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These days there are more ways than ever to find an attorney. The most common way a client finds an attorney will vary by practice area. Below is my (highly unscientific) list of top five ways clients find attorneys.
Internet Search: This is one of the top two ways clients find attorneys these days. If you are in a law practice area that focuses on consumers, there is a good chance that your clients will look for a lawyer on line.
As an attorney you need to have a website and update the content regularly. You may also want to learn a little about the many different elements that go into search engine optimization. Since most consumers (and many businesses) do not do thorough research on a lawyer before hiring him, you may be out-positioned by many of your (inferior) competitors. This does not mean you give up on improving your website ranking. It just means that you will need to put more effort into this area if it is competitive.
Referral: This is the best way for a client to find a lawyer and it is one of the top two ways for lawyers to be found. A referral from a client is like gold and a referral from another attorney is almost always money in the bank.
The way to strengthen the quality of the referrals you receive is to give great referrals to others and follow up like crazy. If you are constantly in touch with your client base and your base of referral sources, you will always be “top of mind”.
Speaking Engagements: Giving a speech at a conference is a great way to develop relationships with potential clients and potential referral sources. It conveys a sense of authority and credibility. If you work the crowd correctly, you can add hundreds of names to your mailing list while strengthening your personal brand.
Articles: Writing articles is a terrific way for potential clients to find an attorney. Getting your article published in a trade magazine or in an industry journal will enhance your credibility and generate leads.
Expert Commentary in the Media: Being an expert commentator in the local media can be helpful in being found by potential clients. If you are the “go to person” for any news outlet you will have enhanced credibility and you can leverage that through your newsletter and on your blog.
In addition to these five ways, there are dozens of other ways clients find lawyers. The key to being found is to add as many people as possible to you database and keep educating them through your newsletter and other regular forms of contact.