Website Accessibility Lawsuits Hit Record Number

picWhy Every Law Firm Needs to Have an ADA Accessible Website

It is projected that by the end of 2018 there will be a record 10,000 ADA Title III lawsuits filed in federal courts.[1]  Many feel that a large amount of website accessibility lawsuits are fueling this exponential growth.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, requiring businesses to provide equal opportunity and access for individuals with disabilities.  Lawsuits across the United States have made it abundantly clear that websites are an integral part of doing business and must also be accessible to all individuals.  While the Department of Justice has sidelined publishing guidelines for what makes a website ADA compliant, most have agreed on the recommendations put forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

 

Now is the Time to Act

On December 26, 2017, the Department of Justice announced the withdrawal of the previously announced Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking pertaining to title II and title III of the ADA.  Many had anticipated the publication of rules specific to website accessibility since lawsuits had begun to pop up across the country.  The decision to withdraw any rulemaking on website accessibility meant a huge increase in the number of lawsuits.  Without firm guidance by the DOJ, attorneys have been left to fight it out in court costing tens of thousands of dollars for each lawsuit.

 

Bottom line: If you have a firm website you need to comply with current accessibility guidelines (WCAG), or you could get sued.  The lack of government-issued compliance standards for private business websites will not exempt you from lawsuits.

 

Understanding and Meeting WCAG

Website accessibility boils down to making your website accessible to all users including those that have a physical or mental impairment.  WCAG 2 is broken down into four broad Principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).  There are three levels of compliance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.  All law firm websites should try to achieve Level AA compliance or better. Your website developer should be able to walk you through the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and how to bring your law firm website into compliance.  You do not have to sacrifice SEO friendly images and videos to make your website accessible.  You just have to follow the guidelines for non-text and time-based media such as providing captions and text alternatives.

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Benefits of an Accessible Website

Not only can an accessible website save you from a lawsuit, but it can also bring you more clients, increase your search engine rankings and improve the user interface component of your website for all of your firm’s clients.  One of the key components to come out of website accessibility lawsuits is the unavoidable nexus between the brick-and-mortar storefront and a business’s website.  In Gil v. Winn Dixie Stores, Inc. the court found that the grocery store’s website was inaccessible to the visually impaired and ruled that “where a website is heavily integrated with physical store locations and operates as a gateway to the physical store locations… the website is a service of public accommodation and is covered by the ADA.”

 

If you have a website, all users should be able to use it without interference.  Law firm websites should be able to interface with screen readers such as JAWS and be easily navigable.  Failure to comply with these regulations could cost you tens of thousands.  If your website can be found on Google, you need to make sure that it can be accessed by all potential clients.

 

Getting Started with Website Accessibility

Amicus Media Group prides itself on being at the forefront of ADA accessible websites.  We will work with you to produce a comprehensive ADA policy for your website.  We will help you bring your website into compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards by running a web accessibility evaluation tool that can determine problem areas.  Accessible design is the now and the future.  Amicus will help your firm stay on top of website accessibility standards to create an enhanced user experience for all potential clients no matter what hurdles they may have.

 

 

This blog post does not contain legal or financial advice. Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.

 

 

 

[1] https://www.adatitleiii.com/2018/07/website-access-and-other-ada-title-iii-lawsuits-hit-record-numbers/

Law Firm Marketing – The Truth Behind TV

picWith a large shift in the focus of legal marketing to digital, many attorneys wonder if television advertising is still relevant and more importantly if it is still effective.  Without question, the way we are watching tv is changing.  We can watch shows from a device in the palm of our hand; we can pick and choose the time and day that we watch an episode, and can even binge-watch entire series in a weekend.  How television is being consumed is changing, but its effectiveness is not.  Simply put, there is no better medium to convey your message than a tv advertisement.  Even better, the ability for advertisers to understand your market is exponentially higher than it was just a few years ago.  This means that television advertisements can be catered to your target audience to get you the most significant return on your investment.  You have more insight today on what your ideal client watches, their purchasing habits and when they are tuned in making advertising much easier and more profitable than ever before.

