All posts by Bryan Mixon

Rise Of The Machines? Will Lawyers Become Obsolete?

Let’s consider this for a moment: lawyers being replaced by robots.

It sounds like a farfetched, sci-fi movie featuring advanced robotics bringing clients to court with analytical judges determining the fate of humanity.

However, as crazy as it may sound, will lawyers become obsolete with the growing trends in technology and communication?

Since the dawn of industrialization, there have been numerous revolutions in robotics technology that has freed up labors for the blue collar workers. From the view of human progress, this is the step in the right direction. However, as more and more people are losing jobs to robots, how will this affect the legal world?

Advancements in technology allows for information to be stored and retrieved in an easily accessible and systematized way. If artificial intelligence can be designed to extract evidence useful for litigations, to collect details for contracts, and trigger red flags whenever companies are committing fraud or other illegal activities, would this eliminate the number of lawyers needed in the world?

Automatization of Legal Work

Automatization is an ongoing development that allows for time efficiency and saving significant amounts of money. From a client’s point of view, if utilizing an online database, or “e-lawyer” to get accurate results, fast.

The early beginnings of technology designed to make a lawyer’s life easier started with chatbots. Technology from Ross and Lex Machina provide a chat lot system that makes setting up consultations simple for clients to do.

Another rising robot is called DoNotPay which was developed by Joshua Browder. This is a free parking ticket fighting chatbot that asks you a series of questions about your case. Questions like, “Were you illegally parked because of a medical emergency?” or “Were road signs clearly marked?”

At the end of the chat, the bot prepares a letter that can be used to fight parking tickets. So far, this system has been used to help hundreds of thousands of people to win parking ticket violations in Seattle, New York, and London.

What Areas of Law Could Be Most Affected

Technology is advancing at an extremely rapid pace. Each and every year a new highly developed superphone is being shoved into our pockets. If automatizing the lawyer process is the next step into the future, there may be some areas of law that will be impacted more than others.

The areas of law that once required many forms, contacts, and documents to be made may soon become obsolete. Things like business documents, contested filings, and estate planning documents, while performed by non-lawyers, are a part of the collective income of a law firm.

Currently, there are companies racing to innovate this area of law by creating efficient online services that can provide these documents in a single click.

Take for example LawGeex. They have developed an AI system that allows for the automation and approval of contracts. There focus is to eliminate paper work altogether.

Once, lawyers were required for their legal knowledge and careful selection of law like words. Now, AI machinery will be able to analyze text to review and understand the legal document.

What Are the Possibilities  of Robolawyers?

These chatbots could be the beginning of a complete legal revolution. There could be dramatic changes to the way bankruptcy, divorce disputes, and deportation can be dealt with. Instead of using a lawyer to dispute the finer points of law, AI systems can be developed to analyze every possible situation and find the exceptions, loopholes and historical cases needed to win a case.

Essentially, an AI will have access to a whole database of legal language and the history of legal cases to make decisions. From this perspective, the argument of human error leading to mistakes in law can certainly be avoided.

Here’s a couple more examples of law being replaced with technological solutions.

Judicata which is developing a database that was just mentioned above. While it may not be a go to tool for people experiencing a legal issue, it’s an AI program that provides lawyers with a chance to extract the information they need to build a case or contract.

Another AI based law solution comes from FairDoc. FairDoc focused on creating a virtualized legal team allowing for intake of clients to be made online and even tracking your client activity. It’s another cost effective solution to reduce the amount of work that is typically demanded by lawyers.

How Can You Fight The Rise of Robots?

There’s no avoiding the rapid growth that technology has in the world. As the old saying goes, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

In this case, the some of the roboticized approaches to law may work in your favor. Since you are a lawyer with the knowledge and experience in the field, many of the time saving services that are reducing the amount of paperwork can still be performed through you.

When it comes to sensitive issues and human beings, going to see a lawyer will almost always be the preferred approach to dealing with a machine.

However, to assure yourself a job in the future to come, here’s a few things to consider:

  1. Approach new technology cautiously. Technology is often being tested and does come with some setbacks. While AI lawyers may seem like a smart solution, a single hack could leak a lot of sensitive information.
  2. Question what may be “replacing” you. Be skeptical. Not all technology may be the best for you, your law firm, or your clients.
  3. Accept changes. You can stick to traditional law practice, and perhaps you’ll be just fine, however finding a few new pieces of software that makes your law practice easier and more efficient may be in your best interest.
  4. Preserve your practice. Let’s face it, some parts of technology can be good, but outsourcing significant parts of your business with 3rd parties can become a liability. Your clients trust you. Therefore you have to make decisions as to whether the products and “robots” used in your practice can be trusted for the long term.

Conclusion

Likely there won’t be a terminator situation rising anytime soon for lawyers, however being up-to-date will help you stay ahead. One of the best things to is to embrace the coming changes but doing so with a hint of skepticism. To really succeed, bringing your law practice online may be the cutting edge you need to stay alive. Imagine having your own blog, you could be the leader in the transition from human based lawyers to AI law machines.

by Business, Marketing

Starting Your Own Law Firm Checklist

Think of starting your own law firm? Here is a simple checklist to guide your toward setting up your office, deciding on the area of law you will practice, your legal responsibilities, staffing demands, and much more.

Name Your Law Firm

It all starts here: naming your law firm. This is going to be the most important decisions you will have to make for your law firm. Your name will identify who you are and what you do. Using your own surname is a traditional approach to naming a law firm, however, there may be some added benefits when you include the type of law you practice (i.e. Mathers & Son Divorce Lawyers Inc.).

Choose One Area of Law

This is important. You could provide a generic practice and try to assist anyone who comes in the front door. This is a rare approach for lawyers nowadays. Pick one or possibly two areas of law to specialize your practice exclusively. You won’t get good if you practice a little of this and a bit of that. You’ll build you confidence and credibility faster when you dedicate your time and efforts on a clearly defined area of law.

Choose A Location

 Opening a law firm, much like any startup, can be done from home. While this may serve as a financially viable solution in the beginning, in the long run, you’re going to want an office. Starting with an office in a key location (i.e. convenient and comfortable for clients to enter for consultations) is key. If you’re on a tight budget, consider sharing some office space or try virtual law offices to act as your front desk.

Legal Stuff

As a lawyer, the last thing you want to do is miss the fine print for the legal obligations you are under. Permits, licenses and identification numbers are likely required to start your own law firm. Check with your local laws to see what will be required from you.

In addition, you have to consider your taxes. Your choices include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation. Each has their own pros and cons and you’ll have to decide which will be best for your personal practice.

Office Furniture

If you’ve found a great location for your office, you’re going to need it furnished. Consider how you want the appearance and aesthetic of your office to be. Also, there are a few office necessities you don’t want to forget:

  • Photocopy machine
  • Personal computer
  • Telephone System and requisite service
  • Fax machine (if necessary)
  • Desks
  • Chairs
  • Cabinets and book shelves
  • Trash cans and recycling bins
  • Magazines and magazine racks
  • Interior decorations
  • And, don’t forget the long list of office supplies (pencils, envelopes, etc.)

Get a Professional 1-800 Office Number

This is not a necessity but a great idea for branding purposes. Having a 1-800 of 1-855 number can be used to establish yourself as being professional and serious about practicing law. You can even use this number with call forwarding to your personal or direct phone line. Getting a number like this can be set up in less than a day. Try contacting your local telephone service providers for more information.

Library

Every lawyer needs a library to stay up to date as well as for fact checking and research. In your field, law is an ongoing, evolutionary process. Practice guides and case law are constantly being updated. If you choose a location near a law library, you can minimize the cost of your own. There are also a variety of online sources that can assist you with this as well.

