1. Social media markets my practice using the same methods as my law firm website.
Don’t think of a Facebook or LinkedIn page as a replacement to having a good legal website design and doing online marketing. Social media works differently than website marketing, but the two systems complement each other.

Traditional online advertising markets your firm by increasing web traffic, and tactics like SEO aim to boost visibility in the search engines. Other methods like branding and graphic design give your legal practice a unique identity and help ensure that clients remember you when they need your services. Social media for lawyers, however, allows you to directly interact with your clients. You’re able to post updates, answer comments and reviews, message them or start group chats, and keep in touch with them on a daily basis. Being active on social media websites allows you to reach out to clients over a medium that’s comfortable and familiar to them, and you’ll also be able to address any negative comments about your firm before they reach the rest of the online community. It’s essential to set up and maintain social media profiles to stay connected with your potential clients.

2. All I need to do is set up a profile page for my firm.
In order for your social media accounts to have any benefit for your firm, you need to keep them up-to-date. Keeping them current and active will help keep your followers interested. Put someone in the office in charge of posting articles or news about your firm on the sites 1-2 times a week (these posting guidelines don’t apply to LinkedIn).

3. Only kids and teenagers use social media; it’s not meant for anything serious.
If you think social media is simply a way for kids to keep up with their friends, it’s time to re-examine. On Facebook, 53% of users are over  the age of 25; on LinkedIn, the average age of someone with a professional account is 41. It is also known that social media followers of a particular brand are more likely to purchase that product. Social media helps create buzz for your law firm as well as helping you to reach out to your clientele. Facebook and Twitter aren’t just for college kids anymore.

Check in next week for 3 FACTS about social media marketing for law firms