In the ever-evolving legal landscape, law firms are no stranger to adapting and innovating to meet the demands of their clients and the market.
However, so far 2023 has served up a unique mix of economic challenges that have far-reaching implications for how firms operate and succeed. From a decline in legal demand to the increasing necessity for specialist knowledge, law firms are finding themselves in an economic puzzle that requires more than just legal acumen to solve.
The recently released “2023 Report on the State of the Legal Market” highlights a wavering demand in legal services and a mixed bag of key indicators. These conditions, shrouded in uncertainty, could potentially cloud the decision-making of law firm leaders in 2023.
In this article, we’ll be dissecting the key economic factors that are making 2023 an interesting, if not challenging, year for law firms.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, understanding these factors can help you navigate the uncertain waters ahead. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of law and economics as we explore the realities of practicing law in 2023.
As we navigate through the economic uncertainty of 2023, one of the most striking developments is the decline in legal demand. The tumultuous political and economic landscape has, understandably, made clients hesitant to engage in transactional work. In prior years, this sector was a high-octane engine driving demand, but the recent uncertainties have considerably cooled the market, making clients cautious and affecting the overall appetite for legal services.
The numbers speak for themselves. Compared to the robust growth of 3.7% in 2021, legal demand shrunk by 0.1% towards the end of 2022, highlighting the magnitude of the contraction. This declining trend has had a significant impact on law firms, particularly the larger ones, who have traditionally relied on a steady stream of transactional work. With this source of revenue dwindling, these firms find themselves needing to pivot and strategize for a future marked by economic unpredictability.
And although this may be a bit premature, there is certainly no doubt that generative AI and machine learning will eventually have an impact on whether clients need to hire a law firm or use a service for their legal matter.
While attorneys will never be replaced there will certainly be changes that result in the restructuring of firms and those who adopt the change will thrive.
In 2023, law firms are facing an uphill battle with rising expenses, particularly with regards to talent acquisition. In a fiercely competitive market, attracting and retaining top legal talent comes at a steep cost.
This, coupled with increasing overheads, has turned managing expenses into a juggling act for many law firms. But the cost of talent is just the tip of the iceberg.
Firms are also grappling with a range of other escalating expenses that add to the financial burden and uncertainty.
On a broader scale, macro-economic factors are adding fuel to the fire. The sluggishness of the economy, both in the United States and globally, is a significant concern.
High inflation rates are eroding purchasing power and affecting firms’ bottom lines, while trade deficits add another layer of complexity to the economic quagmire. These macro-economic issues cast long shadows, creating an environment of instability and uncertainty for law firms. We have seen these in our business.
In these trying times, law firms are employing various strategies to protect themselves. These include cost-cutting measures, reassessing their financial strategies, and exploring more flexible, innovative models of operation.
Some firms are focusing on investing in technology and process improvements to enhance efficiency, while others are prioritizing client relationships to secure long-term stability. It’s clear that navigating this economic turmoil will require a blend of strategic thinking, innovative solutions, and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape.
In the current economic climate, client preferences are undergoing a noteworthy shift. Clients, in their pursuit of high-quality legal services, are increasingly seeking more cost-effective outside counsel. This trend is fueled by a keen desire to balance the scales of quality and cost, especially amid the economic uncertainties of 2023. This change in client behavior has implications for law firms of all sizes as they strive to meet these evolving expectations and maintain client satisfaction.
Interestingly, this shift in client preferences has cast a favorable light on midsize law firms. The 2023 State of the Legal Market report indicates that midsize firms are the only market segment that saw positive demand growth in 2022.
These firms, with their leaner structures and often lower rates, appear to be striking the right balance in the current market. The success of midsize firms underlines the importance of cost-effective, high-quality legal services in meeting changing client preferences, and provides a valuable lesson for other segments of the legal market.
In the digital age, client preferences in communication are rapidly shifting. Traditional methods like phone calls and emails are being supplemented, and in some cases replaced, by newer, more instant forms of communication such as texting and live chat. Clients value the convenience and immediacy these platforms offer, requiring law firms to adapt their communication strategies to meet these evolving preferences. This changing landscape has implications not just for client service, but also for aspects of legal practice such as confidentiality and record-keeping, necessitating a thoughtful approach from law firms to integrate these technologies effectively.
Now is a good time to revisit your law firms business plan.
In the legal sector, productivity has emerged as a pressing concern in 2023. With growing economic uncertainties and shifting market dynamics, law firms are under increased pressure to deliver more with less. The ability to maintain or increase productivity levels is seen as a key success factor, and law firms are exploring various strategies to enhance productivity amid these challenges.
One such strategy gaining traction is the adoption of agile working practices. This approach breaks away from traditional work boundaries and hierarchical bottlenecks, enabling lawyers to work more flexibly and efficiently.
Agile practices encompass a broad range of strategies, including flexible work hours, remote working, cross-functional collaboration, and iterative project management.
Research indicates that organizations adopting agile practices, including law firms, are seeing substantial increases in productivity. In this challenging environment, the embrace of agile practices could be a game-changer for law firms looking to enhance productivity and adapt to the evolving landscape.
In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the legal market is feeling the pressure. Clients today require the integrated capabilities of highly specialized practices and sector expertise. This expectation, driven by the intricate and interconnected nature of global markets, means that law firms need to be able to navigate these complexities and deliver nuanced advice that acknowledges the broader context.
This demand for specialization presents a particular challenge for smaller law firms. Larger firms have the resources to offer a wide range of specializations, but smaller firms may struggle to compete in this regard. However, that doesn’t mean they’re out of the running.
Strategies for onboarding or developing specialist knowledge can include focused hiring, upskilling current employees, or even forming strategic partnerships with other firms or consultants. By doing so, smaller firms can carve out a niche for themselves and meet the growing demand for specialist knowledge.
The rise of cyber threats is a pressing issue for the legal sector. These threats have increased dramatically, particularly in the context of remote working. Remote work often means less secure networks, and law firms, with their wealth of sensitive information, can be attractive targets for cyber criminals.
The economic implications of these threats are serious. A successful cyber attack can result in significant financial loss, damage to a firm’s reputation, and potential legal liabilities. It’s therefore crucial for firms to invest in robust cyber security measures.
To protect against these threats, law firms are implementing a range of strategies. These can include investing in secure technology, providing regular training for staff, and establishing clear protocols for handling sensitive information. A proactive approach to cyber security can help law firms mitigate these risks and safeguard their operations.
While this article has touched on a number of key economic factors affecting law firms in 2023, there are a few more areas that warrant further exploration. The challenges of recruitment and retention, for example, are significant in a competitive market where talent is in high demand.
How law firms are leveraging legal tech to improve efficiency and client service is another area that is rapidly evolving and needs to be investigated further.
The landscape of recruitment, retention, and legal tech is set to evolve significantly due to the rise of digital marketing, SEO, and remote working. As more law firms recognize the power of online visibility and robust digital marketing strategies, including effective SEO, they’ll need to recruit and retain talent that can navigate this realm effectively, all while adapting to the opportunities and challenges of a remote work environment.
These topics will be expanded upon in future research to provide a more comprehensive view of the economic landscape for law firms in 2023.
The economic factors impacting law firms in 2023 are diverse and interconnected, spanning from declining demand and rising expenses to the changing preferences of clients. Law firms are navigating a complex landscape and their ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in the face of these challenges.
While this analysis provides a snapshot of the current economic factors, it’s important to remember that the situation is dynamic. Law firms will need to stay informed and flexible, ready to adjust their strategies as the economic landscape continues to evolve.
Embracing new ways to enhance client engagement is a must these days.
One way, now more than ever, is the Google Business Profile, specifically video reviews.
Are you harnessing the potential of this rich, dynamic medium for your firm?
Video reviews can provide an authentic, vivid snapshot of your clients’ experiences, taking your online reputation to new heights. And we already know that over 85% people turn online to look for reviews before hiring an attorney. But the question remains, are you actively seeking these video testimonials on your Google Business Profile?
Integrating this innovative approach into your review gathering process could revolutionize your digital visibility and client trust. Don’t just stop at text and images— let’s explore how video could be the game changer in amplifying your firm’s online impact.
Video testimonials not only offer a dynamic way to highlight your law firm’s credibility and client satisfaction, but also boost your visibility in local search results.
As we look towards the future, it’s plausible that Google may leverage the power of video reviews in generative AI search results. For instance, Google might develop algorithms that are capable of extracting and analyzing the content and sentiment within these videos, essentially “reading” them. This analysis could then be used to generate more nuanced, engaging, and informative search results.
Imagine searching for a law firm and instead of just seeing star ratings and text, you are presented with short, compelling video testimonials directly in the search results.
This could dramatically enhance user experience, offering a more personalized and relatable touchpoint that traditional text reviews often miss. Furthermore, the preference for video content is increasing, especially among younger audiences (and we know they already like TikTok), so such an innovation could be a key differentiator for Google in the evolving search engine landscape.
