Posted by Ryan Nelson on January 4, 2012 at 11:07 am
Each year, a law firm’s online presence becomes more important, and having a solid online presence will continue to give added value to attorneys each year. If your firm does not have a good legal website design and legal practice marketing solutions, that needs to be your 2012 New Year’s resolution.
Here are 5 things you must do in 2012:
1. Design a website that focuses on user experience.
While Google’s exact algorithm is unknown and not published to the public, it is obvious what their goal is: To give search engine users the best experience possible and help them find what they are looking for. Creating a site with lots of relevant content (and coding it correctly for Google to index) is key to achieving rankings and driving traffic.
2. Set up a Google Places page and ask clients to write reviews.
Places pages help you get ranked for different keywords in your area. Make sure your page has images and describes accurately what you do, with ALL of your contact details. This can be the easiest and cheapest way to achieve a top-5 ranking, depending on your area, and can be done for about $300 by any attorney internet marketing company. Getting reviews and having images will create a good user experience and Google will reward your page for it. Send clients a newsletter that asks them to review you on the Places page.
3. Address Social Media – it’s not going away.
While Facebook and Twitter may not be your favorite sites to visit, they are for millions of people and potential clients. You must manage your reputation and create a brand on these pages. If nothing else, it reminds current clients that you are there if they need your help or one of their family/friends can use your services.
4. Start using video to market.
Video is a great tool and can be used a number of different ways: introductory videos, educational videos, news videos, etc. The latter two – especially educational videos – can be optimized and help you show up in search results. For example, if you are a criminal defense attorney and make a video on what to do when you get a DUI, Google will very likely put your video on the first page when searches related to that are made. Set up a YouTube channel that links to your site so people can contact you.
5. Consider Pay-Per-Click paid advertising.
Setting up a simple campaign and running it can be very affordable, and it allows you to compete with larger firms. Google is constantly doing promotions to give you up to $200 worth of clicks for free when you sign up. Depending on what you do, that can bring in over 100 visitors to your site, which generally means about 2-3 leads if you have a good, well-converting legal website design. Usually, the setup from a reputable company will be about $500-$1,000 and you can turn the campaign on or off depending on how busy you are.
For more information on these services and more law firm marketing solutions, Contact Us.
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Posted by Ryan Nelson on December 19, 2011 at 1:58 pm
At the end of the day, the most important–read: only–factor of a legal website design is whether it will convert visitors into leads. There are a number of factors to take into consideration when creating your legal website. Is it aesthetically appealing? Do the colors and overall design look professional? Does the layout call visitors to action?
Ultimately, the answers to these questions will determine whether your website will convert your potential clients that are looking at your site into visitors. Many web design firms have done studies to find out what converts the best, but it is still hard to know definitively if it will. Often, old or out-of-date sites will convert well, while the newest designs do not capture the attention of visitors and built trust for your firm.
Why? There are a number of factors, and many believe that often older sites convey to visitors a sense that the firm has been around for a long time and is trustworthy. At our legal practice marketing firm, we have a number of tools that we use to find out what is good about your site and what needs changing. We will use these tools to constantly refine your site for the highest conversion rate possible. One of these is called the Click Test.
Using the online program, we are given feedback by both machines and living, breathing people. The site will upload your website and monitor where people are clicking and what they are looking at. The visitors will then give honest feedback on what they think and how you can approve. The screenshot here shows the activity on one of our client’s sites, which helps us make crucial changes that will help capture visitors’ attention.
These tools are vital to a well converting website. The difference between a site that converts at 1% versus one that converts at 3-4% can make or break your legal practice marketing efforts.
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Posted by Marie Westerhof on December 16, 2011 at 10:32 am
December 16, 2011 (San Diego, CA) – Law firm practice management software, such as a Virtual Law Office (or VLO), may be an excellent solution for law firms expecting to suffer setbacks due to the coming changes to the Unites States Postal Service delivery system. The USPS is seeking to end next-day mail delivery in an attempt to cut costs and stay open – and as attorney web design firm Legal Web Experts reports, many law firms that rely heavily on prompt mail delivery could find their practices in trouble without a reliably fast mail service.
With increased reliance on email and internet technology for communication and sending of documents, the U.S. Postal Service has struggled over the last several years to continue providing many first-class mail services. They recently announced a plan to save $2.1 billion in costs by laying off 28,000 workers, closing hundreds of mail processing plants and ending next-day delivery of regular (also known as “first-class”) mail.
Without next-day mail delivery, the delay of important court papers, documents, evidence and other materials could cause problems and even cost an attorney their case. By switching to a law firm practice management software system, legal practices that rely heavily on the mail could completely avoid problems associated with the USPS. “Sending and uploading documents via the internet is beginning to affect every industry, including legal,” says Ryan Nelson, Director of Operations for attorney web design firm Legal Web Experts. “All firms must seriously consider having a digital document sending solution – or, at the very least, have a solution that can be implemented quickly should they need it.”