 

It’s the Size that Counts

So, what makes television advertising still so valuable?  Size.  Television commercials can reach a broader audience than any other type of advertising.  Television is compelling because it can reach millions of people.  Now merely reaching millions of people is not the ultimate goal of your investment.  You want to see a return.  Knowing the estimated reach and frequency of your advertising efforts before they run can be crucial to see your investment pay off.  The more exposure you have to the right audience, the better chances you have of getting a new client from the advertisement.  You want to make an impression that lasts so that consumers will remember your firm when they need legal help.

 

You May Not be Advertising on TV, But Your Competitors Are

According to the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, law firms spent nearly $900 million on television advertising in 2015.  This was a 68% increase from what they spent just seven years before.  Legal advertising on TV grew at a rate six times faster than other industries.  Other attorneys are spending large amounts of money to secure commercial space, if you want to compete – you should be doing it too.  The key to advertising on television is creating a unique, impactful commercial that speaks to your target audience.  You do not want to be a mirror image of every other personal injury attorney on the market.  You want to create a robust, lasting image that stands out in a crowd.  You want a professional commercial that connects with your consumer.  Research your competitors and how they are advertising.  Find what makes your firm unique and most importantly, work with a media buying team that understands your firm, your goals, and your market.

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All about the Numbers

One of the best features of television advertising in 2018 and beyond, is that you can truly get a sense of what is working and what is not.  Analytics provide the answers to what brings clients in the door.  The data that can now be collected from television advertisements is unlike any other.  Data on your ideal market will help you determine how to advertise at the right time and the right place.  Once you find out when what and where your customers are watching, you can tailor a campaign specific to them.

 

Want more?  Contact Amicus Media Group today for a free consultation.  We offer media buying options for law firms large and small.  Our team is dedicated to finding clients that need your help through targeted advertising on television, digital and radio.  With decades of experience, we will help you understand the benefits of a comprehensive marketing campaign.  Call us today at (888) 700 – 1088 to take your firm to the next level.

 

 

 

This article does not contain legal or financial advice.  Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.

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Join Amicus Media Group at CAALA Vegas 2018

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Labor Day weekend is just around the corner.  Join Amicus Media Group in attending the nation’s largest convention of trial attorneys as CAALA takes over Las Vegas From August 30 to September 2, 2018, at the beautiful Wynn Resort.  We will be catching the wave of justice along with over 2800 attendees from around the country to discuss a variety of topics and developments in trial advocacy.  This CAALA annual convention is one-of-a-kind offering 20 hours of MCLE Credit including 4 hours of Ethics, 1 hour of Elimination of Bias and 1 hour of Competence Issues.  You will have many opportunities to network with industry leaders, experts and trial lawyers in the daily breakout sessions offered on a wide selection of focus areas.

 

The excitement begins Thursday afternoon with Perspectives from the Bench – A Roundtable Discussion from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.  This opening session will feature 7 judges discussing everything from court demeanor to closing statements.  After the afternoon breakout session, meet your fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors at the Tropicana Nights Kickoff Party in the Latour Ballroom.  Wrap up the convention with a Luau-themed cocktail party on Saturday night.

 

We look forward to seeing you there.  If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time.  Register now and let us know you’ll be attending.

How to Become a More Efficient Marketer in 4 Easy Steps

An Attorney’s Guide to Effective Legal Marketingpic

Training an attorney to become an effective marketer can be challenging.  There is a certain stigma in the legal profession about marketing in general.  What most attorneys miss is the fact that they can add value to their firm by becoming a more efficient marketer.  Whether you work as a solo practitioner, a large law firm or somewhere in-between, building your marketing portfolio will help you and your firm.

Marketing encompasses more than building media campaigns.  Becoming an effective marketer as an attorney begins with understanding how to best leverage marketing communications, developing strong client relationships, establishing yourself as a leader in the field and implementing technology in your firm.

 

Step 1: Communication is Key

Individual attorneys can do a great deal for their firm by merely attending conferences and networking.  Not only will you satisfy continuing legal education requirements mandated by your state bar but you will also be given a chance to meet other attorneys.  Conferences today allow you to choose from local, niche topics to broad, national coverage.  The networking potential is endless.  You will be able to connect with other attorneys in your field and obtain sources for referrals.  Conferences also provide an excellent opportunity to promote your practice and showcase the work your firm is doing.