As always if you have multiple offices make sure to strive to get reviews for each office location.
If your firm is looking to enhance their search results and sign MORE of your BETTER cases, contact our law firm marketing consultants today for a free firm strategic review.
We’re here today to shed light on a pivotal, yet often overlooked facet of your law firm’s digital marketing strategy – online client reviews.
Now, it’s no secret that reviews matter. However, the extent of their influence might surprise you.
Indeed, a significant number of potential clients are scrolling through reviews before they even think about dialing your number or drafting an email to your firm.
You might be wondering, just how many people are scrutinizing these reviews? Or how they’re searching for your firm and the attorneys in it and where you should concentrate your efforts to get the best return on investment?
Well, you’re in luck. We’ve crunched the numbers and explored the digital landscape to bring you a comprehensive guide on this very topic.
So let’s dive in.
In today’s digital era, the power of reviews cannot be overstated. A staggering number of potential clients are scrutinizing your online reviews before making the critical decision to engage your services.
According to a study conducted by reputation.com, an overwhelming 88% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase decision. Further reinforcing this trend, Global Newswire reports that a nearly unanimous 95% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase.
This information aligns seamlessly with a study Juris Digital conducted back in 2016, which revealed that the top factor clients looked for in an attorney before hiring was the attorney’s reputation. Even years ago, clients were paying close attention to what others had to say about your legal services, and this trend has only grown stronger.
These figures underscore just how vital it is to maintain and elevate your online reputation to stand out in the highly competitive legal landscape.
Needless to say, your potential clients are turning online to research you before they hire you. So where are they looking and what are they looking for?
So, where exactly are your potential clients investigating your firm’s reputation?
The primary destination for most people is, unsurprisingly, Google. As the world’s dominant search engine, Google is the go-to platform for consumers seeking information. When a prospective client types your law firm’s name into the search bar, it’s typically the Google Business Profile (GBP) that appears first.
This profile, complete with reviews and ratings, plays a decisive role in shaping your online image, and is therefore a crucial area to focus your reputation management efforts.
However, while Google is undoubtedly a key player, it’s not the only platform that matters.
Legal directories and local business directories also rank highly for critical keywords relevant to your practice. These directories, such as Super Lawyers, FindLaw, Trustpilot, Facebook and even Yelp, often come up in search results when potential clients are searching for legal services.
As such, these sites are important touchpoints on the path to client conversion and cannot be overlooked in your reputation management strategy.
To discover these opportunities, you should be regularly searching key terms relevant to your practice and location to see which platforms rank high. Aim to cultivate positive reviews on these platforms to reinforce your firm’s favorable image.
An ambitious and practical goal for your law firm should be to ‘own’ the search results for your firm and the attorneys within it. This means when someone searches for “[Your Name] + reviews,” they are greeted with a chorus of positive feedback.
Taking control of your online reputation in this way can significantly boost your credibility and trustworthiness, leading to increased client conversions.
Focusing your efforts on these search results doesn’t just help paint your firm in a positive light, but it also guards against any potential negative comments.
A consistent flow of positive reviews on Google, legal directories, and local business directories ensures that potential clients see the very best of what your firm has to offer. Remember, your online reputation is often the first impression a potential client gets of your firm, so make it count!
Your Action Items Here:
I think it goes without saying that if an potential client of yours is visiting your website they are likely leaving your website at some point before contacting you to get an idea of your reputation. While this could happen BEFORE they search for you I like to prepare for the worst and assume it happens after the fact.
That means you can do more ON your website to add trust. Here are some tips to do this:
There are a lot of things you can do to help mitigate this, but it’s important to think about all of the possible buyer journeys.
I hope now you understand the importance of reviews. In our next series we will talk about ways attorneys can get reviews on a regular basis that build trust and also help with local pack rankings.
If your law firm has been enjoying sustained success and you’re ready for the next big step, opening a second office could be the natural progression. Expansion can often propel your firm’s growth trajectory forward, offer your services to a wider client base, and solidify your firm’s position within the legal industry.
However, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly and requires strategic planning and careful execution.
One common reason for opening a second office is to enhance your firm’s marketing reach, especially through local SEO. But it’s crucial to remember that a new office isn’t just a marketing tool – it’s a significant operational change with its own set of challenges and opportunities. But don’t worry we will also discuss the things you need to pay attention to if you’re thinking about doing this for reasons such as ranking better on Google 🙂
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate this exciting endeavor with strategic insights and actionable advice, ensuring you’re well-equipped for this ambitious move.
Whether you’re considering expansion primarily for marketing purposes or otherwise, we invite you to follow our lessons below to ensure that your second office opening is a resounding success. Remember, growing your law firm is not just about size, but also about efficiency, effectiveness, and client satisfaction. Stay with us as we explore these concepts more deeply.
Before leaping into the process of opening a second office, it’s crucial to first ascertain whether this move aligns with your firm’s strategic objectives. Multiple offices may seem appealing, but it’s not always the most beneficial or cost-effective approach for every law firm.
One of the primary reasons for opening multiple offices is the potential for enhanced visibility and market penetration. Having your firm’s presence in more than one location can significantly increase your reach, catering to a diverse range of clients who might otherwise have been inaccessible.
Another strategic advantage comes in the form of local SEO. With two locations, your law firm can rank in local search results for different cities, dramatically increasing your online visibility. Given that Google’s local search algorithm takes proximity into account when delivering search results, having a physical office in a specific location can help you appear in the local pack for that area. This strategy is beneficial for law firms operating in large metropolitan areas or in states with several mid-sized cities.
Additionally, a second office can also serve as a conduit to new talent, exposing your firm to a broader pool of potential employees. This could enhance your firm’s skills, diversity, and innovation.
However, while these reasons are compelling, it’s vital to return to your core purpose. Each step taken should resonate with your firm’s mission, vision, and long-term goals. You may want to consider factors such as client demand, potential growth in the new market, and whether you can replicate your firm’s culture in a new setting.
Opening a new office should not be primarily about appearing more prestigious or simply because it seems like the logical next step. This decision should be predicated on a comprehensive understanding of your firm’s needs, your clients’ needs, and the market conditions.
It’s essential to clearly articulate why you want to open a second office and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals associated with this expansion. In doing so, you can track the success of your new office against these targets.
Remember, opening a second office is not just a marketing strategy, it’s an operational decision that can profoundly affect your firm’s future. Make sure it aligns with your long-term vision and contributes tangibly to the growth and development of your firm.
When it comes to opening a new office, several key factors need to be considered to ensure a smooth transition and successful establishment. Each of these aspects will directly influence your firm’s operations, reach, and growth potential in your new location.
Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential points to consider.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it forms a solid foundation for your strategic planning process. The successful opening of a second office depends on careful consideration of these factors, aligning each step with your overall firm’s goals and vision.
If Local SEO is your main consideration (ranking your office for relevant searches in a new geographic market), keep these in mind:
By following these steps, you can mitigate risks, optimize resources, and set a solid foundation for your new office, aligning each action with your overarching business goals. Whether you’re just starting to contemplate expansion or already well into your planning, this checklist can serve as a valuable roadmap to ensure nothing is overlooked. Let’s dive in.
Just twenty years ago, the yellow pages, TV, billboards, and mailers were the primary means of lawyer advertising.
But with more people searching for legal information on the internet than ever before, investing in these channels won’t cut it for law firms looking to maximize their reach.
So, how can lawyers stand out from the crowd, and ultimately attract more of their best cases? In our experience, it’s thorough, compelling, and strategic law firm content marketing.
Content marketing refers to the process of creating and publishing content to attract potential clients. While traditional advertising focuses on selling, content marketing provides relevant information that builds brand recognition and authority.
The goal is to create content that focuses on the client’s needs, whether that’s through answering a question or guiding them through the different aspects of their claim or lawsuit. Ultimately, content marketing for law firms should build trust with potential clients by drawing them into your brand.
Several types of content help achieve this goal, including but not limited to:
By utilizing more than one form of content, you can establish your firm as a reliable and trustworthy resource for potential clients.
At first glance, content marketing for law firms may seem like a trivial form of advertisement. However, statistics show otherwise.
According to the Content Marketing Institute, businesses that adopt content marketing have conversion rates six times higher on average than those that don’t. That’s because clients like to feel connected to a business before they seek services. This is especially true for legal services since the problems affecting clients are often stressful and life-changing.
As a result, content marketing does something that paid search and advertisements alone cannot—it creates a deep trust between potential clients and your practice. That connection through targeted, useful content is what gets quality leads in the door.
There are a variety of ways to establish a connection with your ideal clients using content marketing. However, the most common and effective method is by building your content around ideal client personas.
A persona is a specific, fictional representation of a client you want to serve. For law firms, it’s usually best to create a persona for each practice area you have. While some may have overlapping demographic or psychographic information, this helps differentiate content down the line. Be sure to include information like:
This data serves as the basis of your content marketing strategy and plays an essential role in topic selection, keyword research, and more. You know your clients better than anyone else, so use that information to your advantage.