Start A Blog To Find Your Clients

Starting a blog may be one of the best solutions for finding new clients. Sharing your knowledge and expertise online can help build your credibility and authority in your community. Also, websites allow people to search and choose lawyers and firms that best suit their needs. If your website is setup correctly, clients will be coming to you instead of you having to search for your clients.

Build a Referral Network

 Let everyone know that you are going to be starting a law firm. Meet with other practicing lawyers and ask how they found and received their cases. If they’re in a different field of law, you may be able to build some connections that pass off some clients in your direction. Or, they may be overwhelmed with work of their own and will refer clients to other lawyers they have a relationship with (i.e. you). This is a mutual exchange. If you’re a divorce lawyer and someone comes to you asking for criminal defense, you can refer them to someone in your network.

Another alternative is to set up a system where you can pay people you trust a referral fee. This can incentivise people to send work to you. There are certain laws in place that govern this so you should try to learn how it would be applied to you.

Join Local Organizations and Listservs

Aside from building a referral network, join local organizations like Southern State Criminal Law Association, to connect with fellow lawyers in a similar area of law to discuss cases. Joining this or a listserv, which is an email that gets sent to every single member on the list, is a great way to gain advice and other perspectives from lawyers in your practice. This is extremely useful for those just starting out and require a mentor who can answer questions.

Systems

Like any business, have a key outline of operating principles will help you manage and run your law firm more efficiently and effectively. Here are a few key systems you should consider:

  • Accounting: There are a variety of software programs that can easily manage your finances. Another alternative is to hire an accountant.
  • Time Tracking & Billing: Keep on top of how you track your time and the way you bill your clients will save you from a lot of headaches. Your billing system should issue invoices to clients regularly and in a timely manner for all work as it is completely.
  • Filing: There are going to be a lot of files to organize and storing away. Having easy access so you can find certain documents in the future will create a hassle free work environment.
  • Docketing and Calendar System: Every law firm should have a system in place that manages docketing and calendars. Lawyers are humans too and the chances of forgetting something can happen to them too.
  • Client Conflict: At some point in your career you are likely to experience a few clients unimpressed with your practice. Have a system in place that allows you to manage conflict and keep it in check is a must.

Get Insurance

This is the last thing you want to happen to you in your law firm. However, it is something that must be consider: getting sued for malpractice. There are malpractice insurance companies that can provide you with the protection you need for your practice. This is especially important for those starting a sole proprietorship.

Final Notes

Starting a law firm requires a lot of planning and preparation. You’ll need a budget to cover startup expenses, opening of new accounts, and much more. When the office is set up and you’re ready to work, the next thing to do is to start marketing your law firm.

by Business, Ultimate Guides

Starting A Law Firm

Like any business, there’s risk involved. Starting a law firm, whether fresh out of college or years into a career, requires careful planning, some financial resources, and a marketing plan to succeed.

If you’re serious about starting a law firm, you may find it a little more difficult than passing the bar. Luckily, this is a good place to help you get started.

Before Starting A Law Firm

There are a few things you should consider before going ahead and registering a law firm. The most important place to start is by creating a plan.

Consider these:

The beginning of any new business will be tough and first year startups often struggle before they succeed. Having a little patience and determination will see returns to your personal investments and the only way to get there is with a plan.

Have Enough Cash To Get Started

You need a plan to succeed but you will also need a bit of money. The amount of money you need to invest in the startup of a law firm will vary from person to person. There are many expenses you will have to cover that cannot be avoided. Here’s a list of many of the costs you can expect to pay to get your law firm started:

  • Accounting
  • Answering Service
  • Bank Fees
  • Bar fees and other organizational fees
  • Couriers
  • Insurance (for malpractice claims)
  • Employees
  • Employment Benefits
  • Entertainment Costs
  • Office Lease/Rent
  • Office Supplies
  • Office Furniture
  • Ongoing Legal Education
  • Telephone
  • Unemployment Tax
  • Website for Law Firm

The best way to tackle these necessary costs when starting a law firm is by creating a budget. Look at the bigger picture and develop a budget detailing the next few years. Break down your costs into initial start up (i.e. office supplies, marketing, furniture, etc.) and operating costs (i.e. office lease/rent, staff salaries, etc.).

Choosing a Business Structure for Your Law Firm

Now that you have considered the costs, your area of expertise, and finished all the items on the law firm checklist, it’s time to set up your business.

This part of setting up your law firm requires the legal structure of your business. Choose carefully as to which type you use for your law firm as it will affect various aspects of how you can operate as a business.

Here are the options available to your:

Types of Legal Structures

1. Sole Proprietorship

Starting a sole proprietorship is the most simple option available. In this legal structure, the business is owned and operated by one person (you) and they are liable for any of the business’ obligations.

  • You won’t have to file forms with the state, however they will be needed to obtain licenses and permits.
  • Owners are personally liable for the outcome of the business (i.e. debts)
  • Any income earned is reported on your personal income tax return.

This legal structure is ideal for it’s low cost and basic tax structures, however the unlimited liability and requirement to pay self-employment tax can become a burden. Take for example a client suing you for malpractice. You would be held accountable for any damages.

2. Partnership

A partnership requires two or more people who run and own the law firm. You can create a partnership as either general or limited and is typically governed by an agreed upon contract detailing the partners’ responsibilities

  • Each partner is personally responsible for the partnership’s obligations (for general partnerships).
  • Partners owe fiduciary duties to each other.
  • Taxes are reported and paid by each individual partner’s tax returns.

 Forming a partnership is a low cost and profitable solution for each partner. However, there as joint and several liabilities, sharing profits, and possible disputes between partners that can affect your law firm’s trajectory. If for any reason your partner is sued for malpractice or refuses to participate in some other contractual obligation, your can be held personally liable. The best way to protect yourself from this situation is to consider the next option.

3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

 A limited liability company (llc) provides members with with protection from personal liability for debts and actions performed by the business, just like a corporation. The difference is that you can choose to be taxed as a partnership.

  • You will be required to file paperwork to your government
  • You will need an operating agreement outlining rights and responsibilities of the members and how the law firm will run
  • Taxes can be dealt with as either a partnership or a corporation

LLCs have the benefits of limited liability and the bookkeeping is less that a corporation. You may not be able to operate as an LLC and it will require research depending on where you live.

4. Corporation

A corporation is a unique, business entity that has limited liability and is owned by shareholders.

  • You will be required to file paperwork to your government
  • You must create bylaws that govern the entire operation of the corporation
  • You will be taxed when the corporation earns profit.

Corporations are taxed twice. First when the corporation earns profits and again when the dividends are distributed to the shareholders.

There are many variations in legal structure to choose from. Whether you are deciding to start your own solo law firm or joining with a partner, choose the right one that suits how you want to run your business and the local laws in your area. You could always start as a sole-proprietorship then upgrade later when your business picks up.

Marketing Your Law Firm

 At this point, you’re cash flow might be depleted but your law firm is ready to go. The next thing you will need to do to start your own law firm is: find clients.

Finding clients will come down to how effective your marketing strategy is, but also, how strong your connections and relationships are with those that know you. Getting a referral from someone who knows your potential makes for easy client acquisition. However, for those that are seeking for legal advice for the first time, they may not have a trusted friend to vouch for you.

Here’s some marketing ideas to help you turn cold connections into your new clients.

1. Announce Your Opening

At the start of your new law firm, send out high-quality announcements to everyone you know (close and distant). If you’ve chosen a niche practice, send it out to those in your local bar association. Don’t forget to send personalized letters to your friends and relatives too. This can be useful for obtaining your first few referred clients.

