Law Firm Internet Marketing Blog

The Yahoo Directory

Is the Yahoo.com Directory worth the $299?

Yes and no. First check to see if your website is already indexed in Yahoo. Do this by simply running a search on your domain. Second, type site:www.YourSiteHere.com. If the results bring back multiple pages from your site, then my answer is no.  I have several high ranking sites that aren't in the Yahoo.com Directory.

However, the sites I do have listed in the Yahoo! Directory have held consistent rankings which is very difficult to do otherwise.

James

Internet Marketing - Stick to the Basics

The most simple rule to Internet marketing success is:

Build a useful web site and tell people about it!

Over the years, law firm Internet marketing companies were touting all sorts of "secret" techniques that will make your website a huge success. Over time, not one of those "secrets" has really built lasting success.

The real secret is that your website has to be useful.  Ebay, the leading Internet auction web site, became a huge success because it was a cheap, easy and useful way for people to buy and sell things.  Interestingly enough, Ebay and other top web sites became successful without having to spend money on advertising. Others such as Pets.com who spent millions of dollars in advertising are out of business.

James

Picking a Domain Name

Believe it or not picking the right domain is one of the most vital steps in law firm Internet marketing. Once you have selected your domain and start building traffic, picking a new domain will result in you having to start all over again.

Tip 1. A domain name should be short, easy to spell, and easy to remember. Avoid using dashes or hyphens since it requires you to will have to spell it out. Good: JonesLawFIrm.com Bad: Jones-Law-Firm.com.

Tips 2. You should try and get the .com version of the domain.

Brand or Search Rankings?

If you goal is search rankings, then I would suggest that your domain contain the keywords you are optimizing for.  For example: FloridaDuiLawFirm.com contains important key phrases such as Florida DUI & Law Firm.  This will give your site a little push for related key phrases in a search engine.

If your goal involves building a brand such as your law firm name, then go ahead and select a domain that best represents your law firm name. Example: Jones Law Firm, PLLC - Joneslawfirm.com.If you need to register a new law firm domain or if you would like a free law firm domain consultation, email me at info@lawyersuccess.com.

Places You Forgot to Put Your Web Address

Here's a quick TOP 10 list of the common places law firms forget to put their web address.

1. Answering machines
2. Business Cards
3. Yellow Page Ads and Listings
4. Brochures
5. Letterhead/Stationary
6. Email Signature Block
7. Televsion/Radio Spots
8. Billboards
9. Print ads
10. Newsletters/Mailers

Internet Marketing Via Client Email Databases

Do you collect email addresses of current, past or present clients?

If not you should, if so how do you use them?

Most people use email to communicate and find it to be more convenient.  Email Internet marketing, if done correctly can develop into an excellent stream of steady referrals with minimal expense and effort. 

Here is a quick checklist for starting your own Email Internet Marketing campaign.

1. Start having your client communicating with you via email - Tell your clients that you will update them via email or that you can answer their questions more effectively when they email them directly to your or your secretary.

2. Build a list - If you don't want to purchase email marketing software, you can use Outlook. Create a email group and name it "Client Updates." This way you can create the message or newsletter and easily send it to all of your members.

3. Create a template - An email template makes it very easy and saves you time. Outlook allows you to create and save an email template. Your template should include a subject line such as "ABC Law Firm Update."  The template should also include a link to your website, an email link, your contact information, etc.

4. Ask for referrals. I always include a brief and to the point: "If you know of someone who could use some advice about <issue>, please forward them this newsletter or have them call me directly at (222) 222-2222."

5. Offer Special incentives for reading your newsletter.  People always forget to do this. Put a trivia question or some other contest in your newsletter. I will offer a raffle for a dinner for two or a $50 Walmart card to the winner. What's 50 bucks to keep people reading.  Also, remember to include the winner(s) in your newsletter so that people feel encouraged to keep reading and trying.

I had a client who spent $50,000 a year in mailings and made very little returns. by switching to email newsletters and offering high quality incentives, readership is way up and the referrals are pouring in.

Bottom line: An email campaign is a simple and effective way of keep your firm on the minds of your clients. Make it professional, but make it fun.

James

Viral Marketing for Car Accident Cases

What is law firm viral marketing?

Viral Marketing is the best way to present your firm's message to a targeted audience of buyers because the technique will multiply and deliver results indefinately.

How about FREE Viral Marketing for Car Accidents? Interested?

The following website offers you the opportunity to post car accident articles on their site for free. The bonus is that you can present present you law firm's contact information. You may add your law firm name, address, phone number, and website URL.

The benefits are massive.

1. It's free right now.
2. Other people will use your artile on their website, driving traffic back to your website.
3. You will receive many inbound links when people use your articles.
4. It's a fresh concept, so those who get in early will receive maximum benefits.

IMPORTANT! Not every article submitted gets in! You must submit informative content. I recommend that you write about your state laws, provide sample accident reports, frequently asked questions, detailed answers to common questions, etc.  You will almost always get in if it is State specifc and informative.

Check it out at www.caraccidentarticledirectory.com

James