Even locale or the potential client’s “geo” comes into play. For example, someone who’s been in an accident would need an attorney who is familiar with the specific fault/no-fault laws in their state. Criminal laws are state-specific too. So are laws around dog bites and premises liability.
So how does one go about marketing to individuals who find themselves in need of a local attorney who knows the intricacies of local laws?
It’s got to be the content. It’s the ways in which you skillfully arrange your messages so you draw your audience in. It’s how you understand where and how to use keywords throughout your piece. It’s about your connections with other authoritative sources on the web–linking, and ultimately, guiding the user toward the answers they need.
[ READ: Google Shows Localized Results for Informational Legal Keywords 81% of the Time ]
When a potential client searches for an answer to their question, chances are they’ll use a search engine like Google. In addition, they’re likely to click on the first link they see. So, how do you get your firm to the top of search results? This practice is what’s known as search engine optimization or SEO.
SEO is perhaps the most elusive aspect of content marketing. Search engines update their algorithms frequently, changing their evaluation standards for content relevance. However, there are some basic principles that help make your website and associated content rank higher on search engines.
Using keywords in content, creating unified business listings, and generating reviews all help improve search ranking if done properly.
[ READ: 100s of SEO Tips for Law Firms ]
Once a potential client clicks on your content, they will immediately look for an answer to their question. For example, if someone looks up “California car accident statute of limitations,” your content should provide the answer.
However, it’s also a chance to briefly show the unique qualifications of your firm, whether that’s board certification, years of experience, ratings, results, or testimonials. While these shouldn’t detract from the topic of your content, they often help convince the client to call and set up a consultation.
Generally, this conversion is most likely to happen when the reader finds your firm through an organic search, rather than a paid ad. In addition, leads from organic searches are usually much higher quality than those from paid sources.
When it comes to law firm marketing, quality is better than quantity. To create an authoritative online presence, it’s important to produce transparent, informative content. This not only affects your firm’s reputation with clients but also affects your search ranking.
Search engines like Google and Bing look at certain pieces of data to determine the quality of content versus comparable content from other sources. In many cases, these other sources are competing law firms. Since this evaluation is based on the search intent of the potential client, your content should be:
By combining these practices, you can bring relevant traffic to your website and convert them into quality leads. That’s the power of helpful, targeted content.
Here at Juris Digital, we believe a sound content marketing strategy is vital to helping law firms get more clients. Every firm has its own challenges, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.
Instead, it’s important to focus on pain points and the specific results you want to see. Do you want higher-quality leads? Do you want to increase search engine rankings? Or, do you want to improve your presence in local listings? All of these and more can be accomplished through our services.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what that might look like.
Before we begin building a strategy, we want to get to know the ins and outs of you and your firm. Information about your experience, results, desired cases, and more help shape your firm’s brand and provide a strong foundation for future content. Identifying the strengths of your practice is an essential part of your content strategy since it helps create a value proposition that distinguishes you from competitors.
Once we get to know more about your firm, we can start identifying your target audience and topics they may be interested in. Maybe your potential clients need help finding a copy of their accident report, or maybe they want to know more about starting a business in their state. This helps inform future content creation and distribution.
Before the pen hits the proverbial paper, determine what keywords you want to show up for in Google’s search engine results. In a perfect world, what words or phrases would a potential client type in to see your content on page one? This question serves as the basis for topic discovery. Ultimately, topics should be steeped in data. It’s not uncommon for attorneys, and virtually any would-be marketer to swear by a particular topic; they know that this is what people are looking for.
But then we look at the search volume (the number of people Googling the topic within a given month). More often than not, the results are surprising. It’s not uncommon that we’ll see less than 10 people searching a keyword phrase–one we thought might garner a host of online searches. This is where we do the work. We seek out what’s drawing people in. And then create content around those topics. The bottom line is that we need to create the content that people want to see; not what we think they want to see.
Juris Digital creates content that’s optimized for search engine visibility, utilizing keywords searched by your target audience. These are the people who have been injured, wronged, or in some other way…stuck. They need your expertise and will only connect with you if you show you have what it takes. The right content will make the case for you and compel them to take action.
At Juris Digital, all content is written by attorneys and other legal professionals with two or more years of experience. Every content writer receives extensive training in readability and on-page SEO, and every piece of content is reviewed by a barred attorney. It’s this marriage of legal expertise and digital marketing savvy that sets the stage for next-level online content marketing.
Once you approve your content, we get to work posting it to your website and various marketing channels. This includes any social media accounts tied to your firm. If you want to increase the number of backlinks to your website, we can do that too. Backlinks are an important part of SEO for firms that want to rank highly in competitive markets. There are several ways to build an impactful backlink profile, including:
This is when we determine the best distribution channels for your firm based on your goals and budget. We utilize the most effective content promotion strategies based on content marketing tactics that have worked for hundreds of law firms.
After publishing your content, we’ll provide you with monthly updates on performance. This includes any metrics or KPIs that matter to your firm, such as:
From there, we develop an agenda for the following month targeting any areas that need improvement.
At Juris Digital, we are in the business of helping law firms, both big and small, create an effective content marketing strategy that increases caseloads. The goal of digital content marketing for law firms isn’t just creating a strong brand. It’s about getting more calls, more emails, and more connections. Here are some success stories from existing Juris Digital clients and how we worked with them to grow their business.
When Attorney Michael Silva reached out to us in December 2020, his growth had stagnated at 220 cases per year. Our first step was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his firm’s current marketing strategy. After a few conversations with Michael and his team, we found that he needed a new website that highlighted the brand and its impact on clients’ lives.
From the beginning, we saw the amazing potential of content marketing for Silva Injury Law due to their high-quality testimonials and reviews. At that point, we decided to highlight quotes from those reviews on landing pages, practice area pages, and more.
This wasn’t the only step we took to engage with their audience. As we designed the website, the firm shared some insights about their ideal clients and their approach to personal injury law. Their clients wanted to see themselves reflected in the website’s aesthetics and mission. In addition, Silva Injury Law wanted to be seen as compassionate advocates for every client they serve.
The resulting homepage captures all of these elements into one cohesive design.
Finally, we optimized the firm’s Google My Business listings to increase local visibility and relevant site traffic. This includes addresses, hours, phone numbers, images, and postings for each office location.
Once we launched the site in April 2021, Silva Injury Law saw an increase in leads. By replacing the old content with keyword-targeted pages, straightforward CTAs, and an elegant design, the firm saw a huge increase in accepted cases. How much to be exact? After five months, Silva Injury Law reported a 60% increase over the previous year. This meant that the firm had to be more selective with its cases. However, it also enabled them to set ambitious goals for future growth.
[ READ: How Silva Injury Law Increased New Cases by 60% with Help from Juris Digital ]
In late 2020, Attorney Josh Massingill contacted us after another marketing agency couldn’t deliver consistent results. When we spoke with him, it became clear that he needed a content-focused approach to help improve organic traffic.
We began by revamping the Massingill Law website to focus on their unique practice areas, such as business law, estate planning, and healthcare. This helped distinguish them from their local competitors. In fact, Josh wanted his website to feel unique:
“I was not interested in just slapping our logo on some kind of pre-made thing that looks like it could belong to anybody else. You guys really took the time to figure out what my firm’s image was. What is our brand? What are we trying to portray to the world? And then really kind of translating that into a design and a strategy.”
The result of this branding is a clean, tailored look that highlights the firm’s values and goals. Take a look at the homepage here.
Next, we took an aggressive approach toward content and SEO. This included updated Google My Business listings, content creation, and paid ads. When discussing potential topics with Josh, we found that many of his clients are doctors trying to sell or buy their practice. We immediately began putting blog posts together targeting this audience.
Just nine months after hiring Juris Digital, Massingill Law saw impressive growth. In total, the firm had a 214% increase in organic traffic, a 136% increase in phone call leads, and a 68% increase in contact form leads.
[ READ: How Silva Injury Law Increased New Cases by 60% with Help from Juris Digital ]
If you’re considering adopting content marketing as part of your overall strategy, remember that it is a long-term investment. Any content marketing agency that promises immediate results isn’t being honest. Building a great brand that ranks highly on search engines takes time and consistency.
Without a strong library of content to back up your website, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive quality leads that turn into loyal clients. By consistently curating high-quality content, you’ll help establish your firm as a trustworthy source in your community and garner more business.
This post was last revised with new, up-to-date information on June 22, 2023.
If you’re serious about ranking in Google’s 3 pack, Google Maps or local finder you can’t ignore the importance of citations.
While the importance of citations has decreased over the years, citations are still an important ranking factor and can also provide highly relevant links to your website.
This is especially true for legal and local business directories that already rank for important keywords in your market.
If you’re working for a law firm you probably realize that links and mentions from authoritative legal websites and prominent local business directories are very important.
When you’re building citations you want to focus primarily on QUALITY over QUANTITY. There are a million small legal directories out there but if they don’t provide a ranking benefit or the possibility of referral traffic you can generally stay away from them.