2. Join a Business Networking Group

There are somethings you can do, and some things you can’t. If you join a business networking group, there are all kinds of opportunities to be found. If there’s lawyers in your group from other areas of specialization, you can create a referral list for them in exchange for a referral list for your specialised legal practice.

3. Become a Public Speaker

If there’s a topic you’re passionate about or a legal issue you want to eliminate, arranging public speeches is a great way to become known in your community. Public speaking allows you to make direct connections with people from the knowledge you have. This type of community outreach lets you display your expertise and build trust in your profession.

4. Start A Blog

Similar to public speaking, consider this public writing. Starting a blog for your law firm is an ideal way to find new clients online. Web sites can receive a lot of traffic depending on how your website is set up and the quality of the content involved.

5. Provide Quality Work

It might sound strange, but you should be providing exceptional “customer” experience. You’re dealing with people and, people talk. Their experience with you, good or bad, has a good chance of being spread on social media and within personal groups. You should always provide your best work to develop a strong referral base and a list or long-term clients.

Struggling to start a law firm? Check out the Starting Your Own Law Firm Checklist.

by Business

Use These Tips To Manage Your Law Firm’s Online Reputation

Have you Googled yourself lately?

I know it sounds silly, but it’s probably the single most important task you can do this week to learn about your online reputation. Armed with the knowledge you’ll receive, you can take control of your online image and turn prospects into clients and clients into superstar referrers.

Online reputation management always starts with a quick search on Google for your name and/ or your law firm’s name. What are the first results that show up when you do a Google search?

Go on. I’ll wait.

Your search results probably look a little bit like this:

YOUR-WEBSITEImage Courtesy of Google.com

You should see your own website, followed closely by review sites like Yelp, Avvo, and Yellowpages.com. You may even find a Google listing with star ratings by your name, indicating your clients’ satisfaction levels.

Some people do vanity searches on Google for kicks and giggles, but when it comes to your online reputation, there’s nothing more persuasive than the first few results that return on a Google search. For many of your prospective clients, this will be their first encounter with your brand.

Don’t believe me?

Let’s play a scenario. Let’s say you have a satisfied client who refers you to one of their friends. Your client can’t remember your website, so he tells his friend to Google you.

While the referred prospect trusts his friend, he may get scared away from choosing you due to negative one and two star ratings on the first page of Google results. And if you don’t have any strategy in place to counteract that negative rating, you may just lose a prospective client.

Another scenario is that you’re competing with every other lawyer in your area. A lot of prospects simply search “family lawyer in town, state”. People often make their decision based on who seems to have the most amount of positive information out there. This includes positive reviews, but also an active presence on these review sites. The final part of the puzzle is your own website that operates as your hub and a library of information.

Let’s take a look at some other best practices for managing your law firm’s online reputation.

Here’s a checklist for how to manage your law firm’s online reputation.
Click Here

Set Yourself Up for Success

+Set up shop on Avvo

Claim Your Profile on Avvo. While Avvo populates the basics of your profile with information from your state’s Bar Association, you should also fill in the gaps. Here are a few things you should include:

Up-to-date information about your law firm, including your website, phone number, email, and physical address.

A professional headshot. People like seeing who they will be working with. Putting a face to the name humanizes your brand.

List awards you’ve won, publications that have featured you, and organizations you’re a member of. It can improve your Avvo ranking and boost your reputation in the eyes of potential clients.

Get Reviews

+Ask for Reviews*

You’re a great attorney who cares about your clients (or else you wouldn’t be here). Based on this, I know you have clients who care about you, too. Now, it’s time to get them to show it.

How are your powers of telepathy?

Okay, so if mental communication doesn’t work, it’s time to go verbal or at least written. At the end of your case or legal preparation, ask your client to share a review about you or your law firm. You can ask face to face, if your client is in your office, or via email if you prefer.

When asking face to face, I recommend having a review-optimized business card handy. On your business card, point to the key places you’d like for your client to leave a review.

connect-with-us

Image Courtesy of Access Publishing

When asking via email, I recommend that you provide a mini-guide to make it as easy as possible for the client to leave a review for you. Ask for the review, leave a link to your profile (or directions on how to get to your profile), and provide guiding questions such as:

How was our service?

Would you recommend us to your friends and family?

Did we promptly respond to your questions and concerns?

Would you return to do business with us? If yes, why?

Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. That way, you’ll get a lot more people to leave reviews.

*You can’t actually ask for reviews for Yelp. Yelp specifically forbids it. What you can do is inform your clients that you are also on Yelp, and hopefully they’ll get the hint.

Alternatively, instead of asking for your clients to review you on third party websites, you can ask for good old fashioned testimonials. Then, you can put these testimonials on your own site.

While this may limit the amount of people who actually see your testimonials, you have a lot more control over what’s said on your own site. Review sites routinely delete reviews (both positive and negative, real and fake). This means a lot of your positive reviews may be lost forever because of a capricious algorithm.

That’s no fair.

Control the conversation by hosting all of your reviews (both good and bad) on your own website.

+Highlight Video Testimonials

If you can get your clients to leave video testimonials, do it! There are few things more persuasive and reputation boosting in the eyes of a prospective client than watching a relatable person tell his or her story.

You don’t have to hire a film crew and make a big production, unless you’re going to use this to create a commercial. If it’s strictly for your website or to market your law firm through Facebook or YouTube, you’ve got all the equipment you’ll need with your smartphone.

That’s right, a smartphone, a chair next to a window for good lighting, and (if you want better audio) a $15 lavalier microphone is all you’ll need to capture a compelling testimonial that will woo your prospects.

powers-law-groupImage Courtesy of Powers Law Group

Keep an Eye on Reviews

While you should make a habit of checking the top review sites regularly, it may be hard to catch every mention of you and your law firm on the Internet. That’s why I recommend setting up a Google Alert to get notified every time you’re mentioned.

Simply go here to set up a Google alert. You’ll need a Google account (if you have a Gmail address, that works). Then, enter any term you’d like to be notified of. This may include your name, your law firm’s name, or even a name of your competitors.

google-alertsImage Courtesy of Google Alerts

Then, set a notification schedule. You may wish to receive a daily email digest, or an email once a week. And you’re done. It’s easy, free, and a great way to monitor your online reputation.

Respond to All Reviews (Even Negative Ones)

So, now that you’re monitoring all mentions of your name, it’s time to make a commitment. Commit to responding to each and every review left about you and/or your law firm.

[Tweet “Commit to responding to each and every review left about you and/or your law firm. Here’s why:”]

A lot of attorneys don’t do this, and the result ranges from appearing out of touch to just not seeming to care at all.

The fact is, if someone cares enough to leave a review on a website about you, you should care enough to respond.

Especially to negative reviews.

You may be thinking, why should I get down and dirty with a negative review? Don’t think of it that way.

Instead, think of it as an opportunity to show how much you’re invested in resolving problems. Plus, prospective clients are watching carefully to see how (or if) you respond to negative reviews. Your response also will indicate whether or not you’re argumentative (well, of course you are– you’re a lawyer!– but you’re also an advocate, and that’s the side you should show when interacting with online comments).

Last but not least, respond promptly. Responding a year later doesn’t have the same impact as responding a month after the fact. That’s why it’s a good idea to set up Google Alerts and implement a schedule for checking your reviews.

The First Step

The first step is to set up a website and control the conversation. AmazeLaw can help with that. Let’s talk.

Here’s a checklist for how to manage your law firm’s online reputation.
Click Here
by Branding

When Do You Need a Federal Criminal Lawyer? Key Legal Insights

Federal criminal lawyers are professionals who defend charges for federal defense. If you have committed or have been accused of committing federal crimes, you need a federal defense attorney. 

