Online Reputation Management is the Online Dress-Code for Lawyers and Attorneys
Lawyers have always projected a professional image in their line of duty. This is one of the few professions where the dress code kept the suit and tie as mandatory. What about a lawyer’s online “dress-code” then? There is no single solution for a lawyer’s online reputation. It is up to you how you model your online presence and how you maintain a positive reputation online. Below are some tips on how to manage and defend your online reputation as a lawyer.
Be Approachable
Make sure your profile is listed on all websites where prospective customers might be looking for legal advice. Start with Google, including Google Maps and down to local attorney directories. All of your profile information should be regularly updated to keep it accurate. Furthermore, always include a photo of you, as this builds a sense of familiarity and trustworthiness, which is essential in the legal domain.
Be Vigilant
Once you establish a presence, it is important to monitor your reputation on the internet. One way is to subscribe to Google Alerts. You can enter your name, the name of your law firm or partners and receive notifications anytime these a mentioned somewhere on Google-indexed pages. There are similar services for social platforms like Twitter.
Deal with Negative Reviews
Negative reviews are inevitable in any industry, let alone in an adversarial one like law. The percentage of dissatisfied clients can be much higher than in other domains. Moreover clients will be much more inclined in venting their frustration as they lost a lawsuit, even if the attorney did all he could. Complaints might appear on review websites or social platforms and It is definitely a tricky situation for lawyers.
Usually, the best approach is to directly respond to complaints on the site where it was posted. By giving a comprehensive response, prospects will see that you care about your clients and will do everything necessary to solve their issue. You can also ask the person to contact you directly to find a resolution. Another highly impactful method is when satisfied clients can counter negative feedback with their positive experience.
Overwhelm the Bad with the Good
Lawyers also can use social online tools to improve their online reputation, such as writing a blog, use social media and engage with their audience online. People will always search for legal solutions online before the attempt to contact a lawyer directly. Every informative blog post could become a huge lead magnet for attorneys. Moreover, each successful entry you write for your own blog or contribute to another can take up a position in the search results that might otherwise hold a negative review. Mould your online presence a positive reflection of your personality and expertise. The best way to counter potentially negative reviews is with lots of good content.
