Improve Your Online Reputation as a Lawyer: A Comprehensive Guide

As a lawyer, your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. It's what sets you apart from the competition and inspires confidence in your clients. But with the rise of the internet, managing your online reputation has become just as important as your offline one.

A quick Google search can make or break a potential client's decision to choose you as their legal representation, which is why it's crucial to invest in your online reputation. In this article, I'll provide a comprehensive guide to reputation management for lawyers, including tips on claiming online directory listings, monitoring and responding to online reviews, investing in a professional website, utilizing social media to your advantage, and seeking out positive press coverage.

Follow these steps to improve your online reputation and attract new business as a lawyer.

1. Why Online Reputation Matters for Lawyers

Your online reputation is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it can impact your ability to attract new clients. In today's digital age, a quick Google search is often the first step a potential client takes when looking for legal representation. If they see negative reviews or unflattering news articles about you, they're likely to keep looking. On the other hand, a strong online reputation can make you stand out and give potential clients the confidence to choose you.

  1. A good online reputation can help you retain clients and build trust with them. Positive reviews and articles show that you're a competent, reliable lawyer who cares about your clients. This can lead to repeat business and referrals, which can be an important source of revenue for law firms.
  2. A strong online reputation can also benefit you personally. As a lawyer, your reputation is a reflection of your professionalism and expertise. A positive reputation can lead to opportunities for advancement or recognition within your field.

It's clear that online reputation matters for lawyers. By investing in and managing your online reputation, you can attract new clients, retain existing ones, and enhance your personal and professional standing within the legal community.

2. Claim Your Online Directory Listings

Claiming your online directory listings is a simple yet effective way to improve your online reputation. It allows you to take control of the information that appears about you and your law firm when someone searches for you online.

Key benefits to claiming your online directory listings:

  • Accurate information: By claiming and verifying your listings, you can ensure that the information displayed is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your contact details, office location, and services offered. This is important because potential clients may rely on this information to decide whether to contact you.

  • Positive reviews: Many online directories, such as Google My Business and Yelp, allow users to leave reviews. By claiming your listing, you can monitor and respond to these reviews. This is an opportunity to showcase your customer service skills and turn unhappy clients into satisfied ones. You can also encourage happy clients to leave positive reviews, which can help boost your online reputation.

  • Engagement: Claiming your online directory listings gives you the opportunity to engage with your audience. You can use the platform to share updates, news, and helpful content related to your practice areas. This can help build trust and establish you as an authority in your field.

  • Local SEO & Reputation Management Guide: This a very in depth subject. For more information check out my comprehensive guide to reputation management and Local SEO for attorneys.

Claiming your online directory listings is a simple yet effective way to improve your online reputation as a lawyer. It allows you to take control of the information displayed about you and your law firm, monitor and respond to reviews, and engage with your audience.

3. Monitor and Respond to Online Reviews

Monitoring and responding to online reviews is an important part of reputation management for lawyers. Reviews can have a big impact on your online reputation, as they provide potential clients with insight into the experiences of your previous clients.

Here are some key tips for monitoring and responding to online reviews:

Set up alerts

One of the best ways to stay on top of online reviews is to set up alerts. Use tools like Google Alerts to receive notifications whenever your name or your law firm is mentioned online. This will allow you to promptly address any negative reviews or issues that may arise.

Use Google search

Use Google to search your name, attorneys, employees at your law firm and the law firms name. Do a quick scan of the search results for anything positive or negative. If it's positive be sure to respond. If it's negative try to handle the situation in a professional and friendly manner.

Regularly check review sites

In addition to setting up alerts, it's a good idea to regularly check popular review sites like Google My Business and AVVO. These sites allow users to leave reviews specifically about businesses, and they can be an important source of information for potential clients.

Respond to negative reviews

If you see a negative review, don't panic. This is an opportunity to show off your customer service skills and turn an unhappy client into a satisfied one. Respond politely and professionally, and try to resolve the issue. This can show potential clients that you care about your clients and are willing to go above and beyond to address their concerns.

Want to learn more about how to respond to negative reviews? Check out my page: 5 Easy Steps for Lawyers to Get Glowing Client Reviews on Google My Business

Encourage positive reviews

On the flip side, don't be afraid to ask happy clients to leave a review. Positive reviews can go a long way in boosting your online reputation. Consider including a link to your review page in your email signature, or even offering incentives for clients who leave a positive review.

Need to develop a system for receiving positive review on Google? Check out my page: 5 Easy Steps for Lawyers to Get Glowing Client Reviews on Google My Business

4. Invest in a Professional Website

Investing in a professional website is an important part of reputation management for lawyers. Your website is often the first impression a potential client has of your law firm, and a poorly designed website can turn them off. On the other hand, a professional website can give you an edge over the competition and inspire confidence in potential clients.