The Virtual Law Office (or VLO) system allows attorneys to set up a client login portal on their website. Clients can log in over a secure connection to download and upload documents, send completed forms, securely message their attorney and even make payments online. Beyond simply solving the mailing problem, a VLO allows lawyers increased flexibility at their office and gives them the ability to work from anywhere. Clients also love the flexibility of sending and completing forms and documents online and communicating without traveling to their attorney’s office. The VLO can be integrated into almost any website in under two weeks – in many cases, within days. There are a number of low-cost online law office solutions that can fulfill a law firm’s document-sharing needs.
The USPS anticipates holding off on the mail delay until at least May 15, 2012. In the meantime, it is advisable for attorneys who depend on prompt mail in their legal practices to look into options like VLOs.
About Legal Web Experts
Legal Web Experts, a division of New Wave Enterprises LLC, offers expert attorney web design and affordable Virtual Law Office integration for law firms of any size. For more information, visit http://www.legalwebexperts.com.
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Posted by Ryan Nelson on November 28, 2011 at 4:41 pm
When you last performed a search on Google did you notice that several of the results where displayed on a corresponding map? If you simply attributed this to the genius of Google then you’ve ignored a powerful tool that can help gain your firm greater recognition.
Becoming registered in Google places can be a great proactive way of reaching millions of users quickly and for free. Searching for businesses online is now more common than any other method. This makes it evermore important for your firm to be found easily online. With Google places you can create a listing for your firm in just a few minutes with added extras such as photos, descriptions, videos, coupon offerings, and other details that will encourage potential clients to contact you. You can gain all of this exposure even if you don’t have a website and best of all its free. If you do have a website, Google places can help promote better organic ranking by adding Search Engine Optimization value.
Your firms listing is easy to edit and manage so you can make sure its details are current and correct. Through a simple verification process your firm can have its Google places listing up and running in just minutes. For help and advice on getting set up, contact our affiliate at Legal Web Experts about attorney website design and marketing.
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Posted by Marie Westerhof on November 21, 2011 at 10:06 am
November 21, 2011 (San Diego, CA) – Attorney website design and marketing agency Legal Web Experts is announcing the launch of http://www.mylegalbookmarks.com, the first social bookmarking website for lawyers and legal professionals. The site allows users to share news, websites, internet resources and other law-related web content with individuals in the legal profession as well as people with similar interests.
“The legal industry is so large and has so much information available online that it deserves a social bookmarking website dedicated to it specifically,” says Ryan Nelson, Director of Operations at Legal Web Experts. “That’s why we’ve created My Legal Bookmarks. We hope to make this a site that attorneys can routinely visit to find the most quality news to help their business and keep them informed.” The concept of social bookmarking – or using social media websites to bookmark and share important web content within a community of users – has become increasingly popular over the past year. No other quality social bookmarking sites offer the opportunity to share information specifically with a community of legal professionals.
MyLegalBookmarks.com allows users to create a user account in under thirty seconds and post law-related content from all kinds of sites around the web. Other users can easily view the most current posts, comment and “vote” on material they found interesting, discuss topics, save pages, and share content with friends. Content comes from a wide range of sources, including news websites, legal blogs, forums, government resources, and updates from the VLO and legal technology industries. Marketing and legal web development materials are also readily available.
The site’s narrow focus makes it perfect for social media users with these specialized interests. MyLegalBookmarks.com is helping legal professionals adapt social bookmarking for their unique needs as well as helping to make social bookmarking an even more important way of sharing information online.
About Legal Web Experts
A division of New Wave Enterprises, Legal Web Experts offers specialized legal website design and marketing services for law firms, accountants and other businesses in the legal and financial industries. Their new attorney social bookmarking website mylegalbookmarks.com helps adapt social bookmarking for legal professionals. Visit http://www.legalwebexperts.com for more information.
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Posted by Marie Westerhof on November 10, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Mediation is an efficient and alternative way of resolving legal conflicts without resorting to a trial. The process revolves around engaging a mediator to act as a neutral third party and 
help the two conflicting sides come to a mutually beneficial agreement. A Sydney mediation attorney does not choose a side or issue a decision as to who is “right” and who is “wrong;” rather, he acts as a negotiator and helps both parties resolve their issues.
There are several characteristics of the mediation process that make it unique.
- Volition. Both parties hire the mediator by their own free will, and they are free to leave the mediation or end the process whenever they desire.
- Collaboration. All three parties work together to find a solution.
- Control. Both parties involved in the disagreement share power in the decision-making process. No one can be forced to accept terms they don’t agree with.
- Confidentiality. The process is confidential, and materials assembled for mediation are usually not admissible in court should the matter in question come up again. The mediator will always describe the exact terms of confidentiality.
- Impartiality. A mediator will always remain impartial and not favor one party over another. Decisions are made without bias.
- Smart spending. Mediation is an extremely cost-effective alternative to court proceedings.
With alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration Sydney residents involved in legal disputes have a way to resolve their issues efficiently and out-of-court.
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Posted by Ryan Nelson on November 3, 2011 at 11:50 am
Next week the ABA is holding their third legal marketing conference that will focus on how to market a law firm or solo attorney practice. The conference, titled the Law Firm Marketing Strategies Conference, is the third in the series and has been dubbed R3, as the core points are reputation, referrals and rankings. These points will include advice on how to market your law firm, create an effective attorney website design, and increase your ROI through smart marketing spending.