Citations are simply your business name, address, phone number and website listed on a business directory like Yelp.com. In the SEO industry, we call this NAP or NAP+W (Name, Address, Phone Number + Website). These play less of a part in 2023 but are still tables-takes for a successful attorney SEO campaign.
Having accurate and non-duplicative citations can help tell Google that a business is real and it actually exists. Having these from highly recognized sources act as a vote of confidence in their eyes and help with rankings. Although these have been greatly minimized as a ranking factor in 2023, they are still table stake. If you’re a lawyer competing in the Local SEO space, you need to make sure you have the right citations.
There is also a potential added benefit of link equity. Anywhere your NAP is listed, you should also have a link back to your website. This can help with your law firm organic SEO strategy. Take advantage of our local citation list and help improve your rankings.
This list is a curated list we work off of to help guide our citation building efforts for our clients. Since locally relevant directories exist in every metropolitan area like Chamber of Commerce’s, this list should not be considered the end all be all.
You should combine this list with a list you curate in your specific geographic area. Find out what business directories get the attention in your local area and focus on those as well.
This list uses the domain authority metric as a guide of how you could prioritize your efforts. If you care about Local SEO you need to care about citations.
The list here is comprehensive local citations for divorce lawyers, personal injury attorneys, and everything in between but make sure to add to it with niche specific directories.
Below is the raw list of the best citations for local SEO. If you would like the full list with the submit URL’s simply fill out the form below and we will email it right to you.
# | Website Name | Root Domain | Domain Authority | Free or Paid? |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 Find Location | www.2FindLocation.com | 65 | Free |
2 | Acxiom | www.acxiom.com | 75 | Free |
3 | Alphalegal | www.alphalegal.com | 35 | Free |
4 | Angies List | www.Angieslist.com | 89 | Free |
5 | APLawyers | www.aplawyers.com | 26 | Paid |
6 | AttorneyPages | attorneypages.com | 48 | Paid |
7 | Attorneys Lawyer | www.attorneyslawyer.org | 34 | Free |
8 | Avvo | www.avvo.com | 84 | Free |
9 | B2B Yellow Pages | www.b2byellowpages.com | 50 | Free |
10 | BailBond | www.bailbond.com | 38 | Free |
11 | Bankruptcy Attorney Directory | www.bankruptcyattorneydir.com | 22 | Paid |
12 | Best Lawyers | www.bestlawyers.com | 75 | Free |
13 | Bing Places | www.bingplaces.com | 69 | Paid |
14 | Brain Injury Lawyer Directory | www.braininjurylawyerdir.com | 18 | Paid |
15 | Brown Book | www.brownbook.net | 62 | Free |
16 | Car Accident Attorney Directory | www.caraccidentattorneydir.com | 20 | Paid |
17 | Car Accident Lawyer Directory | www.caraccidentlawyerdir.com | 16 | Paid |
18 | Chamber Of Commerce | www.chamberofcommerce.com | 67 | Paid |
19 | City Squares | www.citysquares.com | 56 | Free |
20 | Citysearch | www.citysearch.com | 85 | Free |
21 | CourthouseSquare | www.courthousesquare.com | 27 | Free |
22 | Criminal Attorney Directory | www.criminalattorneydir.com | 17 | Paid |
23 | Cylex | www.cylex-usa.com | 52 | Free |
24 | Dilawctory | www.dilawctory.com | 33 | Free |
25 | Divorce Attorney Directory | www.divorceattorneydir.com | 20 | Paid |
26 | Divorce Magazine | www.divorcemag.com | 57 | Free |
27 | DMV | www.local.dmv.org | 74 | Paid |
28 | DNB | www.dnb.com | 86 | Free |
29 | Dog Bite Lawyer | www.dogbitelawyerdir.com | 18 | Paid |
30 | Domestic Violence Attorney Directory | www.domesticviolenceattorneydir.com | 20 | Paid |
31 | DUI Attorney Directory | www.duiattorneydir.com | 17 | Paid |
32 | ELocal | www.elocal.com | 58 | Free |
33 | Express Update | www.expressupdate.com | 48 | Free |
34 | EzLocal | www.ezlocal.com | 53 | Free |
35 | www.facebook.com | 100 | Paid | |
36 | Factual | www.factual.com | 67 | Paid |
37 | Family Attornet Directory | www.familyattorneydir.com | 21 | Paid |
38 | FInd a Bankruptcy Lawyer | www.findabankruptcylawyer.com | 26 | Free |
39 | Find a Criminal Defense Attorney | www.findacriminaldefenseattorney.com | 36 | Free |
40 | Find a Family Law Attorney | www.findafamilyattorney.com | 26 | Free |
41 | Find a Lawyer by City | www.findlawyersbycity.com | 16 | Free |
42 | Find a Lawyer Free | www.findalawyerfree.com | 25 | Free |
43 | Findlaw | www.findlaw.com | 92 | Free |
44 | ForLocations | www.forlocations.com | 35 | Free |
45 | FourSquare | www.foursquare.com | 94 | Free |
46 | GayLawNet | www.gaylawnet.com | 38 | Free |
47 | GetAttorney | www.getattorney.net | 17 | Free |
48 | GetLawyersOnilne | www.getlawyersonline.com | 23 | Paid |
49 | HG.org | www.hg.org | 85 | Free |
50 | HotFrog | www.hotfrog.com | 67 | Free |
51 | I Lawyer Source | www.ilawyersource.com | 34 | Paid |
52 | Index Lawyer | www.indexlawyer.com | 21 | Reciprocal |
53 | Injury Attorney Directory | www.injuryattorneydir.com | 19 | Paid |
54 | Insider Pages | www.insiderpages.com | 71 | Free |
55 | Justia | www.justia.com | 82 | Free |
56 | Kudzu | www.kudzu.com | 77 | Free |
57 | Law Files | www.lawfiles.net | 29 | Free |
58 | Law Firm Directory | www.lawfirmdirectory.org | 41 | Paid |
59 | Law Firm Offices | www.lawfirmoffices.com | 23 | Paid |
60 | Law Firms | www.lawfirms.com | 43 | Free |
61 | Law Guru | www.lawguru.com | 72 | Free |
62 | Law Info | www.lawinfo.com | 70 | Paid |
63 | Law QA | www.lawqa.com | 40 | Free |
64 | Law Referral Connect | www.lawreferralconnect.com | 41 | Free |
65 | Law Research | www.lawresearch.com | 50 | Paid |
66 | LawLink | www.lawlink.com | 44 | Free |
67 | Lawyer Legion | www.lawyerlegion.com | 29 | Free |
68 | Lawyer Profiles | www.lawyerprofiles.com | 29 | Paid |
69 | Lawyer Solicitor | www.lawyersolicitor.co.uk | 24 | Reciprocal |
70 | Lawyer.com | www.lawyer.com | 54 | Free |
71 | LawyerCentral | www.lawyercentral.com | 41 | Free |
72 | Lawyers Attorney Directory | www.lawyersattorneysdirectory.com | 25 | Free |
73 | Lawyers DB | www.lawyersdb.com | 32 | Free |
74 | Lawyers Law, Cornell | www.lawyers.law.cornell.ed | 94 | Free |
75 | Lawyers US Legal | www.lawyers.uslegal.com | 58 | Free |
76 | Lawyers-and-Solicitors | www.lawyers-and-solicitors.com | 35 | Paid |
77 | Lawyers.com | www.lawyers.com | 86 | Paid |
78 | LawyerUCLA | www.lawyerucla.com | 30 | Paid |
79 | Lead Counsel | www.leadcounsel.org | 52 | Free |
80 | Legal Docs | www.legaldocs.com | 53 | Free |
81 | Legal Free Financing | www.legalfeefinancing.org | 13 | Paid |
82 | Legal Help Mate | www.legalhelpmate.com | 42 | Paid |
83 | Legal Menu | www.legalmenu.com | 27 | Free |
84 | Legal Web Finder | www.legalwebfinder.com | 28 | Free |
85 | List Lawyers | www.list-lawyers.com | 16 | Free |
86 | Local | www.local.com | 69 | Free |
87 | Magic Yellow | www.magicyellow.com | 53 | Free |
88 | Manta | www.manta.com | 87 | Free |
89 | Map Quest | www.mapquest.com | 94 | Free |
90 | Martindale | www.martindale.com | 31 | Paid |
91 | Merchant Circle | www.merchantcircle.com | 85 | Paid |
92 | Mojo Pages | www.mojopages.com | 64 | Free |
93 | MoreLaw | www.morelaw.com | 49 | Free |
94 | My Huckleberry | www.myhuckleberry.com | 46 | Paid |
95 | My Web Yellow | www.mywebyellow.com | 26 | Free |
96 | MyLeagalPractice | www.mylegalpractice.com | 29 | Reciprocal |
97 | Neustar | www.neustarlocaleze.bi | 56 | Paid |
98 | Nolo | www.nolo.com | 87 | Free |
99 | Path Leagal | www.pathlegal.com | 36 | Free |
100 | Riabiz | www.riabiz.com | 44 | Free |
101 | Sales Spider | www.salespider.com | 52 | Free |
102 | Show Me Local | www.showmelocal.com | 59 | Free |
103 | State Lawyers | www.statelawyers.com | 44 | Paid |
104 | Superlawyers | www.attorneys.superlawyers.com | 85 | Free |
105 | SuperPages | www.superpages.com | 83 | Free |
106 | Target Law | www.targetlaw.com | 36 | Free |
107 | Three Best Rated | www.threebestrated.com | 33 | Free |
108 | Thumbtack | www.thumbtack.com | 84 | Paid |
109 | Town-Court | www.town-court.com | 37 | Paid |
110 | Truck Accident Lawyer Directory | www.truckaccidentlawyerdir.com | 18 | Paid |
111 | Tupalo | www.tupalo.com | 58 | Free |
112 | Tuugo | www.tuugo.us | 36 | Free |
113 | US Lawyers DB | www.uslawyersdb.com | 45 | Paid |
114 | USA Attorney Network | www.usattorneynetwork.com | 25 | Paid |
115 | USA Attorneys | www.usaattorneys.org | 21 | Free |
116 | WalletHub | www.wallethub.com | 71 | Free |
117 | Yasabe | www.Yasabe.com | 55 | Paid |
118 | Yellow Pages | www.yellowpages.com | 89 | Free |
119 | YellowBook | www.YellowBook.com | 85 | Free |
120 | Yellowbot | www.yellowbot.com | 70 | Free |
121 | Yelp | www.yelp.com | 94 | Free |
122 | YouTube | www.Youtube.com | 100 | Paid |
123 | Zip Local | www.ziplocal.com | 52 | Paid |
To make your life easier we created a spreadsheet with the direct submit a listing URL for each citation source. Download it here.