Key considerations when designing a professional website for your law firm:

  • Easy navigation: Your website should be easy to navigate, with clear information about your services, practice areas, and contact information. Potential clients should be able to find what they're looking for quickly and easily.

  • Bios: Include a bio for each lawyer at the firm, highlighting their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. This can help potential clients get to know you and your team, and give them a sense of your professionalism and expertise.

  • Awards and accolades: If you or your law firm have received any awards or accolades, be sure to include them on your website. This can help establish you as an authority in your field and give potential clients added confidence in your abilities.

  • Professional design: Invest in a professional website design. This can include high-quality images, a clean layout, and easy-to-read text. A professional design can help you stand out from the competition and give potential clients a good impression of your law firm.

  • Website Design Guide: This a very in depth subject. For more information check out my comprehensive guide to website design for attorneys.

In summary, investing in a professional website is an important part of reputation management for lawyers. A well-designed website can give you an edge over the competition, establish you as an authority in your field, and inspire confidence in potential clients.

5. Utilize Social Media to Your Advantage

Utilizing social media to your advantage is an effective way to improve your online reputation as a lawyer. Social media allows you to connect with potential clients, share updates and news about your law firm, and establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Utilizing social media to your advantage:

  • Regularly post updates: By regularly posting updates, you can keep your audience engaged and show them that you're an active, relevant law firm. This can include updates about your practice areas, news about your law firm, or helpful content related to legal issues.

  • Engage with your audience: Social media is a two-way conversation. Make sure to respond to comments and questions from your followers, and consider using social media as a platform for customer service. This can help build trust and establish you as a responsive, customer-focused law firm.

  • Utilize hashtags: Hashtags can help you reach a wider audience and connect with potential clients who may be interested in your services. Consider using relevant hashtags when posting updates, and monitor hashtags related to your practice areas to join relevant conversations.

  • Use a professional tone: Keep in mind that your social media accounts represent your law firm, so it's important to maintain a professional tone. Avoid controversial or offensive content, and make sure to proofread your posts before publishing them.

  • Social Media Marketing Guide: This a very in depth subject. For more information check out my comprehensive guide to social media marketing for attorneys.

Social media is a powerful tool for improving your online reputation as a lawyer. By regularly posting updates, engaging with your audience, and maintaining a professional tone, you can establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract new business.

6. Seek Out Positive Press Coverage

Seeking out positive press coverage is an effective way to improve your online reputation as a lawyer. By getting mentioned in reputable news sources or industry publications, you can establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract new business.

Seeking out positive press coverage is an effective way to improve your online reputation as a lawyer. By getting mentioned in reputable news sources, you can establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract new business.

Tips for seeking out positive press coverage:

Identify relevant publications

Identifying relevant publications is an important step in securing press coverage for your law firm. There are several ways that you can research industry publications and news sources that cover topics related to your practice areas:

  1. Search online: One of the easiest ways to find relevant publications is by searching online. Use keywords related to your practice areas to search for industry publications and news sources. For example, if you specialize in criminal defense, you could search for "criminal defense publications" or "criminal defense news sources."

  2. Ask colleagues and peers: Another way to find relevant publications is by asking colleagues and peers in your industry. They may be aware of publications that cover your practice areas and can recommend them to you.

  3. Attend industry events and conferences: Attending industry events and conferences is a great way to connect with other professionals and learn about relevant publications. Many conferences and events have exhibitor halls where publishers and news organizations have booths, and you can learn about the types of stories they cover and how to pitch them.

By doing your research and identifying relevant publications, you can increase your chances of securing press coverage for your law firm and improve your online presence.

Pitch story ideas

Once you have identified relevant publications and news sources, the next step is to reach out to reporters or editors with story ideas or pitches that showcase your expertise and experience. When reaching out to reporters or editors, it is important to tailor your pitch to the specific publication and its audience. Here are a few tips for crafting a successful pitch:

  1. Research the publication: Before reaching out to a publication, make sure to research the publication and its audience. This will help you understand the types of stories that they cover and what their readers are interested in.

  2. Identify a unique angle: When pitching a story idea, it is important to identify a unique angle that will grab the attention of the reporter or editor. This could be a new development in your practice area, an interesting case you have worked on, or a unique perspective that you can offer.

  3. Keep it brief: Reporters and editors are often busy, so make sure to keep your pitch brief and to the point. Include a few key points about your story idea and explain why it would be of interest to the publication's audience.

  4. Follow up: If you don't hear back from a reporter or editor after sending your pitch, it is okay to follow up. Just make sure to be respectful of their time and not become a nuisance.

By following these tips and tailoring your pitch to the specific publication and its audience, you can increase your chances of securing press coverage and showcasing your expertise to a wider audience.

Offer to be a source

If you see a news story related to your practice areas, it can be a good opportunity to offer yourself as a source for the reporter. By doing this, you can get your name and your law firm mentioned in the press and showcase your expertise to a wider audience.

