In an ever-expanding pool of lawyers, it’s becoming more and more important to stand out in the crowd. Prospective clients are armed with more information than ever when it comes to selecting legal services. So how do you differentiate your legal service from the “same” legal service down the street? Below are some tips as to how to make that happen.
Update Your Website
It turns out that all of our parents were right, first impressions matter significantly. As creatures of the digital age, the days of grabbing a phone book and flipping to the yellow pages to find a list of local attorneys are well and gone. If one requires a good or service in today’s world, the vast majority of searches begin on the Internet. So, when a prospective client’s search criteria matches your website, you better be prepared to make a good first impression. If you haven’t visited a legal marketing services website in the last decade, don’t worry. Literally nothing has changed. There is a fine line between antiquity and being professional. Most legal websites match the former. Set yourself apart from the noise. Consult with a web designer to create a website that combines the professional necessities with an amazing user experience. It will be a huge differentiator.
Zealously Advocate for Online Reviews
The “golden rule” for attorneys is to zealously advocate for their clients, no matter the circumstances. Whether you’re fresh off of your swearing-in ceremony or you’ve been in practice for years, you should be zealously advocating for online reviews as well. In today’s world, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t frequent websites like Yelp or doesn’t Google a service before they consider spending their hard-earned money on it.
Peer Reviews
Instead of recording a cheesy commercial with local [bad] actors playing the role of happy clients, ask real clients to review your services online. Peer reviews are the modern-day version of word-of-mouth recommendations. By taking advantage of this marketing avenue, you’re already building elements of trustworthiness and displaying reputable experience before even speaking with potential clients.
Don’t Live in the Office
We all know the three most important aspects of purchasing a new home—location, location, location. Marketing oneself as an attorney in an effective manner has a similar adage—network, network, network. Regardless of the area of law you practice, it is paramount to get out into the community and meet people. Each person you meet could be your next potential client. Sponsor a youth sports team, attend community fairs, organize events like webinars or speaking engagements where you inform laypersons of legal basics, etc.
When vying for legal business, it’s more of a rule than an exception to set your services apart from the next guy. With simple adjustments and a little more elbow grease put into the tasks above, you’re well on your way to marketing yourself out of the noise.
Author Info: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber.