The citation list comes in a Google Doc. Once you get the link to the file you will want to go to FILE > MAKE A COPY (so that you have your own copy).
Once you have your copy made you will see how easy I made it for you. I included a list with the domain name, the submit URL (Where available), the domain authority, whether they’re free or paid and notes on the costs per each listing where applicable.
I hate to beat a dead horse, but… Be super sure there are no duplicates before you create a new listing.
Once you’re sure you’re not creating a duplicate all you have to do is click the Submit URL link and fill out the listing as required 🙂
If you’re looking to create the top citations easier check out MozLocal to get the data aggregators and some of the top sources.
In an ever-competitive legal landscape, the ability to generate and nurture leads can be the determining factor for a law firm’s success. Lead generation, when done correctly, can pave the way for a consistent flow of potential clients, which ultimately leads to a robust and thriving law practice.
While it might sound intimidating, the process of generating leads doesn’t have to be a complex puzzle. In fact, with the right strategy and tools, it can become a seamlessly integrated part of your firm’s operations.
By understanding and leveraging the modern tools and strategies at your disposal, you can increase your visibility, build credibility, and establish a reliable client base.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner just starting out, or a seasoned professional looking to boost your firm’s client base, this guide will offer valuable insights. Here, we’ll explore the five key facets of effective lead generation for law firms. These pillars provide a comprehensive understanding of lead generation, which will empower you to attract, convert, and retain prospective clients consistently.
One of the most common yet significant mistakes attorneys make when marketing their law firms is failing to begin with a comprehensive marketing plan tied to their goals. The absence of a structured, strategic plan often results in scattered and ineffective efforts that do little to attract and retain clients. Moreover, without clearly defined goals, it becomes challenging to measure the effectiveness of the firm’s marketing endeavors, making it impossible to identify areas of success and those in need of improvement.
A marketing plan is not merely a checklist of promotional activities. It’s a detailed strategy that aligns with your firm’s objectives, identifies your target audience, and outlines the tactics to reach them. Additionally, it includes mechanisms to track the results of these efforts. This data-driven approach provides a clear picture of your return on investment and the efficacy of each tactic, helping you fine-tune your strategies for better results.
So if you’re here looking for just a quick way to generate quick case leads, check our Local Services Ads (pay per lead), our Pay Per Click Services or read about marketing tips here.
On the other hand, if you want to build an asset that builds over time and creates market qualified leads (MQL’s) on a consistent basis, keep reading.
You are who you are. Don’t be afraid to show the world who you really are and don’t be afraid to give away information.
Building a brand that people know, like, and trust is crucial for law firm owners. A strong brand goes beyond a catchy logo or a memorable slogan; it’s a promise to your clients, a testament to your firm’s reliability, credibility, and professionalism. By building a trustworthy brand, you create a foundation that not only attracts potential clients but also fosters loyalty, as clients will feel confident that they’re in good hands.
A trusted brand begins with consistent, transparent communication across all client interactions, whether online or offline. Establish your firm as an expert authority in your practice area through thought-leadership pieces such as informative blog posts, insightful legal guides, and consistent educational content. This positions your firm as a reliable source of legal information and advice.
Over time, this consistent, valuable communication cultivates trust, making clients more likely to seek your services when they need legal assistance.
Moreover, the trust factor extends to every aspect of your law firm, from the way you handle client inquiries to the way you conduct your services. Upholding client confidentiality, delivering on promises, and providing top-notch legal services are fundamental in gaining and maintaining client trust.
Remember, in the legal field, your reputation is everything, and a brand that is known, liked, and trusted is one of your most valuable assets. By emphasizing these principles, you will not only attract more clients but also create lasting relationships that stand the test of time.
There is no shortage of places where you can get new clients. Like any marketing, consistency & execution is going to play a big part in the success of your campaign and you also shouldn’t expect results overnight. Half of the battle is finding the right channel’s and focusing on them for the long run.
At Juris Digital we have seen the most success when our clients take a structured approach involving these core elements:
I grouped these together as they are the biggest driver or new leads and cases for our clients. Once you start your law firm website or blog you can execute this strategy.
But again – make sure to have a plan. The biggest mistake I see agencies and marketing managers make is not having a clear direction and the activities that need to be executed over a specific timeframe. Have a plan. Stick to it. Measure results and win. This is a long-term asset investment in an asset you’re building.
Using Local Services Ads and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising for attorneys is an excellent method to generate leads for several reasons. Firstly, Local Services Ads, a Google platform, allow attorneys to showcase their services directly at the top of search results, increasing visibility and attracting potential clients.
Secondly, PPC advertising enables targeted campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, ensuring your ads are displayed to users actively searching for legal services. Furthermore, specializing in Google Ads allows for effective utilization of the largest search engine, reaching a vast audience. Lastly, considering Bing ads for PPC campaigns can be cost-effective, as they generally have a lower Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) compared to Google, providing an opportunity to generate leads at a more affordable rate.
Look, the SERP’s are crowded. Just look below and you will see Google Ads, Local Services Ads, Local Results, and Organic Results. And in the organic results, we see law firms and directories. Get listed everywhere you need to for your market. Focus on directories that rank for important keywords in your market (although this will fluctuate).
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is crucial to obtain free leads from search results and Google Maps. By ensuring accurate and up-to-date information, such as your address, phone number, and business hours, potential clients can easily find and contact your law firm.
Additionally, optimizing your profile with relevant keywords and categories improves your chances of appearing in local search results. Positive customer reviews and ratings on your Google Business Profile also enhance your reputation and attract more leads. Finally, taking advantage of features like Google Posts and Q&A allows you to engage directly with potential clients, further increasing your visibility and generating valuable leads.
Looking for more ways? Here is a list of ways lawyers can generate clients online, including specific methods and social media networks:
Remember, it’s important to comply with legal ethics rules and regulations when advertising and promoting legal services online.
In the world of law firm marketing, acquiring a lead is just the first step of the journey. However, one of the most common mistakes made by law firms is abandoning leads too soon. Instead of neglecting leads that don’t immediately convert, firms need to nurture them over time, and this is where Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems come into play.
CRM systems are a crucial tool for law firms aiming to generate consistent cases. These systems not only manage and organize contact information but also track interactions with potential and current clients. They provide a streamlined process to understand where each lead is in the conversion funnel, allowing your firm to provide the right communication at the right time.
These systems also play a vital role in nurturing leads by automating personalized follow-up communications. Regular, relevant touchpoints keep your firm at the forefront of a prospect’s mind, increasing the likelihood of conversion when they’re ready to proceed with legal services. More than a simple contact database, a well-implemented CRM is like a personal assistant, reminding you of critical dates, flagging follow-ups, and making sure no lead falls through the cracks.
Remember, it’s not enough to merely generate leads. By utilizing a CRM system, you’re able to nurture these leads, fostering a relationship over time. When the lead is ready to convert into a client, it’s your law firm they’ll think of first. This nurturing process is key to a sustainable, thriving law practice. So, don’t abandon your leads; instead, utilize a CRM system to effectively nurture them and reap the rewards of a consistent case generation.
