As an attorney, you don’t have a lot of spare time. You are busy representing your clients, poring over the details of legal precedents, and looking for an edge in each of your cases. The last thing you have time for is marketing. And even if you choose to be proactive and implement some small, DIY marketing initiatives, it’s often very difficult to turn these efforts into effective results.
Take Google reviews, for example. Consumers increasingly rely on Google reviews for guidance in almost all purchasing decisions. In fact, research has shown that “63.6 percent of consumers say they are likely to check online reviews on Google before visiting a business.” That’s huge!
So maybe you decide to ask each of your satisfied clients to leave a review on Google for your law firm. Simple, right? But how many of those who agree to write a review will actually publish it? And would you really have time to follow up with them to ensure that they do?
Wouldn’t it be great if there was some simple process to follow that would maximize the number of positive Google reviews for your law firm? We’ve compiled a streamlined, 10 step process that you can follow to boost your positive reviews on Google, and ultimately convert more potential customers into clients.
The 10 Step Process
Okay, here it is:
- Locate and claim your verified Google business listing.
- Find the box to the right that says “Write a Review,” and click on that box.
- Copy the URL.
- Shorten the URL. There are several good sites which allow you to do this, such as Bitly.
- Ask a happy client if they would write a positive review about their experience working with you.
- Upon verbal consent, send an email (ideally they use gmail) or text to your client with an appreciation note and ask for a review on Google, with the shortened URL included.
- The client will then receive the email or text, and will click on the URL to the review section on your Google Business page.
- If the client already has a Google account they will simply be able to write a review. If they do not have a Google account, the client will need to create one first.
- Repeat this process for every closed case.
- Tip: it’s best to identify clients who already have a gmail address as it means they have an established Google account and can easily leave a review.
Many attorneys are hesitant in asking their clients for a review. Please keep in mind that clients do not have to discuss their case or any details regarding their legal issue. They can simply note that you were “professional and efficient” and select 5 stars. The act of publishing a simple review on Google alone increases your reputation and boosts your online visibility.
Outsourcing the Process
Of course, continuing the review process outlined above while managing your case load may be easier said than done. As a busy attorney, you may find it difficult to carve out even the small amount of time needed to implement the process. With so many things on your mind, you may forget to ask your clients for their help.
One solution that many law firms have discovered is to outsource their review efforts to a professional, experienced agency, one well-versed in the special needs and demands of legal marketing. Bardorf Legal Marketing works exclusively with attorneys and law firms. We get a steady stream of positive reviews and use those reviews to boost your online visibility and your marketing.
Time is important. And nowadays, so are Google reviews. We at Bardorf Legal Marketing can help you grow your business, using Google reviews and other marketing tools. If you’d like to learn more, reach out to us today.