These lawyers understand federal laws and court procedures. They are experienced in building a strong defense and handling complex cases. Their expertise helps protect your rights and improve the case outcome through negotiating. 

However, you don’t always need them for every case. It’s important to understand when to hire them to get the best results in a case. 

When to Hire A Federal Defense Attorney?

Some crimes are punished or solved based on state laws, while some follow federal laws. For federal crimes, you need a federal attorney. 

1. Drug Trafficking in Large Amounts

Are you accused of trafficking drugs in large amounts? Then, you need to hire a federal criminal lawyer as soon as possible. The US Government is strict about drug trafficking, and the punishment is often severe. 

This offense involves illegal substances like cocaine, LSD, heroin, or PCP and is a serious crime. A first offense can lead to 5 to 40 years in prison, with higher penalties if death or injury occurs. 

A federal criminal lawyer helps with negotiations to minimize penalties and protect your rights. They work to save you from a guilty verdict or prove innocence.

2. Counterfeiting

If facing charges for counterfeiting, hire a federal criminal lawyer. Counterfeiting involves manufacturing, possessing, or using fake money. Possessing tools for counterfeiting is also illegal. Penalties include 5 to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. A good attorney aims to protect your rights and never ask you to plead guilty to something you did not do. They will also help if you are conspiring or dealing with passable fake money.

3. Sex Crimes

Sex crimes under federal law are serious. They are known as aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse. If proven guilty, penalties can range from several years to life in prison. 

If the victim is a child under 16, the minimum penalty is 30 years. These are the most severe offenses you can face. To increase your chances of a more favorable outcome, hire an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer. Federal agencies, part of the DOJ, handle investigations and evidence for these cases.

4. Homicide 

Murder is the unlawful killing of someone often with malice aforethought. It includes planned, deliberate, and premeditated acts or killings during other serious crimes. Federal murder cases are rare but involve high-profile investigations. 

These crimes can occur on ships, airplanes, or military bases, where federal jurisdiction applies. Federal murder charges can be classified as first-degree or second-degree. 

Facing these charges requires an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer. They can provide the best defense and help achieve a positive outcome.

5. Money Laundering

Money laundering involves hiding the source of illegally obtained money through financial transactions. It’s a serious federal crime. The crime is often added to other federal charges. 

You need the support of a federal defense attorney to defend you. With experience, they can often resolve cases before charges are even filed. Whether you are a business owner, banker, or healthcare provider, they can help you. 

The US Constitution preserves everyone’s life, including someone accused of crimes. Your lawyer will ensure you are not getting more than the required punishment. Whatmore, they also try to negotiate and reduce the punishment. 

6. Charges of Illegal Weapons

Illegal weapons charges under federal law are serious offenses. These include unlawful possession of firearms, firearms trafficking, and using weapons in violent crimes or fraud.

Penalties can be severe for such crimes. As per federal laws, you may get up to 15 years of prison sentences. However, that’s not always the punishment. Federal defense attorneys can help mitigate the penalties. 

They are aware of complex federal laws and know how to navigate the legal system. Based on the situation, they will try to establish a scenario where your crime may seem less fatal. This can help get a more suitable punishment. 

7. Federal Grand Larceny

In simple terms, it’s like stealing something. In legal words, grand larceny is taking something highly expensive that is not yours. The federal courts are usually not concerned about small or minor stealing. When something of utmost importance is stolen, federal laws might take it into their hands. 

Grand larceny differs from petit larceny. Theft of properties worth less than $1000 is considered petit larceny. So, to be considered a federal crime, it has to be a property theft of more than $1000. In such cases, a federal defense attorney is needed. The list includes:

  • Secret scientific material
  • One or more firearms
  • A motor vehicle priced more than $1000
  • Property valued at more than $3,000
  • An automated teller machine or its contents
  • A telephone access device, etc. 

Conclusion

Federal criminal cases require the help of federal criminal lawyers. Whether you really committed the crime or not, you still need them. With their expertise and knowledge, they will work to help get the best outcome. 

by Marketing

How Quality Content and SEO Can Drive Client Acquisition for Lawyers

Digital marketing is a crucial element for law firms aiming to stand out and attract clients. As the legal industry becomes increasingly saturated, having a strong online presence is no longer optional—it’s essential. Quality content and effective SEO strategies are at the heart of this effort, driving traffic to your website and converting visitors into clients.

Creating content that resonates with potential clients is vital. Not only does it position your firm as an authority in the field, but it also builds trust, answering the legal questions and concerns of those seeking your services. However, it’s not enough to just create content; it must be optimized to ensure it reaches the right audience. That’s where SEO comes into play, helping your content rank higher on search engines and making it easier for potential clients to find you.

The Importance of Quality Content

What is Quality Content

Quality content in the legal sector is defined by its relevance, accuracy, and engagement. It’s about providing information that your audience finds valuable—whether that’s through blog posts, articles, or guides. Quality content should address the specific needs and concerns of your potential clients, offering them insights and solutions to their legal problems.

Benefits of Quality Content

Well-crafted content does more than just fill up space on your website. It establishes your law firm as a knowledgeable and trustworthy authority in your field. When potential clients find answers to their questions through your content, they are more likely to trust your expertise and seek out your services. Additionally, quality content enhances your SEO efforts, making your website more visible on search engines and driving more organic traffic to your site.

SEO: A Key Driver for Client Acquisition

Understanding SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) enhances your website to boost its visibility in search engine results when potential clients search for legal services online. In a competitive market, a strong SEO strategy can make the difference between attracting a new client and losing them to a competitor. SEO involves various tactics, such as optimizing keywords, improving local search presence, and refining your site’s overall structure—all with the goal of increasing your website’s ranking on search engines.

SEO Strategies for Law Firms

For law firms, certain SEO strategies are particularly effective. These include keyword optimization, where specific legal terms are targeted to attract the right audience, and local SEO, which focuses on improving visibility in local search results. Mobile optimization is also crucial, as more users are accessing websites from mobile devices. Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your law firm’s online presence.

If your firm is looking for ways to enhance its online visibility, you might find inspiration from industries with similar SEO needs. For instance, companies offering healthcare SEO services have mastered the art of creating custom SEO strategies that cater to a specialized audience. This approach ensures that content is not only optimized for search engines but also tailored to meet the specific needs of the target market.

Integrating Quality Content with SEO

Content Optimization Techniques

Optimizing content for search engines doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It’s about striking a balance between readability and search engine friendliness. Start by naturally incorporating keywords into your content—avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your rankings. Optimize meta tags, headings, and images to improve search engine visibility. Ensuring your content is easy to read and navigate also contributes to a better user experience, which is increasingly important for SEO.

The Role of Blogging and Articles

Regular blogging and publishing articles are powerful tools for maintaining and boosting your website’s SEO performance. These pieces of content not only keep your website fresh and relevant but also provide opportunities to target new keywords and topics. Updating older content to reflect current legal trends and practices ensures that your site remains a valuable resource for both existing and potential clients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating quality content with effective SEO strategies is essential for law firms aiming to enhance their client acquisition efforts. By focusing on creating informative, engaging content and optimizing it for search engines, your firm can build authority, trust, and visibility online. In today’s digital age, these elements are key to standing out in a crowded market and attracting the clients your firm needs to thrive.

 

by Marketing

Personalized Direct Mail Dental: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on Personalized Direct Mail Dental. In a world where digital marketing seems to reign supreme, it’s easy to overlook the power and potential of direct mail. But here’s the thing: direct mail, especially in the dental industry, is far from obsolete.

