7 Simple Steps to Grow your Firm
How to take your law practice to the next level
No matter if you are starting out or have been practicing for over a decade, you need to new clients to keep your practice going. Growing your firm can be hard work, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these seven simple steps to build your firm in 2018:
- Find Referral Sources. The key to growth is a comprehensive marketing strategy. Part of your marketing campaign should include focusing on referral sources. Networking is a huge part of this. Meeting attorneys outside of your practice area is a great way to start a two-way referral system.
- Build your referral network. Reach out to old law school classmates, attend bar association meetings, join local attorney groups. You need to cultivate and foster relationships with other attorneys so that they will feel confident in referring potential clients your way. Their name is on the line too when they are making the referral. Always ask how a prospective client found you and be sure to thank the referral source.
- Be an industry leader. Name recognition will not only help you with prospective clients but also with fostering referrals from other attorneys. Speak at local bar associations, guest speak on a well-respected podcast, write legal articles, host webinars – do anything you can to be seen and heard in your practice area.
- Consider Cross-Promotion. If there is a related practice area or even another kind of business that complements your firm, consider networking with them. Think about your ideal client and what other services that they may need – reach out to those industries.
- Become a trusted content source. Use newsletters, blogging, social media and your website to become a trusted content source for potential clients as well as referral sources. Provide relevant information that answers questions about your practice area. Be the go-to source for information, and you will be at the forefront of people’s minds. Send your newsletter regularly with programs like MailChimp, constant contact and others that will take the guesswork out of sending a regular publication.
- Give a little to get a lot. You need to be sure that you are referring out clients as well. Instead of merely turning a lead away because they are outside of your practice area, find another attorney to refer them to. Build relationships with referral attorneys, and you will get referrals in return. Always remember the power of reciprocity.
- Find the time. One of the hardest things for attorneys to commit to is dedicating time to something besides the practice of law. Law school taught you to be a great lawyer, not a great business owner. Growing your firm doesn’t have to take up every waking hour. By finding a little bit of time to foster relationships with potential referral sources, build yourself as an industry leader and develop strategies for attracting new customers you can reach the next level sooner than you think.
For more on growing your firm with less risk, contact Amicus Media Group today. We are dedicated to helping law firms acquire more cases without breaking the bank. We take a unique approach to drive more cases to your office through media buying, media management, performance marketing, campaign financing and creative production. Contact us today for more information.