As a law firm owner, your time and energy should be dedicated to serving your clients and honing your legal expertise. Let us handle the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing your firm.
Juris Digital is not just another digital marketing agency; we are experts who understand the unique dynamics of law firm marketing. By partnering with us, you’ll gain a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to your firm’s specific goals.
We offer the tools, strategies, and industry expertise necessary to generate consistent cases and ultimately grow your practice. Why wait any longer when your law firm can start making more money on autopilot today?
Contact us at Juris Digital to begin your journey to increased visibility, consistent lead generation, and greater profits. You’re an expert in law; let us be your experts in marketing. Let’s build your success story together.
Fill out the form below to get started.
In the bustling landscape of law firm marketing, hiring an expert marketing consultant can provide the competitive edge your firm needs to thrive.
However, not all marketing consultants are created equal, and the success of your law firm’s marketing endeavors largely hinges on the expertise and abilities of the consultant or company you choose.
Selecting the right consultant is a critical decision that can dictate the trajectory of your firm’s growth and reputation in the marketplace.
The most effective law firm marketing consultants possess a unique blend of skills that allow them to navigate the complexities of the legal industry while also understanding the nuances of modern marketing strategies. They’re adept at identifying the specific needs of your firm and crafting personalized strategies to meet those needs. In the industry we call this T-Shaped marketers.
A T-shaped marketer refers to a professional who possesses a broad understanding of various marketing disciplines (the horizontal part of the T) while also having deep expertise in a specific area (the vertical part of the T). This approach allows attorneys to have a well-rounded skill set across different marketing channels, such as SEO, content marketing, social media, PPC advertising, and more, while also specializing and excelling in a particular aspect that aligns with their firm’s goals and target audience. By embracing the T-shaped marketing strategy, attorneys can effectively navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, optimize their marketing efforts, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth for their law firms.
But how can you be sure you’re selecting a consultant who truly possesses these skills? In this guide, we’ll delve into the top ten skills to look for when hiring an expert law firm marketing consultant, arming you with the knowledge you need to make an informed and beneficial choice.
It’s important that you start by clearly identifying your specific and measurable needs to find the right partner. The need should be the main focus of the vertical part of the “T”. Different firms have different marketing needs, here are some of the most common ones we see:
By clearly identifying your specific marketing needs from this list, you can better assess potential partners and find the right marketing agency that aligns with your firm’s goals and can provide tailored strategies to meet those needs.
Now, let’s look at the qualities you should look for to find the right Attorney Marketing expert on your team.
When it comes to law firm marketing, generic strategies often fall short. The legal sector has its own distinct set of rules, jargon, client expectations, and ethical guidelines, making it essential to have a marketing expert who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the industry. This is not merely a nice-to-have attribute; it’s a non-negotiable qualification for anyone aiming to navigate the intricacies of legal marketing effectively and create strategies that resonate with potential clients.
A marketing consultant with in-depth legal industry knowledge can effectively position your firm in the marketplace, craft compelling messages that address your prospective clients’ unique needs and concerns, and ensure all strategies comply with ethical and professional standards. Moreover, such an expert is equipped to keep your firm at the cutting edge, able to anticipate industry trends and adapt your marketing strategies accordingly.
One example that comes to mind is that if you hire a content marketing company that are generalists they may optimize for brain injury lawyer but not post-concussion syndrome attorneys. The nuances matter.
At Juris Digital, we pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of the legal industry. Our team is composed of marketing professionals who specialize in law firm marketing, ensuring a deep understanding of the legal landscape. This specialization allows us to not only create successful strategies for our clients but also to anticipate potential challenges and adjust plans proactively.
We understand the legal field’s unique intricacies and leverage that knowledge to create powerful marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience and drive growth for your law firm. Choosing Juris Digital means partnering with a team of experts who know your industry as well as you do and are committed to your success.
After all, legal marketing is all that we do.
In the digital age, having an effective online marketing strategy is not just an option but a necessity for law firms. While traditional offline advertising agencies may have been the go-to in the past, the modern legal landscape calls for marketers with specific expertise in digital marketing.
This distinction is critical as digital marketing operates with different methods, analytics, and platforms that a traditional agency may not fully comprehend or utilize.
Digital marketing offers a range of tools and strategies that enable law firms to target and reach their potential clients more effectively and efficiently. From SEO and content marketing to social media and email campaigns, a marketer with digital marketing expertise can leverage these tools to maximize your online presence and client engagement. Furthermore, digital marketing allows for real-time data analysis, enabling quick adjustment of strategies based on performance, a feature not typically available in traditional advertising.
At Juris Digital, our team is comprised of digital marketing experts who understand the nuances of online marketing strategies. Our wealth of experience in digital marketing allows us to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape and deploy the most effective tactics tailored for your law firm.
We’re proficient in all facets of digital marketing, from SEO to social media, content creation, PPC, and beyond. When you choose Juris Digital, you’re choosing a partner with a proven track record in digital marketing, ensuring that your law firm doesn’t just keep pace with the digital age, but leads the pack. We believe in the power of digital, and we’re here to make it work for your law firm.
In the realm of law firm marketing, strategic thinking is a must-have trait. It involves viewing your firm’s marketing from a holistic perspective, foreseeing potential opportunities and challenges, and making calculated decisions that align with your firm’s long-term goals. Strategic thinkers don’t just focus on individual tactics, they weave these tactics into a larger, coherent plan that propels your law firm towards its objectives.
A strategic thinker doesn’t settle for temporary fixes or short-lived success. They think several steps ahead, designing plans that not only address immediate needs but also position your firm for future growth. This foresight allows for the development of scalable strategies that adapt to changes in the legal market, client behaviors, and digital trends.
Juris Digital embodies strategic thinking in every aspect of our service. We recognize that each law firm is unique, with its own set of goals, challenges, and opportunities. As such, we tailor our strategies to suit your specific needs, carefully considering every aspect of your firm’s situation before crafting a customized marketing plan. ‘
We’re not just thinking about your next client; we’re considering how to build your brand, optimize your online presence, and establish a reputation that will attract clients for years to come. Our team’s ability to think strategically ensures that your law firm doesn’t just grow, but thrives in the competitive legal landscape. With Juris Digital, you’re not just getting a marketing service – you’re gaining a strategic partner.
In today’s data-driven world, analytical skills are critical for a law firm digital marketing expert. Without these skills, it’s nearly impossible to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. A law firm SEO expert or an attorney marketing specialist with strong analytical skills can dive deep into the data, extract meaningful insights, and adjust strategies for optimal results.
Analytical skills in the context of law firm marketing mean more than just crunching numbers. It involves understanding what data to collect, how to interpret it, and most importantly, how to apply the insights gained to improve your firm’s marketing strategies. Whether it’s identifying the keywords that are driving traffic to your website, analyzing the behavior of visitors on your site, or assessing the performance of a PPC campaign, analytical skills are crucial.
At Juris Digital, our team is rich in analytical prowess. Our law firm SEO experts and attorney marketing specialists are well-versed in using sophisticated tools to track, measure, and analyze performance data. We don’t just gather data; we translate it into actionable insights, providing you with a clear understanding of your current marketing efforts and where there’s room for improvement. By leveraging our analytical skills, we ensure that every strategy we implement is informed by data, maximizing your return on investment and driving your firm’s growth. With Juris Digital, you’re not just getting a service; you’re getting a partnership with a team of experts who use data to drive your success.
Communication is an integral part of any successful business relationship, and it’s no different when it comes to collaborating with a law firm digital marketing expert. Communication is about more than just sending and receiving messages; it’s about understanding the goals and challenges of your law firm, explaining complex marketing strategies in understandable terms, and maintaining transparency about progress and results.
Strong communication skills ensure that you’re always in the loop about your firm’s marketing strategies and progress. A proficient communicator can break down complex SEO jargon into simple, understandable language, ensuring you’re well-informed about the strategies being implemented and how they’re contributing to your firm’s growth. Additionally, strong communication enables you to voice your ideas, concerns, or questions and receive prompt, clear responses.
Pro Tip: Make sure to have a clear breakdown of your communication standards to make sure it fits with the person / agency you work with. Having proper expectations on both sides always helps makes things easier for everyone.
At Juris Digital, we put a premium on open, clear communication. Our team of digital marketing experts understands that you’re not just seeking a service, but a partnership that keeps you informed and involved. We pride ourselves on being able to translate complex digital marketing concepts into language that attorneys can understand and use to make informed decisions about their firm’s growth. We keep the lines of communication open and clear, ensuring you’re always up to date on your campaign’s progress, the strategies we’re implementing, and the results we’re achieving. With Juris Digital, you won’t be left in the dark; you’ll be an informed partner every step of the way.
When it comes to law firm digital marketing, quality content is king. The power of well-crafted, targeted content should never be underestimated. Content creation and copywriting abilities are crucial for any marketing professional you choose to work with. These skills are instrumental in crafting compelling blog posts, engaging website content, persuasive calls to action, and informative, SEO-friendly articles that resonate with your potential clients and improve your online visibility.