In fact, it’s a versatile, tangible form of advertising that can help you attract new patients, maintain patient loyalty, and stand out in a competitive landscape. In this guide, we’ll delve into the nuts and bolts of creating a successful dental direct mail campaign, from defining your goal and identifying your target audience to choosing the perfect mail solution. We’ll also explore different types of dental direct mailers, such as postcards, brochures, snap packs, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned mail expert or a novice looking to dip your toes into the world of direct mail marketing, this guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to launch a successful campaign. So, let’s dive in and start exploring the world of dental direct mail.

Understanding the Power of Dental Direct Mail

This section will delve into the unique strengths of dental direct mail, shedding light on why it’s a preferred choice for many dental management companies. From its tangible impact to its versatility, dental direct mail offers a myriad of benefits that can help your practice stand out in a crowded market. Let’s explore these advantages in detail.

Why Dental Direct Mail Marketing?

Dental direct mail marketing is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any dental management company. It’s not just about sending out a dental postcard or two. It’s about crafting a direct mail campaign that resonates with your target audience, making your mail piece more than just a piece of paper, but a tangible representation of your brand.

The beauty of direct mail marketing lies in its versatility. Whether it’s a simple postcard or a more complex direct mail product, the options are endless. You can tailor your campaign to fit your specific needs, making it the perfect solution for your marketing woes.

Working with a mail expert like a mail shark can help you navigate the complexities of a direct mail campaign. They can guide you in creating a direct mail piece that not only looks good but also effectively communicates your message. With their help, you can harness the power of dental direct mail and take your marketing efforts to the next level.

The Impact of Tangible Advertising

The tangible nature of dental direct mail advertising holds a unique power that digital platforms can’t replicate. When a potential patient holds a dental postcard in their hands, it creates a physical connection that can significantly impact their perception of your dental management company. This tactile experience, combined with a well-crafted message, can leave a lasting impression, making your brand more memorable.

Moreover, the physicality of a direct mail piece adds a sense of legitimacy to your dental practice. In an era where digital ads can be easily dismissed with a click, a print and mail piece demands attention. It’s a concrete reminder of your services that stays within the recipient’s environment, often viewed multiple times, thereby reinforcing your message.

Versatility in Direct Mail Marketing

Direct mail marketing is a versatile tool that can be tailored to fit the unique needs of a dental practice. Whether you’re looking to attract new patients or retain existing ones, the right direct mail product can make all the difference. From dental postcards to more comprehensive mail pieces, the options are vast and varied.

The beauty of direct mail lies in its adaptability. A dental management company can work with mail experts to design, print, and mail pieces that resonate with their target audience. This level of customization allows for a more personalized approach, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

Creating a Successful Dental Direct Mail Campaign

Creating a successful dental direct mail campaign is a strategic process that requires careful planning and execution. It’s not just about sending out mail pieces, but about reaching the right audience with the right message. This section will guide you through the key steps involved in creating a successful dental direct mail campaign.

From defining your goal to identifying your target audience and choosing a mailing solution, each step plays a crucial role in the success of your campaign. Let’s delve into these steps in detail.

Defining Your Goal

The first step in creating a successful dental direct mail campaign is defining your goal. This is a crucial step as it sets the direction for your entire campaign.

A well-defined goal is the foundation of a successful dental direct mail campaign. It guides your decisions and helps you measure your success.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Identifying your target audience is a crucial step in creating a successful dental direct mail campaign. This process involves understanding who your potential new patients are, their demographics, and their needs.

A well-defined target audience can significantly increase the effectiveness of your campaign. It allows you to tailor your message, making it more relevant and appealing to the recipient. This, in turn, can boost your conversion rates and help grow your practice.

Choosing a Mailing Solution

Choosing a mailing solution is a critical step in your dental direct mail campaign. It’s not just about sending out mail pieces, but ensuring they reach the right audience and make an impact. A reliable mailing solution can streamline this process, taking care of everything from print to mail, and even offering expert advice on maximizing your campaign’s effectiveness.

There are several mailing solutions available, each with its unique features and benefits. Some offer advanced services like variable data printing, which allows for personalized mail pieces that can significantly enhance your campaign’s success. Others provide on-site USPS verification, ensuring faster turnaround times and guaranteed accuracy.

Attracting New Patients with Dental Direct Mail

Attracting new patients is a crucial aspect of growing your dental practice. One effective way to achieve this is through personalized dental direct mail. This strategy allows you to reach out to potential patients directly, offering them a glimpse into your services and the unique care you provide.

By leveraging tools like attract new patients postcards, new mover marketing, and variable data printing, you can create a compelling and personalized message that resonates with your target audience. This approach not only helps you stand out from the competition but also fosters a deeper connection with potential patients.

Using Postcards to Attract New Patients

Postcards are a powerful tool in the arsenal of dental direct mail. They offer a tangible, personalized touch that can effectively reach your target audience. With a well-crafted message and design, attract new patients postcards can pique interest and prompt potential patients to take action.

The success of this strategy lies in the precision of your dental mailing list. A well-curated list ensures your postcards reach the right people, increasing the chances of conversion. It’s not just about quantity, but quality. A targeted mailing list can significantly improve the effectiveness of your direct mail campaign.

Leveraging New Mover Marketing

New mover marketing is a potent tool in the arsenal of a dental practice. It targets new residents in your area, a demographic that is most likely to be seeking a new dentist. This strategy is a direct mail solution that can help you stand out from the competition and attract these potential patients to your practice.

Research shows that new movers tend to spend six times more in their first six months at a new location. This spending includes finding and establishing relationships with local service providers, including dentists. By leveraging new mover marketing, you can position your practice as the go-to choice for dental services in your area.

However, the success of new mover marketing depends on precision print and effective campaign management. It’s not just about sending out postcards; it’s about creating a compelling message that resonates with your target audience. With the help of a direct mail expert, you can craft a campaign that not only reaches your target audience but also convinces them to choose your practice over others.

Personalizing Content with Variable Data Printing

Variable data printing is a powerful tool in direct mail solutions, especially for dental practices. It allows for the creation of personalized mail pieces, each tailored to the recipient’s specific needs or preferences. This level of customization can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your dental direct mail campaigns.

The beauty of variable data printing lies in its ability to leverage the information from your dental mailing list. By using this data, you can create highly personalized content that resonates with your target audience. For instance, you can address each recipient by their name, mention their last visit date, or even suggest specific dental services based on their past treatments.

Maintaining Patient Loyalty with Dental Direct Mail

In the realm of dental practice, patient loyalty is a precious commodity. Dental direct mail marketing can be a potent tool in fostering this loyalty. It’s not just about sending out a dental flyer or a postcard brochure; it’s about creating a personalized connection with your patients. This section will delve into how a well-planned dentist direct marketing campaign can help maintain patient loyalty and ensure the growth of your practice.

Building a Solid Patient Base

Building a solid patient base is the cornerstone of any successful dental practice. It’s not just about attracting new patients, but also about retaining the existing ones. This is where dental direct mail marketing comes into play.

A well-crafted dentist direct mail campaign can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. It allows you to reach out to your target audience in a personal and tangible way. Unlike digital marketing, direct mail has a physical presence, which can make a stronger impression on the recipient.

Whether it’s a dental flyer, a postcard brochure, or a snap pack, the key is to create a compelling message that resonates with your audience. This can help you build a loyal patient base that keeps coming back to your practice.

Ensuring Regular Visits

Ensuring regular visits from patients is a critical aspect of a successful dental practice. This not only helps in maintaining the oral health of the patients but also contributes to the steady growth of the practice. A well-planned dentist direct mail campaign can play a significant role in achieving this goal.

