deltiesk

Using Your Website to Educate Consumers about the Law, Not Just about You

Sandra Del Tiempo — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:41:22 GMT

With so many attorney websites to choose from, consumers have extremely high expectations when they go online to look for a lawyer or learn more about their legal case. If they don't see what they are looking for, or if they don't like what they see, they will click right on by.

What exactly are they looking for? Increasingly, consumers are looking for basic legal information.

That is why it is so important to educate consumers about the law — not just about you, or your firm or even your most spectacular successes. By providing them with simple, straightforward information about developments and important issues in the areas of law in which you practice, you have a better chance of keeping viewers on your site longer. Providing this type of information will also showcase you as someone who is willing to offer something useful for free, which can set you apart from others.

You don't need to turn your website into a mini law-school experience, of course. A few short definitions, a little history or even links to trusted sources will be sufficient.

Along with a growing interest in legal information, consumers want to research their case beforehand. The Internet has put a world of information at everyone's fingertips. Once they know a little bit more about their particular situation, they may feel more comfortable contacting you. A good website should fluidly combine these factors, along with offering great content for search engines.

Of course, you should be sure that you provide all the appropriate disclaimers on your site and abide by all your local and state bar association rules.

To get a free Website Evaluation and Consultation, along with exclusive insights about conversion factors for consumers of legal websites based on recent research, contact a LexisNexis Law Firm Marketing Specialist.

Harnessing the Power of Twitter and Social Media

Sandra Del Tiempo — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:56:22 GMT

When any major event happens, it seems like Twitter has become as much a part of the news as the news itself. As one chilling example, consider the tweet sent hours after the Boston Marathon bombings by 19-year-old suspect Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev: "Ain't no love in the heart of the city, stay safe people."

However, Tsarnaev's tweets weren't the only notable Twitter activity around those terrible events of April 15. As the hunt for the suspects spread across the Boston area, witnesses kept a steady stream of tweets flowing, which often provided faster and more accurate information than the traditional news media.

Authors, neighbors and local professors were among those providing information and pictures during the manhunt. (Danny Sullivan, @dannysullivan, who is founding editor of @MarketingLand & @SEngineLand, has compiled a list of related tweets, for those interested in reading more.)

While the events in Boston present an extraordinarily dramatic example of the speed and power of Twitter, social media can provide a significant impact on everyday events and news for lawyers and others in the legal profession. If attorneys aren't tweeting and following other thought leaders on Twitter, they may be cutting themselves off from clients (and potential clients), and missing out on breaking trends.

In order to learn more about effective marketing through social media outlets and to get a free Social Media Evaluation, contact a LexisNexis Law Firm Marketing Specialist.

Your Website Should Be a Centerpiece, Not an Afterthought

Sandra Del Tiempo — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:05:20 GMT

It seems like everywhere attorneys turn today, they hear chatter about how they need to actively engage on social media sites like Facebook^®, YouTube^®, LinkedIn^® and Instagram® (yes, there are lawyers on Instagram — aren't you?). Many attorneys may have decided that websites are practically yesterday's news. That's a mistake, though. Attorneys who spend money on marketing efforts, from referral building to TV ads to SEO, want to refer clients and potential clients back to their website for more in-depth information. However, leading them to a bad website is just frittering that money away.

Research shows that websites still matter. More than one in three potential consumers of legal services turn to law firm websites to find a lawyer, and 26 percent have checked out a firm's website in order to validate an attorney, according to the Attorney Selection Research Study by The Research Intelligence Group (TRiG).

Among those would-be consumers of legal services who visit law firm websites, some are looking for the basics — 24 percent want contact information like an address, phone number or email. A sizeable number just want reassurances that you can handle their matter — and 18 percent peruse law firm websites to validate a personal referral.

It doesn't mean you shouldn't focus time and resources on social media and other emerging options, of course. However, you should expect that clients will look at your website to get a sense of you and your firm. Think of it as your virtual lobby. First impressions matter.

If you aren't sure your website conveys the right message and information, we can help. Contact a LexisNexis Law Firm Marketing Specialist today!

When “Friends” Over-Share — How to Juggle Client Confidentiality and Facebook

Sandra Del Tiempo — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:20:52 GMT

Facebook is a terrific forum to publicly share random thoughts, funny pictures and quick questions. It's also a great way for lawyers to set up a business page to attract new clients and boost their virtual and real-world profiles. However, those two practices don't always blend well together, particularly when clients and would-be clients start posting intimate details about their cases on your firm's Facebook page.

With a few simple steps, attorneys can find a happy balance, boosting their online business and outreach while ensuring that all Facebook communications remain above reproach.

Set up your page so that no one posts without your approval. Facebook allows administrators to choose not to show posts until they have been reviewed, along with several other simple tools for moderating content. Learn how at the Facebook Help Center.
Explain the rules to clients and would-be clients. When people contact you about retaining your services, explicitly describe how you want to be contacted. Be very specific about how inappropriate it is to post questions or details about cases on Facebook. If you want clients to recommend your services on your Wall, be sure to check with your state or local bar association. You don't want a glowing recommendation to lead to sanctions.
Don't use Facebook for any type of client communication. As tempting as it may be for social media-savvy attorneys to shoot a quick note to clients or potential clients via Facebook, resist the urge. Pick up the phone or send an email instead.
Keep your profiles separate. Don't mix business and pleasure on Facebook. While it's fine to let friends and family "like" your firm's page, be careful to keep all communications to and from your business page strictly professional.

To learn more about creating or managing a Facebook business page, contact a LexisNexis Law Firm Marketing Specialist.