In the legal field, these skills are even more important. Legal content must be accurate, informative, and engaging, all while complying with the industry’s strict ethical guidelines.
A skilled content creator and copywriter can strike this delicate balance, delivering content that both educates your audience and prompts them to take action – be it picking up the phone to call your firm, filling out a contact form, or sharing your content on social media.
At Juris Digital, our team is equipped with robust content creation and copywriting abilities. We understand the art and science of crafting legal content that not only draws in potential clients but also improves your SEO rankings. Our expert writers specialize in creating content that’s tailored to the legal sector, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and engagement.
We know how to tell your firm’s story in a way that connects with your audience and prompts them to take action. With Juris Digital, you’re not just getting content – you’re getting a powerful tool that drives growth and establishes your firm as a leader in your field.
In the competitive legal industry, effective branding and positioning can make all the difference. It’s essential that your law firm marketing expert understands these concepts and can apply them to distinguish your firm from the rest. A strong brand resonates with your target audience, communicates your firm’s unique value, and fosters trust. Proper positioning ensures that your firm stands out in the crowded market and reaches the clients who need your specific services the most.
Understanding branding means knowing how to develop a brand that reflects your law firm’s values, culture, and expertise. It means creating a consistent and compelling brand voice and visuals that set your firm apart. Positioning, on the other hand, is about identifying your firm’s unique selling points and showcasing them to your target audience. It’s about aligning your services with the specific needs of your clients and differentiating your firm from competitors.
At Juris Digital, our expertise extends beyond traditional digital marketing. We understand the importance of branding and positioning in the legal industry. Our team works with you to build a strong, distinct brand that embodies your firm’s ethos and appeals to your target audience. We strategically position your firm in the market, highlighting your unique value proposition and ensuring your services reach the clients who need them the most.
When it comes to law firm marketing, local presence matters significantly. The expert you work with must understand the dynamics of local marketing, knowing how to capitalize on your geographic location to attract more clients. Effective local marketing means being visible where your potential clients are searching, be it on search engines, local directories, or social media platforms.
Local marketing, however, doesn’t require physical presence in every city. At Juris Digital, we have developed a comprehensive local marketing system that effectively promotes your firm in your target geographic markets, big or small. We adhere to specific standards to ensure your firm’s visibility and ranking in local searches, irrespective of our physical presence.
As a remote team spread across various states, we bring a diverse understanding of different local markets. This allows us to tailor our strategies to your specific location, taking into account unique regional factors and competition. The goal? To ensure you’re the first firm local clients think of when they need legal services. With Juris Digital, you’re not just getting local marketing; you’re getting local marketing that’s backed by a system proven to work across diverse geographic markets.
Also, I wrote the book on local marketing for attorneys which you can find on Amazon here 🙂
In today’s digital era, technology is an integral part of effective law firm marketing. Your marketing expert should be familiar with marketing automation and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, which can streamline processes, improve client engagement, and provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
Marketing automation and CRM systems help in organizing client data, tracking client interactions, and automating various marketing tasks such as email marketing, social media posting, and lead nurturing. These systems ensure that no potential client falls through the cracks and help you provide consistent, personalized experiences for your clients.
At Juris Digital, we’re proficient in a variety of these tools, including HubSpot and Clio, among others. We understand how to leverage these technologies to streamline your marketing efforts, enhance client relationships, and ultimately, drive more cases for your firm. Whether it’s setting up automated email campaigns or managing your client database, our team knows how to use these tools effectively to achieve your marketing goals.
Finally, one of the most critical qualifications to consider when hiring a law firm marketing consultant is a proven track record. You need a partner who has demonstrated success in the industry, not just in theory but in practice. A proven track record indicates that they can deliver the results you want, be it increased web traffic, more client leads, improved conversion rates, or enhanced online reputation.
Juris Digital boasts an impressive track record of success in the legal digital marketing field. Our clients’ satisfaction is reflected in our Google reviews, with over 68 reviews and a stellar 4.9 total rating. These reviews represent our commitment to providing high-quality service and delivering tangible results for our clients.
However, our track record extends beyond client satisfaction. We are also recognized for our outstanding work within the industry, with various awards attesting to our expertise and the high quality of our work.
But what matters most to us is the success of our clients. We have helped hundreds of attorneys reach their marketing goals, enabling them to focus on what they do best – practicing law. When you work with Juris Digital, you are not just hiring a marketing consultant; you’re partnering with a proven leader in legal digital marketing.
As a law firm, your primary focus should be on providing top-tier legal services, not on struggling with digital marketing strategies.
The pain of not generating enough leads, the frustration of not converting those leads into paying clients, and the constant worry of not making enough money can be overwhelming. But the good news is, you don’t have to tackle it alone.
At Juris Digital, we understand the unique challenges attorneys face in digital marketing. Our team of law firm marketing experts is ready to step in and turn your pain points into growth points. We’ve helped hundreds of law firms like yours overcome these hurdles and achieve their marketing goals. With a proven track record and unparalleled expertise, we’re committed to helping your firm grow.
But remember, in the digital marketing landscape, timing is everything.
The longer you wait, the more opportunities you lose to your competitors. So, don’t let another day go by in frustration and lost revenue. Contact Juris Digital today, and let’s work together to transform your law firm into a powerhouse in the legal industry.
By now you’re probably tired of hearing all of the buzzwords like AI, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Google Bard and so many others. Or maybe you’re finding it hard to keep up.
It seems like things related to content creation, search, coding, and all things web are moving at the speed of light. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
In addition to all of these cool new tools, search engines are also launching their own at fast pace. Bing is working with OpenAI and Google is rolling out more generative AI directly into search starting this week.
In this article we will discover what generative AI is and how it will impact how people search and find information on companies including law firms.
Think of Generative AI as a young legal apprentice in a large law firm. This apprentice isn’t very experienced yet, but they are incredibly observant and have a near-perfect memory. They start their training by reading through a library of past legal cases, law textbooks, and legal documents. They notice patterns, such as how certain phrases are used, how arguments are structured, and how different laws are applied in different situations.
After a while, the apprentice becomes familiar with the language and structure of legal documents. Now, the senior lawyers at the firm want to see if the apprentice has learned enough to draft a simple legal document, say a contract, by themselves.
The apprentice uses what they’ve learned from studying the library to create a contract. They recall how other contracts were structured, what kind of language was used, and what legal points needed to be included. They draft a new contract that, while it borrows its structure and elements from other contracts they’ve seen, is entirely unique.
This is what Generative AI does. It learns from a massive amount of data (like our apprentice reading the law library), picks up on patterns and structures, and then uses that knowledge to generate new, original content. This content can be anything that can be represented digitally – text, images, music, and so on.
Let’s be real for a moment. There is a real issue with how people find attorneys right now. They can search for anything they want on Google, but is what they are getting truthful? Let’s look at a few examples.
Let’s say a searcher types in “best personal injury attorney in Texas”. Their intent is to truly find the best attorney for their case. They are met with options.
Option 1: A paid position where someone literally pays to imply they’re the “best”.
Option 2: An option that’s more based on past client reviews. A better solution IMHO
Option 3: A website who is trying to curate information and sell something. What’s their motive?
Option 4: Directories based different award criteria.
Option 5: Law firms optimized for these keywords (also implying they’re the best).
While there are many points to be made here (including potential ethical ones), the main takeaway I’m trying to reach right now is that search is broken.
It’s one sided.
You’re seeing what us marketers want you to see.
Will that change?
I don’t think so, but what will change is the need for your law firm to be the best publicly recognized and marketed firm.
For a decade or more I have been screaming from the rooftops that to get the best results in search results you need to be everywhere clients are looking. Call it barnacle SEO, share of search, or whatever you want, that is about to get more intense.
Let’s start by looking at example from Bard for that same search query and see what comes back.
And now let’s ask Chat GPT 4 the same question. For example purposes I did this without web browsing (which we will get into soon).
The takeaway here is that only one of the three attorneys showed up on two different lists.
So where are they getting their data from? Let’s ask!
While ChatGPT was not very specific in data it will give a list of general directories it pulls from. Bard on the other hand is more willing to share this information as you can see below:
And on Bard’s list you will notice several pay to play listings.
Whether it’s right or wrong, this is just an initial iteration. These are going to change and change fast.
One of the things I see coming down the pipeline with this data given real time access is the ability to quickly vouch for a firm digitally by understanding average client reviews across all listings, legitimate awards, legitimate recognition, and paid or sponsored content separated. This will help potential clients make better decisions in the blink of an eye.
And now we’re at the point where we should discuss what your firm should be doing to stay on top of all of this.
In my opinion it’s a great time to really take a look at the list of top legal directories, citation lists, local business directories and ensure the information for your firm is accurate, up to date, and comprehensive.