Direct mail marketing, such as dental flyers or postcard brochures, can serve as friendly reminders for patients to schedule their regular check-ups. These mailers can be personalized to each patient, making them feel valued and encouraging them to prioritize their dental health.

Moreover, a targeted mailing list can be used to reach out to patients who haven’t visited in a while, reminding them of the importance of regular dental check-ups. This approach, combined with a compelling marketing campaign, can help ensure regular visits and foster patient loyalty.

Standing Out Among Local Practices

A well-executed dentist direct marketing campaign can be the difference between blending in and becoming a local leader. Dental direct mail marketing, particularly through the use of postcard brochures and dental flyers, offers a unique opportunity to showcase your practice’s unique offerings.

The goal is not just to attract new patients, but to retain existing ones. A targeted mailing list can ensure your marketing materials reach the right audience, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among your patient base. This is the power of a well-executed dentist direct mail campaign.

Exploring Different Types of Dental Direct Mailers

Direct mailers offer a tangible, personalized way to reach out to both existing and potential patients. In this section, we’ll delve into the different types of dental direct mailers, from postcards and brochures to snap packs and self-mailers. Each type has its unique benefits and can be tailored to meet your specific goals, whether it’s expanding your patient base, enhancing patient engagement, or standing out in a competitive landscape.

Postcards and Brochures

Postcards: These are a popular choice in the dental mail market. They are cost-effective, easy to design, and can be customized to target a specific patient base. They are great for maintaining patient loyalty and increasing brand recognition.

Brochures: Brochures offer more space for information than postcards. They can be used to provide detailed information about dental services, introduce new treatments, or highlight the competitive landscape of your dental office. They are an excellent tool for patient engagement.

Combo: Combining postcards and brochures can be a powerful strategy. A well-designed postcard can grab attention, while a detailed brochure can provide the necessary information to convert an interested reader into a loyal patient.

Snap Packs and Self Mailers

Cost-effective: Snap packs and self-mailers are a budget-friendly option in the mail market. They eliminate the need for an envelope, reducing costs and providing immediate visual impact.

Engaging: These mailers are designed to grab attention. The unique format encourages the recipient to interact with the mailer, increasing patient engagement.

Versatile: Snap packs and self-mailers can be used for a variety of purposes. They’re perfect for introducing your dental office to potential patients, maintaining patient loyalty, or reminding exist patients of upcoming appointments.

Reminder and Welcome Postcards

Welcome Postcards: These are designed to attract new patients and establish a solid patient base. They provide an excellent opportunity to introduce your dental office, services, and any special offers to new residents, thereby enhancing brand recognition.

Reminder Postcards: These are crucial for maintaining patient engagement and loyalty in a competitive mail market. They serve as friendly nudges, reminding existing patients of their upcoming appointments or the need for regular check-ups. This helps ensure your dental practice stays top-of-mind.

Personalized Postcards: These are a powerful tool for fostering long-term relationships with patients. By incorporating personalized elements such as the patient’s name or birthday, you can show your patients that you genuinely care, thereby boosting patient loyalty.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Dental Direct Mail Campaign

In dental direct mail marketing, it’s essential to evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign. This involves a thorough analysis of your campaign’s success and understanding the return on investment it offers.

By doing so, you can fine-tune your strategies, ensuring that your direct mail pieces resonate with your target audience and drive new patient acquisition.

Measuring Campaign Success

Measuring the success of your dental direct mail campaign is crucial to understand its effectiveness. It’s not just about sending out mail pieces and hoping for the best. You need to track the response rate, which is the number of new patients who respond to your mail campaign.

The second metric to consider is the conversion rate. This refers to the percentage of respondents who actually become patients. It’s a direct indicator of the effectiveness of your direct mail product.

Understanding the ROI of Dental Direct Mail

Understanding the return on investment (ROI) of your dental direct mail campaign is crucial to gauge its effectiveness. It’s not just about the number of new patients you acquire, but also the value each patient brings to your practice.

A well-executed dental direct mail campaign can help your practice stand out, increase patient engagement, and drive growth. It’s a potent tool in your marketing arsenal, and understanding its ROI is key to leveraging its full potential.

Embracing the Power of Dental Direct Mail

 

In conclusion, the power of dental direct mail cannot be overstated. It’s a versatile tool that not only attracts new patients but also fosters patient loyalty, ensuring your dental office remains a preferred choice in a competitive landscape. From postcards to brochures, snap packs, and reminder postcards, the variety of direct mail products available offers a perfect solution for every dental management company.

With precision print and targeted mailing lists, your direct mail campaign can effectively reach your target audience, boosting patient engagement and brand recognition. While the world is rapidly digitizing, the tangible impact of a well-crafted mail piece remains unmatched. So, whether you’re a seasoned mail expert or just starting your first direct mail campaign, remember that dental direct mail marketing is a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal.

To ensure your dental direct mail campaigns are as effective as possible, consider partnering with Cactus Mailing, a leader in direct mailers. Their expertise can help you design and execute campaigns that resonate with your target audience, driving new patient acquisition and strengthening loyalty, all while keeping your practice at the forefront of the market.

 

by Marketing

What’s Better, In-Person Or Phone Consultations?

In today’s tech driven world, there is significant comfort and convenience using instant messaging. Since legal advice is not likely to be delivered in this way, what’s better, in-person or phone consultations?

There’s no denying that in-person consultations lead to stronger rapport, deeper connections, and easier conflict resolution. However, some people are just too busy to put aside a few hours to receive a consultation on the far end of town.

Which method will you use?

Ease of hiring an attorney

Almost everyone is looking for the quickest and safest route that answers their problems. Having access to your services can likely be best achieved by providing a place to find you online.

Your website may be the key place where you find new clients. Knowing precisely what you can offer (in-person or phone consultations) will make the ease of hiring an attorney that much simpler.

Also, if you have started a blog, you have likely already built a relationship with your prospective client and their phone call or message to schedule a consultation is the next step forward.

Overview Of Phone Consultations

There is a clear convenience for both you and your client when it comes to phone consultations. Whether you have a website scheduling appointments or a staff member taking your calls, providing this style of consultation may free up more of your time which you can devote to more prospective clients.

Consider the following:

  1. Will providing phone consultations affect the number of clients you receive compared to meeting in-person?
  2. Will providing phone consultations allow you to help more people?
  3. Will providing phone consultations led to more successful outcomes?

Phone consultations have the ability to start a relationship. There is some commitment to both your service and their legal needs that will be discussed over the phone.

Whether in-person consultations build stronger rapport or not, people seeking a phone consultations are looking for a solution to their problems and are likely unwilling to wait any longer to get that.

Features & Benefits:

  • Flexibility in scheduling for both you and your client
  • Provide urgent solutions for some clients
  • Attract more clients who don’t want to/can’t meet in-person
  • Convenient for clients with busy schedules
  • Expand your reach for legal services

Overview Of In-Person Consultations

There are somethings that can never be replaced by technology and that’s the level of intimacy that comes from face-to-face human connections.

Regardless of whether you decide to offer phone consultations or not, there will always be some people seeking to speak with you in person.

Perhaps this is your selling feature. You have established yourself as a respectable and impressive performing firm and clients are eager to walk in to sit in your offices to get your advice.

It could be the handshake, the assurance of your character, or simply the process of entering into your office that makes things “feel official.”

In-person consultations are irreplaceable.

In person consultations can give your clients the opportunity to engage in high stakes conversations. If you are addressing sensitive topics, providing this style of consultation is advised.

In general, there are simply some topics that should not be addressed over the phone. Any cases involved emotional situations like divorces, children, and death requires that human element to be handled well.

