The Secret To Getting Your Firm Involved in Social Media

May 2, 2012 — Leave a comment

Most of us know that social media is no longer a fad when it comes to law firm business development and marketing.  However, as many law firm marketers know, we still have a hard time getting our firm’s involved with mediums such as blogging, Facebook, Twitter and even LinkedIn.

We still get told that social media isn’t in the budget. Or that potential clients don’t use social media to vet law firms and lawyers.  My favorite is “social media is for kids” while I get the “you wouldn’t understand” look. You know that feeling right?
I’m here to tell you how to start the ball rolling in your firm.  If you’re lucky enough to be part of a great business development team, all you need is a unified voice on the benefits and drawbacks of social media.  It can’t just be your voice.  You need support and buy in from everyone in your department. If your marketing superiors believe in it as much as you do, you’ll have a much better chance of getting management level support.
In Strategy
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How’s Your Zero Moment of Truth?

April 30, 2012 — Leave a comment

Guest post by Trip Cave 

Law Firm SEOWe meet potential clients at receptions, conferences, even our children’s soccer games. After a brief conversation, that person will probably go back to their office and decide they want to learn more about you. One of the first things they’ll do is Google you. What happens next is what Google has termed the “Zero Moment of Truth.” The ZMOT as Google refers to it, is “that moment when you grab your laptop or mobile device and start learning more about a product or service.” We all do it, but have you ever thought how that moment could be affecting you?
The potential client you met earlier is now doing a Google search about yours truly, and what he or she finds (or doesn’t find) starts their decision making process. Imagine this lead met you as well as another lawyer and now there’s a competition. How confident are you in his “Zero Moment of Truth”?
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Creep First. Ask Questions Later in LinkedIn Groups

April 24, 2012 — Leave a comment

I just read an article over on the LinkedIn Blog called Lurk First (and Four More Tips to Get the Most out of LinkedIn Groups), and I wanted to share some of the info with you here.  LinkedIn groups are a great way for lawyers to meet and engage with members of your industry, your alumni and potential clients.

First, make sure you’ve optimized your LinkedIn Profile by doing the following: Continue Reading…

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Twitter Overtakes Facebook in User Growth #winning

April 6, 2012 — Leave a comment
Law Firm Twitter Use

We all know social media is more addictive than chocolate covered crack but did you know Twitter will overtake Facebook in terms of growth over the next couple of years according a report from eMarketer? Both social networks are expected to slow down but Twitter is expected to come out ahead in 2011-2014.

 When you get down to the nitty gritty, Twitter grew its user base 31.9% while Facebook users grew by 13.4%. Interestingly, this is exactly the opposite of what happened in 2010 when Facebook grew at 38.6% and Twitter stood at 23.5%.  What does this all mean? For the first time in history, Twitter overtook Facebook in user growth.Way to go!

Also, did you know JP Morgan’s Digital Growth Company is looking for a 10% stake of Twitter at $450 million which puts Twitters worth to about $4.5 billion.
The powers that be are saying Facebook doesn’t have any room to grow.  They are expected to reel in their 1 billionth  member this summer.  Twitter is only expected to reach 37.6 million (monthly users) by the end of 2014. All this talk about millions and billions is starting to depress me.  Continue Reading…
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9 Social Media Mistakes You’re Making Right Now

April 4, 2012 — Leave a comment
law firm social media mistakes

How does one become accredited in social media marketing? There isn’t a course that I know of (please correct me if I’m wrong). My social media training consisted of getting up at an disgusting hour of the morning and reading my little heart out.  My mantra was “become CNN” on everything related to social media for law firms.  It’s been approximately two years since I tweeted my first tweet and I’d like to share some of the biggest social media mistakes I’ve made, and seen, since. Feel free to share your own in the comments below!

1.) Don’t link your Twitter, LinkedIn, and/or Facebook posts together so that all your posts are shared on each simultaneously. Just don’t do it. Please. It may seem like a time saver but it will hurt you in the long run.  There are lots of posts about this online if you want to get into a further explanation, but please trust me. It’s not cool. You may have people that follow you across the same social networks and they’ll get bored very quickly seeing the same content.  It can also get annoying depending on the audience your talking too. For example, your Facebook connections may not appreciate seeing thousands of tweets per day about your work. I made this mistake by syncing my Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. I got told. Now I’m telling you. Continue Reading…
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[Infographic] A Nice Little Guide on How to Set Up Your Facebook Timeline Page

March 31, 2012 — Leave a comment

Are you in charge of your law firm’s Facebook Page? As you probably know, all Facebook pages are moving over to the new Timeline format as of 12:00 pm midnight tonight, March 30, 2012.  Instead of complaining about the new format, embrace it. You’ll learn to love it soon enough! Plus, we don’t have a choice in the matter.

The new Timeline format doesn’t require you to make too many changes. But, it’s important you know of all the new features and requirements so you don’t look like a Facebook novice.  The below inforgraphic from Hubspot has some great tips on how to make the change.
Don’t forget, you can’t direct fans (or potential fans) to custom built landing pages with the new Facebook Timeline.  All visitors will be directed to your wall first and foremost.
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[Resource] Social Media for Law Firm Webinar Slides

March 30, 2012 — Leave a comment
Social Media Rocket Matter

I recently hosted a Rocket Matter webinar, Social Media for Law Firms, along with Natalie Alesi that I’d like to share with you.  It covers:

  1. A brief history of social media
  2. Statistics in favor of social media
  3. My personal favorite – scenario based workflows
  4. How to set up an effective strategy, Facebook Page, LinkedIn profile, blog content, and of course, Twitter
The presentation is pretty basic and meant for those just dipping their toes into the social media pool. I hope you enjoy it!
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How Do You Track New Incoming Work at Your Law Firm?

February 24, 2012 — Leave a comment
law firm social media ideas
It’s a very simple concept.

One of the most important aspects of law firm business development is how and if you track the source of work for new clients/files. 

It’s not enough for your client to tell you they found you via a referral, an add or online.  You need to dig deeper and ask where exactly they found you.  Did they read your blog? Follow your tweets? Perhaps a colleague recommended you and then they looked on your website.  What series of events led up to them contacting you.
I get asked on a regular basis how you track social media success and ROI.  Diligently tracking your source of work for all new clients and matters is a MUST.  Create monthly reports to see what works and what doesn’t.  If your blog is bringing in new clients but Facebook is lacking, drop Facebook.  Evaluate and re-evaluate every three months.  Continue Reading…
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Wondering Who to Invite to Your Event? Ask Facebook.

February 22, 2012 — Leave a comment
law firms can hold events via Facebook

According to the Inside Facebook blog, Facebook is now testing out a “suggested guests” module on events. The suggested guests appear in a column on the right hand side of the page along with an invite button.  Facebook formulates these suggestions based on relevant interests and mutual friends attending.

Overall, “suggested guests” will increase relevant attendance and increase awareness of events you wish to publicize on Facebook. For example, a Facebook event page for a legal industry conference on family law may suggest friends who have an interest in family law go together.  This is more likely to happen if users can see why a person is being is suggested, currently the beta test does not display any context as to why the person is being suggested.
For this feature to work efficiently, Facebook users will have to accurately describe their interests in the relevant area on their profile pages.  It’s important you add your “work interests” as well.
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