Feel like you are falling short socially? You may be right if you are not apart of these statistics gathered from a recent survey by American Lawyer Media (ALM). Firms are using platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to attract new clients and build their practice, and it’s working. Smaller firms more so than larger firms have implemented social media as a marketing strategy, and a majority stated they were blogging as well.
Wow Factors
Let these statistics encourage you to jump on the social bandwagon, boost your already existing social efforts, or develop one if you have been a wallflower:
- 85% of law firms of all sizes use social media as a business development tool
- Nearly 90% of firms have made social media a priority within their marketing strategy to attract new clients
- Nearly half of firms said that social media use generated leads or new matters from current clients
- 40% credited social media use for new clients and matters
- 59% of small firm lawyers called social media extremely important in their marketing plans.
- Almost 71% of small firm lawyers said they rely on social media marketing to generate new business
Social media has grown from a trend to a key form of marketing and advertising for businesses and firms alike. And it does not seem to be slowing in any way, actually quite the contrary. With social media attorneys and firms of all sizes can play on a more leveled playing field considering the size of the firm has little to do with amount of online presence and influence.
Social media creates visibility for a firm, regardless of their size, and gains credibility through fans, users, and readers alike. Firms are posting articles to LinkedIn, blogging within their website, developing Google+ pages and profiles and capitalizing on the Circles Google+ offers which is quickly becoming another social platform as well. Sharing is caring and clients take notice of attorneys that are online and on-point with their social media efforts.
Opportunity is Knocking
Becoming more social opens opportunities within opportunities considering you are creating relationships on multiple levels. Joining a group within LinkedIn can expand your network by hundreds if not thousands of professionals. Posting a status or update to Facebook could reach hundreds or thousands depending on how many fans you have and how many times those fans share with others. Provide valuable content, with appropriate timing and consistency, and the sky’s the limit.
Don’t Be Joe Schmoe
The days of word of mouth referrals are not non existent, however the shift to more independent and online searches has skyrocketed. When people want to know something they Google it, when they see good reviews online they’re more eager to buy or try, and if friends are talking about something on Facebook they’re more apt to listen and pay attention. Make your presence known when potential clients are searching for you…when it comes to social media the “less is more” theory is not going to get you very far. Make your firm apparent, noteworthy, and credible through an established online presence.
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