These days more and more people are searching for legal representation online. With so much competition, good digital marketing strategies are absolutely vital to ensure that you stand out from the crowd. Digital marketing can be relatively simple but can have a dramatic effect on your business, both positively and negatively. Unfortunately, many law professionals simply do not pay due care and attention to their online presence and fail to take advantage of the opportunities that a good digital marketing strategy can provide.
Here are three digital marketing tips to help maximize your potential for attracting new clients online:
1. Make Sure You Have a Well-designed Website
There is very little point in spending money and time attracting potential clients to your website if when they arrive, they are turned off by its design or usability. An informative, easy to use website is absolutely vital for every law firm or legal practitioner today. It is likely that new clients will have already looked at your website before you even knew they existed. In the same way, you will never know how many potential clients have looked at your website and decided not to get in contact with you. Most people will compare the websites of different law firms and this will play a major role in deciding between them. It is pivotal that your website stands out from the crowd. The most important information should take prominence on your site. This includes areas of legal expertise, team member profiles, client testimonials and professional accolades. Potential clients have to become familiar with your firm before they ever step foot into your office. Your website is your first impression and as the old adage goes, you don’t get a second one. Highlight your area of practice. If you are a law firm which specializes in fraud, then make sure that is clear. If you provide compensation representation for victims of traffic accidents in Southern California, make sure potential clients understand that straight away. If they know you offer the service they require, they are more likely to scroll down.
2. Utilize Effective SEO Techniques
SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the second key strategy for marketing your legal practices online. SEO uses keywords strategically placed in website content to boost your site’s standing in online search engine results. The higher you place, the greater the number of potential clients will visit your site, so a good SEO strategy is vital. Experts from Consultwebs.com told us that good use of SEO is all about using every avenue available to get results. An experienced SEO strategist is an invaluable resource and will optimize your website’s potential as well as researching what exactly is working for your competitors and what isn’t working for you. SEO experts look at what your potential clients’ needs are, how those needs are expressed into search engines, and how your website stands out as the best possible option for fulfilling those needs. Do your homework and obtain sound SEO advice from an experienced strategist and you will see the differences in no time.
3. Get on the Right Social Media
One very effective method of attracting new clients online is through the correct use of social media. In one survey, 96% of attorneys said that they used social media and of those, 70% affirmed that they used it specifically as part of their marketing strategy. Using social media and using it effectively, however, are two very different things. Social media can be used to create brand awareness, to identify and engage with potential new clients, to quickly and respond to inquiries and provide initial consultations, and to create and share your story or message. When seeking legal representation online, people like to be able to get a feel for a law firm first. Effective and well utilized social media can provide a window into your practice and show potential new clients exactly what you have to offer. Satisfied former clients will often write reviews or comments on your social media platforms and these can be priceless in attracting new clients. The most popular networks for lawyers are LinkedIn and Facebook as well as the major online legal marketplaces Avvo and Martindale. Make sure your social media presence on these platforms is strong and you will maximize the potential of your practice.
A good digital marketing strategy can be an absolute game-changer and will boost your potential exponentially. Results can be seen very quickly if you plan well and follow the right expert advice. Online marketing should not be an afterthought and, if done well, is the best way to attract potential new clients and take advantage of new business opportunities.
