3 Things California Lawyers Should Know About Marketing
The Golden State is home to Hollywood, and if we can learn anything from celebrities, it's that everyone's got something they want to sell you. California lawyers are no different -- well, sort of. Not quite selling things per se, as lawyers you're selling services, but you need to know a thing or two about marketing.
Legal marketing may not be high up on your "know how" or "to do" list, but that doesn't mean it's not important. It is. It just means you might need some help. Luckily for you, we're here.
Here are the top three things you should know about legal marketing.
1. You are a Brand
Like it or not, you are a legal brand. As you start marketing your practice, think of yourself as a business -- everything must align. Does your firm have a logo, color scheme, and niche specialty? This is the first step in your marketing plan, figure it out, and adjust accordingly. Your signage, business cards, and even office decor should all reflect your brand. Once you are done, move on to step 2.
2. You Should Get Online
To survive today you must have an online presence, such as a website, LinkedIn page (or group), and maybe even a Twitter account. Your online presence should match the branding objectives that you created in step 1. If someone were to look at your business card, and then your website, they should see that the two compliment each other and reinforce your firm ideas, ideals, and purpose.
3. You Should Get Listed
Merely practicing law alone is not going to get you clients. As most prospective clients turn to the web to find a lawyer, make sure that clients will find you where they are looking -- online. If you Google "California Lawyers" one of the top results is for FindLaw's Lawyer Directory.
And there's good reason; With over 1.5 million visits per month, FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is one of the most viewed online lawyer directories. Once on the site, a prospective client can narrow down results by geographic location and practice area. To get listed on the Lawyer Directory, all you have to do is fill out this contact form, and a FindLaw rep will get in touch with you.
Want to know the ultimate secret about marketing? Hire someone to do it for you. As an attorney, you should do what you do best -- represent your clients. Leave the marketing to the marketing professionals.
Related Resources:
- Cali Roundup: Justice Kennard to Retire, Happy Birthday and More (FindLaw's California Case Law Blog)
- Chief Justice Warns of Layoffs and Closures, Proposes 3-Year Plan (FindLaw's California Case Law Blog)
- Cal State Bar Accepting Nominations for Outstanding Lawyers (FindLaw's California Case Law Blog)