Social media is another excellent, often untapped resource for attorney marketing.  All attorneys should have an up-to-date LinkedIn page.  It is one of the most important forms of online social networking.  In addition to firm pages on all of the major social media platforms, attorneys should have individual professional pages that can be linked to firm sites.

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Step 2: The Attorney-Client Relationship

Attorneys should always strive to strengthen client relationships.  Building strong client relationships begins and ends with client satisfaction.  Does the client feel like you are staying in communication with them?  Are they updated regularly about the case?  Do you take the time to have meaningful conversations on a regular basis?  If you aren’t keeping clients happy, then they will not be referring your services.  Marketing is more than just a website or newsletter; it is about growing your firm.  Responding to client’s needs and providing solutions to their problems is a vital part of selling and ultimately promoting your firm.

 

Step 3: Add it to the Resume

Taking the time to develop your personal brand as an attorney and seek out opportunities that will promote you as a leader in the field will make it easier to “sell” you to potential clients.  Professional development as an attorney not only adds value to your firm but all aspects of your legal career. The more respected you are as an authority, the more likely that other firms will refer you cases.  Professional development starts with seeking out educational opportunities, speaking engagements, and mentorship programs in your field.  Do not be afraid to write legal articles for your local bar association or legal magazine on hot topics.  If you have specialized knowledge, showcase it.

 

Step 4: Technology

As an industry, attorneys are relatively slow to adopt technology into their practice.  In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, we simply do not have the luxury to wait.  Adaptation of technology is not only critical to growing your firm, but it is also an ethical obligation by governing bodies like the American Bar Association.  In 2012, Comment [8] to Rule 1.1 was modified to require that “a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.”

Your knowledge of marketing technology should include your customer relationship management system, how to update your website and social media accounts, website analytics, client information databases and security.  If you are unsure about how any of the systems work, you need to take the time to learn.  Do not rely on someone else.  If they leave the firm, they take the knowledge with them.  You want to keep abreast of changes or advances in technology.  The world of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and chatboxes are changing the game of marketing.  You should have an idea of how they work and start implementing them into your business development plan today.

 

Final Thoughts

This article only scratches the surface of how you can become a more efficient marketer as an attorney.  There are many more ways to empower yourself and take success in your hands.  If you would like to learn more about strategies to grow your firm, please contact Amicus Media Group today.  We work with firms of every size to develop comprehensive marketing strategies.  Our goal is to bring quality cases to your firm in cost-effective ways. We are well-versed in media management, performance marketing, and creative production.  Call us today at (888) 700-1088 for a free consultation.

 

 

This blog post does not contain legal or financial advice. Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.

The Importance of CRM in Today’s Law Firm

picWhat Every Attorney Needs to Know About CRM and How to Improve Your Customer’s Experience

Any marketing guru will tell you the importance of Customer Relationship Management (CRM).  In the past, CRM fell into the proverbial alphabet soup of the never-ending digital marketing acronyms for attorneys.  Today, the legal industry has wholeheartedly embraced the importance of CRM and how it can affect customer relations.  Law Firms across the country have adopted technology to help improve customer service, track crucial data and see a larger ROI.

 

What is CRM and Why does it Matter?

CRM is a management system to help a company interact with current and potential new clients.  A CRM compiles information from customers and helps establish and retain communication, encourage better client relationships and improve customer service.  The data collected in your CRM can help you better connect with your customers.  You can use the database to send out email marketing efforts, touch base with past clients, and built loyalty.

One of the most essential features of CRM is the effect it can have on your overall lead retention.  Collecting and tracking all of your lead information can significantly impact your bottom line.  If you aren’t capturing all of your leads, you are inevitably missing opportunities.  Using a CRM to manage all of your leads allows your database of prospects to grow and makes it easier to market.  The more you know about where your leads are coming from and which ones are retaining, the more precise your marketing efforts can be.

 

Using CRM to Achieve Your Acquisition Strategy

CRM is one of the most efficient ways to help you with client acquisition.  A comprehensive database of information on both potential and current clients can tell you things like how they found your firm and their online behavior.  You can use this information to communicate with potential clients at the right time in the right way.  CRM will help you convert potential new clients into paying customers.  The more you know about your market, the better you can market to them and their needs.  Understanding what your ideal client is looking for will help you cater to their specific needs.  CRM collects the data necessary for you to understand your target audience.  It also makes communicating with both potential new clients and current clients quick and efficient.

