Getting clients as a lawyer is a skill you must develop. While referrals and word of mouth remain important, many people now rely on search engines and law firm websites to find legal help. This article outlines 11 key steps you can take to get more clients in the door at your firm.
Step 1: Define Your Ideal Client
Begin by defining your niche, core services, and ideal client. Establishing these elements first can help optimize your lead-generation efforts. For example, if you’re passionate about family law cases, you can post social media content related to aspects of family law or offer pro bono legal advice to local shelters. Additionally, consider whether you want to work with clients online, in person, or both.
Step 2: Create Your Website and Optimize for SEO
In today’s digital world, building a website is an effective way to showcase your services and qualifications. Using tools like MyCase’s website builder can simplify the process and ensure your site is fast, user-friendly, and professional.
To increase the odds of getting clients, consider consulting a search engine optimization (SEO) professional. SEO for law firms involves two main areas: technical SEO, which ensures your website is easily discoverable by search engines, and content SEO, which involves publishing content to boost rankings.
Claiming your free Google Business Profile can also boost your website’s search visibility. If Google has already created a listing using public data or user submissions, claiming it lets you update details and track how potential customers found your profile.
Step 3: Get Listed on Legal Directories
Legal directories are large databases that allow customers to search for lawyers to find the right match. Free legal directories, such as Avvo, Justia, and HG.org, typically allow firms to list basic information. Some legal directories also offer premium upgrades for an additional cost. These are considered paid directories and can include perks like adding more details to your profile. Popular paid legal directories are SuperLawyers, FindLaw, and Nolo.
Step 4: Publish Helpful Content on Your Website
Once you’ve established your website, consider publishing helpful content, such as simple blog posts, FAQs where you tackle common sources of confusion, e-books, and webinars. Create SEO-optimized content to help potential customers find you through Google and other search engines. Optimization can involve keyword research, adding your target keyword in various places in the post, and adding relevant links to other important pages within your content.
Step 5: Create Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing can help keep your firm top-of-mind with potential clients. For example, you can create a campaign that sends your best content to new subscribers each week. If your firm focuses on personal injury claims, you can start your campaign by sending a blog post about common misconceptions about these claims. The last email in your campaign could be an offer for a free consultation.