The conference will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia and takes place this Tuesday, November 8th and Wednesday, November 9th. The ABA has brought on board a number of presenters, including keynote speaker Dan Hill, President of Sensory Logic, Inc., who will be discussing how to create a marketing message that conveys trust to potential clients. He is an expert in ‘facial coding’, and uses body language to measure the effectiveness of a message.
The other keynote speaker, Peter Shankman, is the Founder of Help a Reporter, a successful website that provides reporters with experts and helps experts promote their business through the press. His talk, titled “‘In Search of…Lawyers’ How the Internet Has Changed Everything,’” will focus on how networking has changed with the rise in popularity of social media, instant search, and online communication.
Here at Modern Legal Marketing, the talk we will be keeping close tabs on will be “ROI: Examining the Return on Investment for Business Development Spending” which will focus on how to plan on your marketing budget and where you should spend your money. Expected topics will be legal website design, Search Engine Optimization, and how to use Google Analytics to measure your online marketing campaign.
On Day 2, Steven Silverberg, Partner at Silverberg Zalantis, LLP, of White Plains, NY, will be moderating a talk on Social Media, which will focus on a more custom approach to this new aspect of marketing. The idea is that many firms will give you a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to using Social Media, but in reality, all firms and attorneys need a custom law firm social media plan that they are comfortable with and can realistically implement.
On a final note, if you are going to or will be following the conference, we recommend listening to Nick Gaffney’s talk on utilizing law firm video marketing. Video is becoming more common on the internet and it is a great medium to get your message across. Also included in this talk will be tricks for how small firms can stretch their marketing dollars creatively to compete with the larger firms.
The event is still open for registration. Visit www.lawpractice.org/marketingconference for details.
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Posted by Amanda Rahi on October 17, 2011 at 4:04 pm
A short video featuring your practice is a great way to personalize and market your legal website design. When making your video, there are few important things to consider so you can make the most of the production and avoid common pitfalls.
In the Lawyers Weekly, Matthew Chung highlights several tips for online marketing videos and deems the preparation as the most important part. Chung recommends rehearsing a script until it can be delivered perfectly and to get over any nerves. The video backdrop, listed second on his list, should look professional, free of background noise and clichés like bookshelves.
Using good equipment he lists third saying it makes a big difference and that quality cameras nowadays come in all price ranges. Wireless microphones make your video even more professional looking and sounding. Make sure to test all your equipment beforehand, and also the lighting, which can be the most difficult part to perfect. The quality of the video can be ruined if there is not proper lighting.
Music and content most be considered carefully. Chung points out that the “show, don’t tell” method works best because no one wants to hear why you are great; people would rather see examples.
And “thanks to social media and sites such as YouTube, sometimes those videos can reach an audience even their creators might not have envisioned,” explains Chung.
Just a short video done right can be take your legal web design a long way.
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Posted by Robyn Nazar on October 14, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Choosing graphics for your legal web design is more than about aesthetics – it is about branding. Your graphic design will appear not only on your website, but on all of your print materials, emails, and company-related products. Therefore, choosing a design well is an essential part of your legal web design process.
Hire a Graphic Designer
Unless you have extensive knowledge of graphic design yourself, it is a good idea to hire a graphic designer. Not only are they skilled in creating artful and professional logos, but they are also knowledgeable about how colors, shapes, and images appeal to specific audiences. These subtle effects can greatly influence whether or not a potential client stays on your website, or leaves immediately.
Go Flash
Consider utilizing a flash-based graphics for your legal website design. Flash animations used for your logo and throughout your site make your graphic appear smoother and more attractive to your potential client visiting your website.
For more information about legal web design graphics or hiring a graphic designer visit LegalWebExperts.com
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Posted by Amanda Rahi on October 13, 2011 at 1:35 pm
A professional legal web design gives the right impression and a clean, crisp message to clients. The content, brand design, presentation, and ease of use are all important components of a successful website that promotes your legal practice. However, in order to keep clients coming back to your site and to your increase internet ranking and traffic, you will also need a blog.
Over the last several years, law firms have incorporated blogging as a marketing technique and as lawyers are moving towards blogs, newsletters are becoming a thing of the past.
The marketing director for Preti Flaherty’s law firm comments on this change in legal website design and marketing reporting that,
“Lawyers have always traditionally put forth their expertise in newsletters,” Meyers says. “And we’re seeing a gradual move away from those formats to a blog format. It’s a quicker turnaround. You’ll see some of the more traditional activities blend into blogs.”
Blogs present the opportunity to write regularly, which can help you quickly become an authority in your area. Verrill Dana’s marketing director, Gretchen Johnson, highlights the importance in this shift to blog in the following comment:
“We were producing a lot of content, a lot of valuable information, which we were sending out to clients — like client alerts and presentation materials — but we found we were only reaching people who already knew us,” she says. “We wanted to broaden…our audience and our access.”
Blogs can also be used to announce company news, post offers and discounts, profile lawyers within the firm, and use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies.
To find out more about how to enhance your legal website design and marketing visit http://www.legalwebexperts.com/
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