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CRM and the Customer Experience

Today’s consumer has many different expectations than the consumer of a decade ago.  Today’s consumer wants instant gratification and wants to share an experience with the company they do business with.  Customer experience is critical to success.  CRM helps you to understand what your customer wants and how to serve them best.  CRM puts the customer first.  With CRM you can develop a customer-centric marketing strategy.  Consumer data allows you to tailor your communication to your client’s specific needs.  The more data that you have, the better you can serve your client.   Law firms should strive to collect data from current clients and leads at every point of contact or touchpoint.  Identifying which customer touchpoints are successful can be difficult but the more you know about your customer, the easier it will be.

 

What’s next for Law Firm’s and CRM

Traditionally, the legal industry has been slow to adopt new technology.  To the credit of many legal marketing departments and savvy attorneys, CRM seems to have bucked the trend.  Law Firms have adopted CRM more quickly than expected.  Now it’s time to invest in the future.   Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning are the next frontiers.  We have already started to see these advances in technology implemented in firms from coast to coast.  New technology can predict the behavior of customers and target communications based on those predictions.  The possibilities are endless for what this kind of technology can do for law firms and industries across the spectrum.

 

If you would like to learn more about CRM and why it is crucial for your law firm contact Amicus Media Group today.  We strive to bring firms quality cases at less risk.  We can help you understand your clients and market in a specific, cost-effective manner that brings you a more significant ROI.  Contact us today at (888) 700-1088 for a free consultation with one of our acquisition specialists.

 

 

This article does not contain legal or financial advice.  Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.

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Denver, CO: AAJ 2018 Annual Convention Attendance

picIn just a few short days, Denver will host one of the largest conferences for trial lawyers in the nation.  The AAJ 2018 Annual Convention will take place from July 7 – 10 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.  The conference features over 200 events including advocacy section breakouts, litigation group CLE programs and committee meetings.

 

If you are new to the American Association of Justice or experiencing this conference for the first time, be prepared for four days of networking opportunities.  You can get up close and personal with experts, industry leaders and speakers who willing share their wealth of knowledge.  The schedule is jam-packed with something for everyone from Asbestos to Zofran.

 

Join Amicus Media Group and Amicus Capital Group’s CEO Bill Tilley as well as Melissa Repking and Daniel Rodriguez at this year’s AAJ Annual Convention. Visit Booth #3 and learn more about increasing your law firm’s profitability.  We are a legal media agency dedicated to law firm growth and case acquisition with less risk.  We look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Connecting to Your Audience with Transformational Advertising

pic2How Emotional Appeals are Evolving Legal Marketing Strategies

It should not surprise anyone that emotional appeals to consumers are the latest trend in advertising.  We have seen a considerable shift in how companies connect with viewers.  Consumers want to know the why behind a company, not just information about the product or service.  Advertisements that center around a particular product or service are quickly being faded out in favor of transformational advertising that appeals to a consumer’s feelings or mood.

What is Transformational Advertising?

The American Marketing Association defines transformational advertising as that which “associates product usage with certain feelings, images or meanings that then transform the experience of using the product.”  This type of advertising is often compared with informational advertising or that which “presents factual, usually verifiable, information about the product or product usage.  Transformational advertising looks to offer an experience to the consumer.  This form of advertising is less concentrated on the particular service or product but instead on the overall feeling that the consumer will get when they invest in the company.

Johnson & Johnson uses an emotional appeal to their viewers that is less based on the features of their actual product but more on how consumer’s feel when they use the product.  Other approaches by major corporations include Uber, Facebook and Wells Fargo who have all tried to refocus on the actual brand instead of the individual product or service in light of recent negative press.  Honda’s “Random Acts of Helpfulness” tv and radio commercials are extremely successful at selling an experience that investing in the brand will give you without ever even mentioning the actual product. Industries across the board have used transformational messaging in advertising to develop brand loyalty and deliver the idea of a whole “lifestyle” to their consumer.  Companies have become more experienced focus.  Advertising transcends beyond an individual product and instead shows how that product or service will enhance a particular outcome or experience for the consumer.