It’s a good time playing around Bing, ChatGPT, Bard, and others to understand what sources they deem the most reputable. And even if they’re Pay-to-play it’s time to reconsider if you should appear there.
Only time will tell what the true implications of this will be, but the firms that are the best prepared are going to have the most success. And as generative AI gets integrated into more search engines, smart assistants, and software the the decisions on what search engines are the most important or popular might change too.
Our team specializes in designing custom marketing plans tailored specifically to your firm’s unique needs. We are dedicated to helping your firm thrive and boost its profitability.
Don’t spend your valuable time worrying about marketing strategies – leave that to us. At Juris Digital, we focus on growing your firm, so you can concentrate on what truly matters to you – providing top-notch legal service to your clients.
Don’t wait, seize the opportunity now. Click here to get in touch with Juris Digital and let’s start creating your custom marketing plan today. Together, we can make your law firm more successful than ever.
Welcome to the world of “blogging for lawyers.” As a marketing expert for Juris Digital, I understand how the power of a well-crafted blog can help attorneys and law firms reach a wider audience and, most importantly, attract more clients. In the era of digital marketing, blogging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
Here, we’ll explore 10 critical tips to help you improve your legal blogging efforts in 2023 and increase your client base.
Before diving in, I’d like to extend an invitation to partner with Juris Digital. Our team offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to help you optimize your legal marketing strategies.
Blogging is a critical element in an attorney’s digital marketing strategy. It provides an invaluable platform to showcase your expertise, differentiate yourself from competitors, and demonstrate your ability to solve potential clients’ legal problems. Through consistent, high-quality blog posts that address common legal issues, queries, and concerns, you establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field.
When prospective clients need legal services, your informative blog posts—optimized for search engines—will be front and center during their online research. This visibility gives you the opportunity to engage with them at the precise moment they need your services, increasing the likelihood of converting them into actual clients.
A well-crafted blog thus serves as a proactive approach to getting in front of potential clients, helping them to see the value of your services when they need them most.
Understanding the target audience is crucial for lawyers aiming to create impactful, relevant content. To get to know their potential clients better, attorneys can utilize various strategies, including conducting client interviews and surveys, monitoring online discussions on legal forums, and engaging with social media conversations around legal topics.
One of the most direct and effective methods, however, is simply talking to clients.
During consultations or case reviews, attorneys can ask clients about their concerns, what information they sought when looking for a lawyer, and what factors ultimately influenced their decision. This direct interaction provides rich insights into clients’ thought processes and information needs, equipping attorneys with invaluable knowledge to craft a blog that speaks directly to their target audience’s interests and concerns.
Performing extensive keyword research is a critical part of blogging because it helps bloggers understand the language their target audience uses when searching for information online. By incorporating these keywords into their content, bloggers can improve their blog’s visibility on search engines, thereby reaching a larger audience. It’s also a way to ensure the content they create aligns with what their audience is actually searching for, making their posts more relevant and helpful.
However, while keyword research is useful, it can sometimes be overrated. This is because it can lead to an overemphasis on SEO at the expense of creating genuinely useful and engaging content. Additionally, keywords can change rapidly, and keeping up with these shifts can be challenging.
For attorneys, a simpler and more authentic approach might be to pay close attention to the questions and concerns their clients and staff members bring up. By addressing these topics in blog posts, they can ensure they’re creating content that directly meets the needs of their clients. This approach is not only easier but also more in line with the primary goal of a blog: to provide valuable, relevant information to readers.
High-quality content is an absolute must for attorneys for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps build trust with potential clients. If your blog posts are informative, well-written, and accurate, readers will recognize your expertise and be more likely to consider your services when they need legal help. Secondly, search engines reward high-quality content with better rankings, making your blog more visible to potential clients.
But what does high-quality content mean? In the context of legal blogging, it refers to content that is clear, concise, and comprehensive, addressing readers’ legal concerns and questions in depth.
It means writing in a professional yet accessible manner, using language that your audience can easily understand. Moreover, it involves ensuring that all information provided is current and accurate, upholding the ethical standards of the legal profession. High-quality content is about creating real value for your readers, establishing your blog as a reliable resource for legal information.
Adherence to legal ethics when writing blog content might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth reiterating its importance. As attorneys, you’re held to high ethical standards in every aspect of your professional life, and these standards extend to your online content.
When creating blog posts, you must ensure that the information provided is accurate, truthful, and does not mislead readers. This means avoiding any form of false advertising or making unverifiable claims. Additionally, you should refrain from providing specific legal advice that could be misconstrued as forming an attorney-client relationship.
[Although we’re a big fan of client case studies where you have permission to share details!]
Breaching these ethical guidelines can lead to professional misconduct and damage your reputation, not to mention potential legal ramifications. In essence, adhering to legal ethics when blogging isn’t just about maintaining professionalism—it’s an essential aspect of preserving trust and credibility with your audience and within your profession.
As attorneys, showcasing your expertise through blogging is a strategic move for attracting prospective clients. When potential clients are seeking legal services, they’re often dealing with complex, sensitive issues. They want to entrust their case to someone knowledgeable, experienced, and competent.
By using your blog to demonstrate your depth of understanding in your area of law, you’re not only providing valuable information to your readers, but also positioning yourself as an expert in your field. You might write about recent changes in legislation, provide insights into intricate legal procedures, or discuss case studies, always highlighting your informed perspective and professional experience.
When readers see the high level of expertise in your blog content, they’re likely to feel more confident about choosing your services over those of another attorney. In essence, showing off your expertise through your blog can help build trust with your audience, differentiate you from competitors, and ultimately lead to more client engagements.
Featuring client testimonials on your law firm’s blog can significantly enhance its credibility and impact. Testimonials offer a real-world endorsement of your services, demonstrating to potential clients that others have had positive experiences working with you.
This social proof can help alleviate any concerns or reservations prospective clients might have about seeking your legal counsel. Moreover, client testimonials add a personal touch to your blog, showing that behind the legal jargon and professional exterior, there are satisfied clients who’ve benefited from your expertise and dedication.
This can help build trust, establish an emotional connection with potential clients, and provide the extra reassurance they may need to choose your services. Essentially, client testimonials serve as powerful, authentic, and relatable endorsements of your law firm’s capabilities.
This is an example of “Do as I say, not as I do”. You will notice I have not included too many CTA’s in this, that was just because I’m trying to capture your full attention :). But with that said…
Including strong calls-to-action (CTAs) in legal blogs is essential for driving engagement and conversions. While the primary goal of a blog post may be to provide informative content, ultimately, attorneys want readers to take some action—be it scheduling a consultation, signing up for a newsletter, or simply reaching out for more information. A compelling CTA is a clear, concise directive that guides readers towards this next step.
It creates a sense of urgency and serves as a bridge between the informative content of the blog post and a tangible next step towards using your legal services. Without a strong CTA, readers might appreciate the information provided but may not feel motivated or clear about how to engage further with your law firm. A well-crafted CTA, therefore, is an essential tool in converting blog readers into potential clients.
A regularly updated blog is a healthy blog. Consistency in publishing new, relevant content not only keeps your audience engaged but also contributes positively to your SEO.
Leverage tools like Google Analytics to understand how your blog is performing. This data can offer insights to help you adjust your blogging strategy and make improvements.
Even though Google Analytics 4 is a bit of a dumpster fire you need to have somewhere to track the performance. This is the only way to be successful with any digital marketing strategy.
Regularly updating your blog is crucial for attorneys aiming to establish and maintain topical authority—a key concept in SEO and digital marketing. Topical authority refers to your website’s credibility and expertise in a specific field, in this case, a particular area of law. When you consistently publish new, high-quality blog posts on relevant legal topics, search engines recognize your site as a valuable resource and are more likely to rank your pages higher in search results.
This improved visibility can attract more potential clients to your site. Moreover, frequent updates keep your content current and relevant to your readers, providing them with the most up-to-date legal information and advice. It shows potential clients that you’re active, engaged, and invested in helping them navigate their legal concerns, further building trust and credibility for your law firm. Thus, regular blogging is a strategic move towards achieving topical authority, enhancing SEO, and ultimately, attracting more clients.
Effective blogging is a multi-faceted endeavor that, when done correctly, can significantly boost your law firm’s online presence, reputation, and client base. By understanding the importance of blogging, getting to know your target audience, performing keyword research, creating high-quality content, adhering to legal ethics, showcasing your expertise, featuring client testimonials, including strong CTAs, regularly updating your blog, and measuring its performance, you are setting your law firm on the path to blogging success.
But we know that attorneys are busy individuals with a myriad of responsibilities. That’s where Juris Digital comes in. Our team of experienced legal marketing professionals can take over your blogging needs, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your firm and serving your clients. We’re here to optimize your online presence and help you turn your blog into a powerful tool for attracting more clients and generating more revenue.
Don’t let the potential of your blog remain untapped. Contact Juris Digital today and let us help you transform your blog into a major asset for your law firm. Let’s work together to make your web presence a powerful engine for growth in 2023 and beyond.