The mobile phone is the most widespread and most rapidly adopted technology of all time. In the past few years, usage has grown dramatically. There are now almost 6 billion active mobile phone subscriptions around the world – almost 84% of the people on Earth have a mobile phone! In 2011 more smartphones were sold than all types of personal computers added together including desktops, laptops, and tablets like the iPad.

Mobile Apps for Attorneys
One way for individual attorneys and small law firms to take advantage of the boom in mobile phones is by offering their clients a mobile app. A mobile application (or mobile app) is software designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices.

Most importantly, a mobile app for solo practitioners and small firms can help you increase client loyalty, generate referrals, differentiate your law practice from the competition, and stay on the forefront of this exciting new technology.

Here are four benefits of offering your clients a mobile app.

1. Stay connected with your clients.
Your best clients are your repeat customers. Staying in touch on a client’s phone is a great way to encourage on-going business. Knowing that you’re readily available through someone’s phone confirms and strengthens your relationship with the client. In a crowded marketplace where clients may not have allegiance to one attorney or may have concerns about the accessiblity to their attorney, a mobile app helps establish that bond, affirms your commitment to the client, and makes you the first “go to” resource.

2. Get referrals with a click of a button.
Your best leads come from referrals from your clients – people who have worked with you and know you. An app can take that offline referral and make it mobile. A referral button sends your contact information to a prospect and makes it quicker and easier for your clients to make a referral in one click. This helps them promote your practice and lets you leverage that valuable referral network.

3. Keep clients informed about the law and your firm.
An app’s alert/notification feature allows you to send a notice to your clients at any time on any topic. A simple message like “We’re closed on Monday” or a substantive change in the law can be broadcast to everyone easily. You can also keep clients informed and share your expertise with links to reviews of your practice, legal resources, articles, or Q&As on your website.

4. Establish your firm as leading edge.
Having a mobile app has practical benefits and it also shows your clients that you are engaged with the latest technology. An app that is customized with your firm’s logo, colors and photos shows innovation and Internet savvy and will differentiate your firm from your competitors. It’s a subtle reminder that you care about staying on the forefront – a quality that helps you be a better and more knowledgeable attorney.

Promoting your mobile app
To get the most from your mobile app, make it part of your business, starting with how you introduce your practice to new clients. In your engagement letter and on your business cards, include the phrase “Please download our app so we may stay connected.” Post a link to download the app on your website, in your email footer, and on all your online profiles – Avvo, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to spread the word.

Get your mobile app
Offering your clients a mobile app is an effective way to  increase client loyalty, generate referrals, differentiate your practice from the competition, and stay on the forefront of this exciting new technology. If you would like to learn how to get a custom design mobile app for your practice, contact Bardorf Legal Marketing at BardorfMarketing.com.

Ian M. Bardorf is an Internet marketing, mobile marketing, and social media advisor to attorneys and law firms seeking to grow and advance their business via the web. This article is copyrighted as original content by Ian M. Bardorf and Bardorf Legal Marketing. This article may be reproduced or republished with appropriate attribution and credit.