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How to Build a Successful Transformational Legal Ad

Legal marketing is mainly geared toward transformational advertising.  We are a service industry focused on helping those in need.  Unfortunately, most legal advertising does very little to connect with consumers.  Building a successful transformational legal ad begins with creating an experience.  The focus of the ad should be less on selling the legal service and more on how your practice can help your target audience live a better life.  According to a paper written by Christopher Puto, Duke University and William D. Wells or Needham, Harper and Steers Advertising, Inc. and published by the Association for Consumer Research a transformational advertisement will “make the experience of using the product richer, warmer, more exciting, and/or more enjoyable than that obtained solely from an objective description of the advertised brand.”

The idea is to sell without selling.  You want to create feelings, thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and images that a consumer connects with your brand.  The best examples of transformational advertising are done by companies that are admired.  Start with the principle that “truth builds trust” and stand behind your commitment to the customer.  Be a positive force in the legal industry and use that in your branding to showcase who you are and what you stand for.

Learn More about Transformational Advertising for the Legal Industry

If you are interested in growing your firm, contact Amicus Media Group today for more information.  We have case specialists available to take your call at (888) 700-1088.  Our team of dedicated media managers will help you understand the keys to successful branding and how to build transformational advertisements that genuinely speak to your target audience.  Contact us today for more information about Transforming the Business of Law.

This blog post does not contain legal or financial advice. Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.

Law Firm Growth: Marketing Individual Attorneys

pic15 Ways to Market and Promote the Attorneys at your Law Firm

One size fits all legal marketing will not fit for most law firms.  The legal industry is a robust playing field with many different facets and niches.  Even within individual law firms, some attorneys are more suited to a particular branch or specific area of law.  In your overall law firm marketing plan, you should consider how each attorney fits into your firm and how they can help your brand.  Individual attorneys should have their successes promoted and marketed.  You need to evaluate each lawyer, how they contribute and what sets them apart then advertise those strengths.  Showcasing a lawyer’s strengths will make them an invaluable player at your firm and will help sell them to potential clients.

 

Step 1: Conduct an attorney interview

This interview is not a job interview but rather a discovery interview.  Set down with your associate, junior partner or even paralegal that you would like to feature.  Make sure that you understand what their long-term goals are with the firm and what motivates them.  See what they do outside of work including community involvement and if they have special interests that the firm can participate in as well.  Marketing your firm should start internally.  You want to have happy employees that will ultimately be brand ambassadors.

 

Step 2: Add Lawyer Profiles to your Website

Add a spotlight on each attorney to your website.  Under your firm profile, each attorney should be listed out with information on where they went to law school, essential achievements inside and outside of the firm and information that sets them apart.  Use the information from your discovery interview to build a unique profile that speaks to your ideal client.

 

If you are featuring an individual, then they should have a robust digital presence.  Hold associates accountable.  Each attorney should have their AVVO profile completely filled out.  They should also update other legal directories and social networking sites with information about their position with the firm.  LinkedIn can be an excellent networking resource, make sure that each firm employee has up-to-date information and a link to your firm profile page.

 

Step 3: Hold Regular Business Development Meetings

Marketing your firm does not have to begin and end with you.  Having attorneys and employees that are invested in the firm’s growth will be instrumental in taking your firm to the next level.  Hold regular business development strategy meetings that focus on potential conferences to attend, community involvement, organizations to join and networking opportunities.

 

Step 4: Nurture Individual Skill Sets

Practicing law requires a unique skill set, but not all attorneys are created equal.  If you have an associate that struggles with writing but excels in oral argument, nurture his/her strengths while working on their weaknesses.  Ask the attorney or paralegal to list areas that they feel they excel in and areas that they struggle.  Every member of your firm is an asset, make sure that they are growing with the firm.

 

Step 5: Set Goals and Follow Through

Finally, you need to set goals for each member of your firm.  Discuss plans for individual growth as well as law firm growth.  Plan ways that they can contribute to your firm’s marketing campaigns.  Implement those changes and regularly follow up to make sure your team stays on board.  Be open to suggestions and plan employee incentives for referrals, successful networking campaigns or marketing ideas.

