03 Sep 9 Reasons Why Your Law Firm Needs a Social Media Presence
A solid social media strategy is the first step in convincing future clients to interact with your website. Seventy-two percent of Americans use social media. Many of these people visit social sites multiple times per day. Though some think of social media as a place for memes, funny videos, and celebrity gossip, social media can also be a powerful business tool. Social media is an inexpensive way for businesses to share their message.
Like other businesses, law firms – especially small and solo law firms – can benefit from using social media. Research shows that potential law firm clients spend an average of 16 minutes per hour on various social media platforms. Therefore, it makes sense for law firms to create engaging social media posts to attract these clients. Read on to learn 9 reasons why your law firm needs a social media presence.
Reason #1 – Social media can help your firm get clients.
Some lawyers are resistant to use social media because they do not believe it will generate leads. However, studies show that lawyers can convert social media posts into clients. A recent report found that 35 percent of firms said that they received new clients as a result of their social media activities. This number is an increase over the previous figure of 24 percent. Another study found that over half of the firms surveyed reported an increase in clients after increasing their social media presence. With stats like these, it’s no question that aw firms can successfully use social media to find new clients.
Reason #2 – Social media can drive traffic to your website.
Over seventy percent of law firms generate new cases through their websites. Because social media posts often link to the firm’s website, these posts can drive traffic to your website. According to a recent study, the social site LinkedIn generates nearly half of all law firm traffic.
Reason #3 – Clients expect you to use social media.
Though social media began as a way for people to interact with one another, increasingly, people expect to act with the businesses they support via social media as well. Findlaw’s lawyer marketing team found that the importance of social media among legal consumers jumped 70 percent in just one year. The Findlaw team also found that over 75 percent of millennials would be more likely to retain a lawyer or firm with an active social media presence. Successful firms will adapt to the changing wants and needs of today’s legal consumers.
Reason #4 – Social media will help you keep up with the competition.
Even if your firm is not on social media, your competitors are. According to the latest statistics, 70 percent of firms use social media as part of their overall marketing strategy. Since the legal marketplace is highly competitive, firms that fail to capitalize on the latest trends risk falling behind the pack and losing clients to competitors. Developing a clear social media strategy will place you on equal footing with your rivals.
Reason #5 – Social media will help you build your brand identity.
Giving your firm a unique brand will help potential clients remember you. It will also help you set yourself apart from your competitors. Your firm has a unique story to tell which can be accomplished through social posts across Instagram and Facebook, especially. Your brand tells potential clients what makes your firm unique. Social media allows your firm to define its brand and share that brand with the public.
Reason #6 – Social media can establish you as a thought leader.
While the term “thought leader” might seem intimidating, when it comes to social media, thought leadership simply means proving useful information or commenting on the news of the day. Today’s consumers look for information in a variety of places. People searching for attorneys might come across informative social media posts. Posts such as legal tips of the day can position you as a thought leader. Those who are not yet looking for representation will remember your insights when they or someone they know are looking for representation. A few regular posts on relevant subjects will go a long way toward establishing you as a leader in your practice area.
Reason #7 – Social media can help you highlight good news about your firm.
Though some people still follow traditional news sources, more and more people get news from their social media networks. Firms can use social networks to help them spread good news quickly. If your firm has won a prestigious award or a major verdict, highlighting it on social media will allow your followers, your potential clients, and your competitors know where your firm excels. Additionally, client testimonials with quotes or statements provided by clients on Google or Facebook reviews, for example, are a great way to highlight positive feedback about your firm.
Reason #8 – Social media can make you more approachable.
Being involved in a lawsuit can be a frightening experience. Even more, whether because of bad lawyer jokes, television shows, or prior experiences, many clients find lawyers intimidating. Social media allows lawyers to break down these barriers. Social posts that are lifestyle-focused, can show who the person behind the professional title is. For example, sharing things such as your favorite sports team, books you’re reading, or leisure activities make you as the attorney more approachable.
Reason #9 – Social media can help you share videos.
Video is the future of business marketing. A report from a UK marketing firm found that by 2020, videos will comprise 82% of all internet traffic. The same report found that four times as many people prefer video to reading. In addition, people are 64% are more likely to purchase a product or service after watching a video. These statistics prove that firms must include video as part of their marketing strategy. Luckily, many social channels are designed and optimized for sharing video content.
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The nine reasons above prove that every firm – no matter how big or small – needs a social media strategy to grow and generate new clients. If you want to take advantage of social media but don’t have the time or the know-how, contact our team at Social Channel Marketing Group. With attorneys are on staff, we understand the nuances of being a lawyer and how to effectively market your law firm.
Our expert team will implement the right strategy to help set your firm apart from the competition. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation!
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