While many lawyers think of their reputations on a community level—how well the public perceives them—reputation also extends to a lawyer’s online presence. On the internet, a lawyer’s reputation is like a digital footprint. In other words, what information can people find online regarding the individual lawyer, their firm or their services? Online reputation management for lawyers addresses such questions and provides an effective solution. Learn more about reputation management and how NetLZ Consulting, a top digital marketing firm, can help a law firm create an online business strategy that will result in positive online perceptions of the firm.
Importance of Reputation Management Lawyers spend many years preparing for a career in law and many more years building their businesses. There could be nothing worse than a tarnished reputation that diminishes all of the lawyer’s hard work and effort. This is why reputation management is so important. Reputation management, or the process of monitoring and addressing any damaging information that is listed online about the law firm, is an important way to uphold the lawyer’s image. Prior to choosing a law firm, many customers conduct online research to find the best lawyer. They compare law firms’ websites, social media accounts and also online reviews, to name a few. Picture the customer’s reaction when they locate negative information about the law firm. Ultimately, the customer will make their final purchasing decision based upon the information they have found online.
Reputation Management—Taking Proactive Measures
With regards to reputation management it is important to address discrepancies, remove misinformation and respond to customer concerns. Customers admire companies that are socially responsible and that do the right thing. This is why it is imperative for law firms to concentrate their efforts on protecting their brand and take proactive measures in managing their online reputations. Proactivity can take the form of correcting inaccurate information, addressing negative comments or handling customer concerns in a timely, professional manner.
Inaccurate information such as outdated contact information and images should be updated accordingly. For instance, old information could leave the impression that the company does not care about its presence online. Additionally, law firms should monitor online reviews for negative comments, acknowledge these individuals and provide a solution for their concerns. These solutions can even be posted online to counter the original, negative post. This is also true of other online comments. If negative information cannot be removed, then the lawyer should demonstrate that corrective actions were otherwise taken. Reliability, honesty and integrity are all admirable traits that customers are searching for when choosing a lawyer and they can interpret these traits from the information they find online.
Reputation Management
Social Media & Reputation Management Social media platforms are another area that lawyers should pay close attention to and take the necessary precautions when considering how to best manage their online reputations. This applies to their personal social media accounts, their business social media accounts as well as posts created by others that mention the lawyer by name or their law firm. For example, sensitive topics that are posted on the lawyer’s social media accounts that include politics, social stances or other polarizing topics that can cause a stir should largely be avoided. In short, any items that may leave a negative impression of the lawyer in the minds of prospective clients should not be posted on social media. Conducting damage control in this manner will position the lawyer as a creditable professional in their field of law. This provides the lawyer with a competitive advantage and it positions the lawyer’s brand in such a way that customers will trust in the services the law firm provides.
A lawyer’s online reputation is very important and a well-managed online reputation is important for the long-term success of any law firm. A good reputation improves customer retention, encourages loyalty, results in engagement and can even increase the number of clients that lawyers assists on a regular basis. Prior to deciding on whether or not to hire an attorney, many clients take the information they find online regarding law firms into account. A well-rounded, online presence can lead to more clients actually hiring the firm for their legal needs. If you are a business lawyer, real estate lawyer, employment law firm, corporate attorney, dwi lawyer, family lawyer, or any other legal practice and looking to learn more about reputation management for lawyers contact NetLZ Consulting today. NetLZ Consulting is a top digital marketing firm that specializes in reputation management that lawyers can rely on for noticeable results.