 

 

 

Want to learn more about legal marketing and promoting the individuals within your firm?  Contact Amicus Media Group, Amicus Capital Group or Amicus Consulting today.  We are a full-service law firm marketing company that can help you grow your firm with less risk.  We have case managers that understand the needs of law firms big and small.  Contact us today for a free consultation.

Law Firm Marketing 101

picFrom Business Development to Marketing Technology

2018 is already shaping up to be a game changer for legal marketers.  With the extraordinary reach of digital advertising and the unparalleled availability of data, legal marketers can fine-tune advertising campaigns to get attorneys the most significant return on their investment.  The only problem is that most attorneys do not understand effective marketing and often see it as an unnecessary expense.  As any firm who has seen success through marketing efforts can tell you, this cannot be further from the truth.  The key is understanding what legal marketers are trying to achieve and how you, as an attorney, can be an effective marketer for yourself and your firm.

 

By the end of this article, you should feel empowered to have a real conversation with your marketing company or department.  With a firm grasp of legal marketing basics, you will be able to see the importance of supplying feedback to your marketers so that they can put your dollars to their best use.  Ultimately, this article will show you that effective marketing is invaluable.

 

Start with a plan

The legal industry is more competitive than it has ever been.  If you do not have a marketing strategy, you need one today.  A law firm marketing plan should be all-encompassing and depending on your practice will likely include multiple platforms.  If you haven’t narrowed your practice, consider your niche and your overall brand.  Knowing your niche will help you target your ideal audience and spend your marketing budget wisely.  Remember, legal marketing is more than selling your firm.  Your plan should include a detailed budget, campaign layout and goals for each effort.

 

Business Development

Business development is a hot topic that gets thrown around by industry moguls, but few understand how it plays into legal marketing.  Before you get started on your legal marketing plan, you need to make sure that your law firm is focused on growth.  These ideas should be discussed by the essential members of your firm and should be solidified in writing.  Decide plans for attending conferences, building relationships inside and outside of the firm and how to nurture these ideas into realities.

 

Marketing Platforms

For decades legal advertising was relatively black-and-white.  Most referrals came by word-of-mouth.  Radio and television commercials were reserved for large law firms with seemingly infinite budgets.  Today, the playing field is a bit more level.  Legal marketing can be applied across multiple platforms.  Your law firm marketing plan should include a digital campaign, social media, television and radio advertisements, email communications and print marketing.   Targeted advertising and the ability to market correctly to your ideal client has made it more affordable for small law firms and solo practitioners.  Metrics play a crucial role in targeting your advertising and getting the biggest return on your investment.  The more information you can provide to your marketing team the better they will be able to analyze which campaigns are working and which need improvement.

 

With the advent of smart TVs, metrics are no longer reserved for digital and social media campaigns.  Even television ads can generate feedback on what consumers are watching and how they are responding to specific ads.  This feedback will help you tailor your campaign to target your ideal client.  As with internet advertising, you can use television advertisements to see which campaign viewers are calling from and the time of day that they are most likely to be engaged.

 

Marketing Technology

This new frontier of legal marketing is made possible by technology introduced in the last decade.  The analytics available on the internet and through Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is truly a breakthrough for legal marketers.  This technology not only allows marketing executives to see how specific campaigns are doing but also allows law firms to stay connected to potential and current clients.  Marketing technology will enable you to capitalize on your marketing dollars.   Tracking information from your leads and your conversion rate will result in more signed clients.  Without this technology, you may be wasting time and money on your marketing efforts.

 

This brief introduction to law firm marketing is truly only the beginning.  As an attorney, understanding the why behind the marketing will help you become a helpful asset to your firm’s growth.  The more that you can do to assist your marketing team, whether it’s by providing data, focusing on business development, or generating networking opportunities.

 

 

Learn more about effective marketing tools from Amicus Media Group.  We are a legal marketing company dedicated to helping you grow your firm and acquire quality cases at less risk.  Contact us today for a free consultation.

 

 

This blog post does not contain legal or financial advice. Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.

 

 

7 Simple Steps to Grow your Firm

picHow 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.