Features & Benefits:

  • Comfort in disclosing sensitive information (i.e. emotional cases involving children)
  • Access to traditional styles of consultations
  • Generally, more practical for elders (may have problems hearing over the phone)
  • More security and privacy for corporate clients

Consider Whether An In-Person Or Phone Consultation Is Right For You

If you are marketing your legal services well, you may be getting 20 to 50 requests for consultations per month. Perhaps you’re getting more and screening hundreds of calls and concerns.

Depending on the size of your law firm (i.e. individual practice vs. group of associates) you may or may not be able to handle the amount of consultations requests.

If you’re a small law firm, here are a few things to consider:

  1. Do you have the extra hours (100+) to provide all these consultations this month?
  2. Does your staff have the additional hours to handle the logistics (i.e. scheduling consultations, following up with those who don’t show up, etc.)?
  3. If needed, are you willing to put in the extra hours — working into the evening and weekends?
  4. How successful are you in these consultations? How often do they lead to your legal support?

If you have a high number of requests for in-person consultation, this can take up a significant amount of your time. If you have a website set up and it is capable of making bookings, you can save yourself a lot of personal struggles.

Investing in a lawyer website may be an ideal choice as it can alleviate the weight of calls coming in to request in-person consultations and direct prospective clients to book a phone consultation at their convenience.

Contrasting Consultation Styles

What if phone consultations led to a lower no-show rate? Convenience is key when people are seeking answers to their problems. Being able to get an answer over the phone rather than wait for an uncertain amount of time is what many people are looking for. People don’t want to wait.

This demand for immediacy can eliminate the need to “build rapport” for a relationship to build between client and attorney. The urgency some people are facing leads to people making faster decisions based on other sources (i.e. your website, reviews, etc.).

Imagine this, your legal office is empty. Can you be trusted to take on their case if you don’t have any clients that keep you busy? Your perspectives may not commit to you because you don’t appear to be very busy. And, if you aren’t busy, perhaps they may think that you are not very good.

However, if you are offering more phone consultations than in-person, it would be easy to believe that previous presumption.

So how should you value your time?

Phone consultations should be limited to lower-stake cases. These are great for clients who don’t want or need an in person conversation and they are much more flexible with their time.

What Does Research Say About Using In-Person Or Phone Consultations

Research by Heather Hewitt, Joseph Gafaranga, and Brian McKinstry examined the differences in consulting methods used by doctors: in-person or phone consultations.

They interviewed 18 professional medical practitioners and 65 of their patients.

Their results showed that phone consultations are capable of dealing with smaller, single issues and concerns. Whereas in-person consultations led to many more problems to deal with and discuss.

The phone consultations tended to be shorter while in-person consultations led to periods of silence. This research article suggests that it is during those moments of silence that new topics and problems are introduced.

One final point that was discovered, in-person consultations tend to elicit more concerns and questions from the doctor and phone consultations were more direct and focused at solving the problem at hand.

Their conclusion: Phone consultations take less time and focus on a single problem. In-person consultations involved more problem disclosure.

Knowing Your Consultation Style

So what’s going to be your style: in-person or phone consultations? There’s no right answer to this question and your decision should be based on the kinds of legal services you provide.

There are certainly some situations, such as bankruptcy and criminal defense, where providing phone consultations is the quick and easy solution for your clients.

Providing phone consultation can even give you the freedom and flexibility to work remotely.

However, the traditional in-person style is a standard in the legal world, especially for emotionally charged situations.

Whatever you decide, defining your consultation style allows you to provide legal services in a way that suits your client’s need, scheduling, and personal preference.

by Business, Ultimate Guides

Should A Lawyer Have A Blog?

If you already own a website, why should a lawyer have a blog?

Nowadays, when people have a problem they immediately turn to Google and other search engines to find the answer. The way things work online, a few words or phrases are typed into the search bar and websites that best match it will show up.

For certain legal concerns, you may see searches like this:

  • Wife wants divorce
  • Can my brother sue me
  • What do I do if I get arrested?

In these situations, having a blog and writing about the legal perspective can bring more visitors to your website and potentially lead to new clients.

To achieve this, you will need to write articles with headlines like the following:

  • 7 Things You Must Do When Your Wife Wants A Divorce
  • What To Do When Your Brother (Or Family) Wants To Sue You
  • How Your Arrest Will Affect You And Your Family

Blogging is a powerful tool that takes time, commitment and a little online knowledge to make it work. Here’s a few things lawyers starting a blog should know.

Guidelines For A Lawyer’s Blog

You may not be a web designer, but there are a few things you should know if you intend to provide your thoughts, ideas, and professional advice online. A website is just like your office space: the way it is organized, the overall aesthetic, and the level of professionalism all play a part in whether people will stick around or click away.

Here are a few guidelines to consider when it comes to lawyer’s having an online blog:

  1. Create a responsive website. Many people are navigating the online world from a smart device. This means that your lawyer website has to be 100% responsive and mobile friendly. When it comes to the design elements on the page, keep it simple and keep it clean. And, don’t over complicate the language. People from all kinds of backgrounds will be reaching out to your online. Using simple, everyday language will be the best way to connect with potential clients.
  2. Have a clear way to contact you. There is a purpose to providing a website and this is amplified by adding a blog. Whenever you have visitors coming to your site, your contact information should be clear and distinct. Visitors should be able to send an email with ease or touch your number causing it to instantly dial. Reducing the level of frustrations on your website and in your blog will make the experience that much better in the palm of their hand.
  3. Educate your prospective clients. The main purpose of blogging is to exemplify your professional and answer any questions they may have. The information you provide is often the best place to begin a relationship with you. They can get to know who you are, what you offer, and how you think. Your blog is the place to build trust so that the consultation can happen without any doubts and uncertainties.
  4. Answer questions and solve problems. You might think that there is already a lot of information on the web and as a lawyer, it may be a waste of time to be blogging about it. Your competitors may be hundreds of articles ahead of you and you keep wondering why they continue to get more and more clients. Start blogging. This is an investment in your services and the easiest way to get started is by answering the most common questions your previous clients have asked you before. When people are coming to you online, they are hoping you have the answers to your problems, which the only way you can prove to them that you have it is by writing a blog.
  5. Add special offers. As a lawyer with a blog, this is a great opportunity to attract new clients. One of the best way to do this can be done by offering a free initial consultation. Inside your blog as well as on the side, you can create banners and advertisements that tell your visitors they can sign up for a risk-free, no obligation and no money consultation. Or, perhaps you are doing something special and offer flexible phone consultations.

 SEO Benefits Of Blogging

There’s a few things behind the scenes that lawyers should know about blogging. If you’re unfamiliar with how websites work and how Google shows your website to people searching you could be wasting your time blogging online.

Here’s a little summary of lawyer SEO and how a lawyer that blogs can benefit from it.

