests with qualified professionals and businesses based on publication source, professional license, specialty expertise, language capabilities, geographic distance, and years of experience. Each filter serves a specific purpose in ensuring high-quality matches, with the system prioritizing professionals on the same publication first, then searching network-wide across 300+ publications. All six filters must align for a match to occur, and experience serves as the tiebreaker when multiple professionals qualify.
Overview
The six-filter matching system is the core technology powering all Heritage Web lead programs. Within seconds of a lead passing manual review, this sophisticated engine evaluates thousands of potential matches across our network to identify the most qualified professionals and businesses. Understanding how each filter works helps you optimize your listings for maximum match potential.
Filter 1: Publication Match
How Publication Matching Works
Two-Tier Priority System:
Primary Match: Professionals listed on the same publication where the client submitted their request get first priority
Secondary Match: If the client hasn't requested publication-exclusive referral, the system searches qualified professionals network-wide
Example Scenario:
Client submits request on BlackLawyers.com
System first looks for lawyers with listings on BlackLawyers.com
Then expands to qualified lawyers across all 300+ publications
Both groups receive the lead, but same-publication matches may have priority visibility
Optimizing for Publication Matches
List on multiple relevant publications
Focus on community-specific directories for your demographics
Include both niche and general publications
Remember: More publications = more potential matches
Filter 2: License Verification
Standard License Requirements
Most professional services require state-specific licensing:
Service Type | License Requirement |
Personal Injury Law | Bar license in client's state |
Medical Practice | Medical license in client's state |
Therapy/Counseling | State therapy license |
Real Estate | Real estate license in property state |
Accounting | CPA in client's state |
National Practice Exceptions
Some practice areas only require one valid license to serve clients nationwide:
Immigration Law:
Federal practice area
Any state bar license sufficient
Can serve clients nationwide
Set radius to "No Limit" for maximum reach
Bankruptcy Law:
Federal jurisdiction
Any state bar license works
Nationwide service possible
No state-specific requirements
Non-Licensed Services
Many services don't require professional licenses:
Translation services
Business consulting
Life coaching
Marketing services
IT consulting
Content creation
Foreign Law Specialization
For international legal matters:
Listed as "Foreign Law > [Country]"
Example: "Foreign Law > Italy"
Requires expertise in that country's laws
May not require local license
Filter 3: Specialty Alignment
How Specialty Matching Works
Hierarchical Matching:
Exact specialty matches receive highest priority
Related specialties considered secondarily
Broader categories capture more leads
Maximum 7 specialties per listing
Strategic Specialty Selection:
Slot | Strategy | Example |
1-3 | Core expertise | "Personal Injury", "Medical Malpractice", "Car Accidents" |
4-5 | Related services | "Insurance Claims", "Wrongful Death" |
6-7 | Broader categories | "Civil Litigation", "General Practice" |
Specialty Optimization Tips
Use all 7 specialty slots
Balance specific and broad terms
Include emerging practice areas
Update based on market demand
Consider seasonal specialties
Filter 4: Language Requirements
Language Matching Mechanics
Comprehensive Language Coverage:
Languages you speak personally
Languages spoken by staff members
Languages spoken by colleagues
High-level matching (Spanish, not regional dialects)
Example Setup:
Attorney speaks: English, Spanish
Paralegal speaks: Mandarin
Receptionist speaks: Arabic
Total listing languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic
Why Language Matters
Heritage Web leads convert 25-50% better than industry average primarily due to:
Cultural alignment and trust
Clear communication ability
Community-specific publications
Reduced client anxiety
Language Optimization
List every language available in your practice
Include staff and colleague capabilities
Don't forget sign language if applicable
Update when team changes
Filter 5: Geographic Distance
Default Radius Settings
Standard Configuration:
Default: 75-mile radius from listing address
Calculated from ZIP code centers
Adjustable via [email protected]
Options: Specific mileage or "No Limit"
Radius Strategy by Market
Market Type | Recommended Radius | Rationale |
Urban Dense | 10-25 miles | High population density |
Suburban | 25-50 miles | Moderate density, willing to travel |
Rural | 75-150 miles | Lower density, larger service areas |
National Practice | No Limit | Immigration, Bankruptcy, virtual services |