Here are a few tips for offering yourself as a source for a news story:

  1. Research the story: Before reaching out to a reporter, make sure to research the story and understand the key points that are being covered. This will help you tailor your pitch and ensure that you have relevant information to offer.

  2. Identify a unique perspective: When offering yourself as a source, it is important to identify a unique perspective that you can offer. This could be a new development in your practice area, an interesting case you have worked on, or a unique perspective on the topic being covered.

  3. Keep it brief: When reaching out to a reporter, make sure to keep your pitch brief and to the point. Explain why you are qualified to speak on the topic and offer a few key points that you can cover.

  4. Follow up: If you don't hear back from a reporter after offering yourself as a source, it is okay to follow up. Just make sure to be respectful of their time and not become a nuisance.

By following these tips and offering yourself as a source for a news story related to your practice areas, you can get your name and your law firm mentioned in the press and showcase your expertise to a wider audience.

Build relationships with reporters

Building relationships with reporters and editors can be a valuable asset in seeking out positive press coverage. Consider attending industry events and networking with journalists to build these relationships.

One way to create relationships with journalist is through:

HARO, or Help a Reporter Out, is a platform that connects journalists with sources for their stories. If you are looking to get your name and your law firm mentioned in the press, using HARO can be a good way to find opportunities to pitch yourself as a source.

To use HARO, you will need to sign up for an account and create a profile. You will then receive daily emails with requests from reporters looking for sources on various topics. You can browse through the requests and pitch yourself as a source if you feel that you have relevant information or expertise to offer.

HARO can be a great way to get your name and your law firm mentioned in the press, but it is important to be selective about the requests that you pitch yourself for. Make sure to carefully read the requests and only pitch yourself if you feel that you have something valuable to offer. By using HARO effectively, you can increase your chances of getting your name and your law firm mentioned in the press and showcase your expertise to a wider audience.

7. Choose Which Comments, Reviews, or Mentions to Answer

As a lawyer, you likely don't have the time or resources to respond to every single comment, review, or mention that you receive online. So, how do you choose which ones to answer?

Visibility

Visibility is an important factor to consider when choosing which comments, reviews, or mentions to answer. If a comment, review, or mention is highly visible, it means that it has the potential to be seen by a large number of people. This could be because it appears at the top of a search result, or because it has been widely shared on social media.

In these cases, it may be worth prioritizing a response. This is because a highly visible comment, review, or mention has the potential to significantly impact your online reputation. If it's positive, it can help boost your reputation and attract new business. If it's negative, it can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients.

By prioritizing highly visible comments, reviews, or mentions, you can effectively manage your online reputation and ensure that it accurately reflects your law firm and your values.

Tone

The tone of a comment, review, or mention is an important factor to consider when choosing which ones to answer. Negative comments or reviews should generally be addressed, as they have the potential to damage your reputation. A negative comment or review can discourage potential clients and tarnish your online reputation. By responding promptly and professionally, you can show potential clients that you care about their concerns and are willing to address them. This can help mitigate the damage and potentially turn an unhappy client into a satisfied one.

On the other hand, positive comments and reviews can often be left without a response. This is because they are already enhancing your reputation and do not require a response to maintain their positive impact. However, it can still be a good idea to thank the person for their positive review or comment, as this can help build trust and show your appreciation for their business.

Overall, the tone of a comment, review, or mention is an important factor to consider when choosing which ones to answer. Negative comments and reviews should generally be addressed, while positive ones can often be left without a response. By responding appropriately, you can effectively manage your online reputation and show potential clients that you care about their concerns.

Relevance

The relevance of a comment, review, or mention is another important factor to consider when choosing which ones to answer. If a comment, review, or mention is not relevant to your law firm or practice areas, you may decide to leave it without a response. This can help you prioritize your time and resources and ensure that you're focusing on comments, reviews, or mentions that are most important to your business.

For example, if you receive a negative review from a client who is unhappy with a service that your law firm does not offer, it may not be worth addressing the review. On the other hand, if you receive a negative review from a client who is unhappy with a service that your law firm does offer, it may be worth addressing the review and trying to resolve the issue.

By considering the relevance of a comment, review, or mention, you can effectively manage your online reputation and prioritize your time and resources.

Timeliness

Timeliness is another factor to consider when choosing which comments, reviews, or mentions to answer. If a comment, review, or mention is old, you may decide to leave it without a response, especially if the issue has already been addressed or resolved. This can help you prioritize your time and resources and ensure that you're focusing on more recent comments, reviews, or mentions.

For example, if you receive a negative review from a client who is unhappy with a service that you provided several years ago, it may not be worth addressing the review if the issue has already been resolved. On the other hand, if you receive a negative review from a client who is unhappy with a service that you provided recently, it may be worth addressing the review and trying to resolve the issue.

By considering the timeliness of a comment, review, or mention, you can effectively manage your online reputation and prioritize your time and resources.

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