  1. More authority. There are elements of your website that determine your overall “web authority.” This is known as Domain Authority (DA) and is ranked on a 100-point-scale. Websites that provide more content will have a higher DA which boosts their rankings in the search engines.
  2. More web pages. Whenever you publish a new blog post, you are expanding the depth and details of your website. Each page URL gets indexed by Google and other search engines which increases your likelihood of being found and is supported by all other benefits found in this list.
  3. More Links. Links are an important variable that determines how well you are ranked. When you link out from your site to another authority site, Google recognizes this. However, when you link to other pages on your own website, this too is counted toward your overall ranking. Blogging gives you the chance to greatly enhance the quality of your site and give it that added boost.
  4. More trust. Many people are seeking solutions to their problems online. If you can position yourself in a way that provides online advice and trusted information, this too helps your ranking. Google tends to favor sites that give visitors trusted information that people actually need. Having a blog will provide that added trust that other websites lack.
  5. More traffic. Publishing regularly will allow you to generate significantly more traffic to your website, and ultimately, to your legal services. Google will often refer people using its search engine to sites that are active and consistently providing relevant and trusting content.
  6. More long tail keywords. Keyword stuffing (i.e. using a common keyword or phrase over and over again in an article) can lead to Google penalties. When you are blogging with quality, original content, you will end up with much more “long tail keywords” in on your website. Over time, this will increase your chances that you will be able to answer specific problems that prospective clients are seeking for online.
  7. More user experience. Google wants people to have the best user experience. To ensure this, Google expects websites to provide visitors with real answers and solutions to their problems. This will be measured by the amount of time people are spending on your website. If many people are leaving, you site is likely not the solution. However, that’s where blogging can help.
  8. More SEO. Blogging is content marketing. And, when you are blogging you are directing your content to a specific, target audience. In doing this, you are already creating the right SEO conditions to succeed online and the more you publish the more you can expect will return.

The Value Of Blogging As A Lawyer

Aside from the technical benefits your website receives with having a blog, there is considerable value when a lawyer blogs.

Take these into consideration:

  1. Save time and improves services. Imagine dealing with a client who didn’t do a background check and they continue to ask basic questions before even getting to a consultation. Having content in your blog is a quick and simple resource to redirect inquiries to the answers they are looking for. After they get the information they need, the next steps can be made with less hassle.
  2. You get noticed more. You already learned a little about the influence that Google has, however, if the information your provide is truly valuable, it’s going to be shared. When a lawyer has a blog and they can connect with the needs of people experiencing legal conflict, it’s quite common that they will share this advice with their friends and family.  Blogging allows you to share your experience and expertise as well as provide trust and support for those in a legal crisis.
  3. Perfect for advertising and announcements. Another great advantage for a lawyer to have a blog is that you can showcase your past successes. Perhaps your firm was featured in the news for a big case, or you were appointed an award in your community. Posting an update about this and sharing this online gives your website that dynamic edge and professional appeal.

There are all kinds of reasons for a lawyer to have a blog. However, as a final note, the most important reason for any lawyer to start blogging, whether you are a fresh our of law school, an experienced attorney, or a retired judge, is that you can continually develop and hone the legal skills as a lawyer.

by Branding, Marketing, SEO

Your Ultimate Guide to Getting More Referrals

How do I get more referrals?

Wow, what a question. It’s the single most important question you’ll ask when starting and growing your law firm.

Fortunately, I’ve got the answer. Below, I’m giving you the ultimate guide to getting quality referrals for your law firm. Even if you’re a complete beginner, here are the best tips to growing your law firm through word of mouth marketing. Let’s get started.

[Tweet “Here are the best tips to growing your law firm through word of mouth marketing:”]

Network

play-stone-1237497_640Network with anybody you can get in front of. This includes fellow attorneys for sure, but also expands beyond your colleagues.

Consider networking with other small business owners in your area, too. These small business owners have access to a wide group of customers along with their own friends and family.

If you’ve niched down and offer specialized services, consider reaching out to businesses within that industry. Establish relationships with them. For example, if you specialize in prenups, you should cozy up to wedding planners. It’s a congruent relationship that makes sense.

Join groups online and in person, too. LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start. But you can also contact your local chamber of commerce to find out about area events and social hours where you can mingle.

If the word “mingle” gives you the hives, I get it. Believe me, I get it. But if you want more clients, you’ve got to put yourself out there and be personable. Putting yourself out there is quite frankly the only way to get more exposure and earn referrals.

Here’s a list of networking tips to help you get more referrals.
Click Here
.

Make Customer Service a Top Priority

Even if you’re a one-person-shop, your customer service should be second to none. It doesn’t cost anything to smile, be friendly, and respond in a prompt and professional manner. And it doesn’t cost much to hire someone else to do it for you, if you find that you’re too busy to answer phones, make coffee, and meet with prospective clients.

When you make the client a priority and go out of your way to offer outstanding service, you’ll find that your current clients are more willing to recommend you to their friends and family.

Be a Referrer

It sounds counterintuitive— you want to get referrals, not give them. But there’s so much truth in the old saying, “scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” If you find yourself with a client that’s not the right fit, don’t hold onto them— that’s not going to serve them or you. Instead, send them to someone who’s right for them.

This will do 3 things:

  1. It will free you up for a client that makes more sense for your law firm.
  1. It will build trust with that referred client. He may not need your services now, but he’ll definitely remember you if he needs your services in the future. Plus, you’re demonstrating that on the scale of trustworthy to money-grubbing, you’re leaning way over to the trustworthy side. You’re not just taking them on because you want the money. You’re passing them on to the right person.
  1. You will ingratiate yourself to your fellow attorney you sent the client to. Now, the attorney will be in your debt, and much more likely to send you clients, too.

Woo Your Current Clients

When you have a client, he or she is worth his weight in gold. Not only are they willing to pay you for your service, they’re also have the potential to advertise yours services to their own circle of influence.

Don’t pass up the opportunity to groom them as potential referrers.

And, not just when they’re in your office. Keep in contact with your clients throughout the year. Keep it simple and send a card to commemorate birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. Make yourself a part of their family. This will keep you at the top of your clients’ minds, so that when the time comes, they’ll be ready to pass your name to their friends and family.

Simply Ask Your Clients

Although I recommend nurturing your clients, there’s no shame in simply asking your clients to refer you straight out. The best time to do so is after successfully rendering a service. This is the time when they’re happy with you and willing to evangelize on your behalf.

Be Specific With Your Ask

When asking for referrals, don’t be vague. Be clear about what type of client you want. For example, if you’re interested in finding musicians to represent, ask your network if they know that specific type of client.

Thank Referrers

Don’t forget to thank those who’ve referred clients to you– this way, they’ll do it again! Whether clients, fellow attorneys, or others that you’ve networked with, send them a small token of your appreciation. Food gifts (cookies, cupcakes, dave and harry pears, omaha steaks, you name it) are always great. It’s a folksy way of saying thank you.

Take Advantage of Avvo

avvo(1)Image Courtesy of Avvo

Avvo is a crucial part of marketing yourself online. As we discussed in our ultimate guide to Avvo (that you can read here), many prospects turn to Avvo to research potential attorneys. Users rely heavily on Avvo’s review system to decide which attorney is right for them.

As you see, Avvo can serve as both an advertiser and a referral source for you.

Be Social

Believe it or not, social media can work as a superstar referral agent for you. Think about it: you’ve got access to a whooping one billion members through Facebook alone.

Use paid ads to extend your reach on social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.

If you don’t want to pay for ads yet, you can still make it through organic reach on video channels like YouTube and, to a lesser extent, Vimeo. Make a video to attract clients (we show you how here), and then enjoy the influx of social referrals who would’ve never known about you otherwise.

Buy Radio and TV Spots

if you can afford it, why not go for the gusto and pay for a radio ad, a tv commercial, or both? Depending on your market, it may not be as expensive as you think. For example, a radio ad in Miami, FL may be $1500, but one in Pensacola, FL may only be $250.

Also, prices vary based on what time you’d like for the ad to run. A rush hour spot may be much more expensive than at mid-evening.

The benefits of running radio or TV ads are that you will open yourself up to your community at large. It’s another level of market saturation that can positively impact your referral efforts.

Final Thoughts

Referrals are the bread and butter of most law practices. Use these tips to build up your referral network and bring in more clients. If you’d like ongoing advice on getting clients, and growing your law firm, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.

Here’s a list of networking tips to help you get more referrals.
Click Here

by Marketing