Digital Services | No Limit | Remote delivery possible |
Important Radius Considerations
"No Limit" still requires appropriate licensing
Each listing can have different radius
Wider radius = more matches but more travel
Consider traffic patterns in your area
Virtual consultations expand possibilities
Filter 6: Experience Level
How Experience Priority Works
Tiebreaker Function:
When multiple professionals pass Filters 1-5
Years of experience determines order
More experience = higher priority
Not an elimination filter
Experience Calculation:
Measured from professional license date
Or from business establishment date
Continuously updated in system
Visible in your profile settings
Experience Scenarios
Scenario A: Single Match
Only one lawyer matches all filters
Experience level irrelevant
Lawyer receives the lead
Scenario B: Multiple Matches
Three lawyers match all filters
15 years, 10 years, 5 years experience
All three receive the lead
15-year lawyer sees it first (if same sponsor status)
How Filters Work Together
The Matching Sequence
Lead Submission: Client completes intake form
Manual Review: 24-hour quality check with third-party verification
Filter Application: All six filters applied simultaneously
Match Identification: Professionals meeting ALL criteria identified
Priority Sorting: Experience and sponsor status determine order
Distribution: Leads delivered to dashboards and email
All Filters Must Pass
A single failed filter prevents matching:
❌ Wrong publication + ✅ Everything else = No match
✅ Right publication + ❌ No license = No match
✅ Five filters pass + ❌ Outside radius = No match
Real-World Matching Example
Client Request:
Submitted on VietnameseLawyers.com
Needs divorce attorney
Located in Houston, TX
Speaks Vietnamese
Wants consultation within a week
Matching Process:
Publication: Prioritize lawyers on VietnameseLawyers.com, then network-wide
License: Must have Texas bar license
Specialty: Must include "Family Law" or "Divorce"
Language: Must list Vietnamese language capability
Distance: Must be within radius of Houston
Experience: 20-year attorney gets priority over 5-year attorney
Optimizing Your Matching Potential
Complete Profile Checklist
☐ List on multiple relevant publications
☐ Keep all licenses current and verified
☐ Use all 7 specialty slots strategically
☐ Include all language capabilities (including staff)
☐ Set appropriate radius for your market
☐ Maintain accurate experience information
Common Matching Mistakes
Mistake | Impact | Solution |
Too narrow radius | Missing nearby leads | Email support to expand |
Missing specialties | Fewer matches | Use all 7 slots |
Outdated license | No matches during renewal | Update immediately |
No staff languages | Missing language matches | Add team capabilities |
Single publication | Limited reach | List on multiple sites |
Important Notes
Pending listing changes don't affect matching until approved
Each lead only matches once per account (no duplicates)
Sponsor status provides 24-hour priority but doesn't affect matching
Manual review may delay match distribution by up to 24 hours
All programs use the same six-filter system
Filters apply to all listing types (profile, organization, job, event)
FAQs
Q: If I pass 5 out of 6 filters, will I still get the lead? A: No, all six filters must align for a match. However, experience is only used for prioritization, not elimination.
Q: Can I override a filter if I know I could help the client? A: No, filters cannot be manually overridden. However, you can adjust your settings (radius, specialties, languages) to capture more matches.
Q: Does having multiple listings increase my matches? A: Multiple listings on different publications increases reach, but each lead only matches once per account to avoid duplicates.
Q: How quickly does matching happen after a client submits? A: After the 24-hour manual review, matching is instantaneous. You'll receive notifications immediately.
Q: Why do I match fewer leads than my colleague with similar credentials? A: Check all six filters. Common differences: radius settings, number of specialties listed, publications presence, or language capabilities.
Q: Can the experience filter prevent me from getting leads as a new professional? A: No, experience only affects priority order. New professionals still receive matches, just after more experienced professionals.
Next Steps
Audit your listings against all six filters
Add missing specialties or languages
Email [email protected] to adjust radius
List on additional relevant publications
Include staff language capabilities
Consider sponsor status for 24-hour priority
Track which filters might be limiting your matches
Related Articles
How Referrals Are Matched to Your Listings
Setting Your Referral Radius for Optimal Results
Maximizing Your Specialty Selection
Why Am I Not Receiving Referrals?
Publication Strategy for Maximum Reach
Language Matching and Cultural Alignment