If you're like most attorneys, you probably have a love/hate relationship with marketing. You know you need to do it to grow your practice, but it's not always easy to find the time (or money) to invest in a good marketing campaign. And even if you do have the time and money, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together this guide on how to choose a good marketing company near you.
Do your research
The first step in choosing any type of service provider is to do your research. When it comes to marketing companies, you want to make sure you're working with someone who knows the ins and outs of the legal industry. Ask around for recommendations or look for online reviews to get a sense of what others have experienced with different companies. Steven, a Santa Barbara SEO, who specializes in Law Firm Marketing says that "The best way to find a good marketing company is to ask other attorneys in your area for recommendations. Chances are, they've worked with a few different companies and can give you some insight into which ones are the best. Once you have a few names, do some research on each company. Check out their website and see what kinds of services they offer. Also, take a look at their client list to see if they have experience working with law firms."
Know your goals
Before you start talking to marketing companies, it's important that you know what your goals are. What do you want to achieve with your marketing campaign? Are you looking to attract new clients? Increase brand awareness? Drive more traffic to your website? Once you know what your goals are, you can start looking for a company that specializes in achieving those types of results. Of the law firms polled in a new study by Avvo, an online legal marketplace, 69% said their top marketing goal was attracting new clients. Others listed goals such as increasing brand awareness (48%) and driving website traffic (39%).
Look at their portfolio
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential marketing companies, take a look at their portfolios. This will give you a good idea of the kind of work they're capable of and whether or not they're a good fit for your firm. A reputable marketing company should have no problem sharing examples of their previous work with you. If they don't have any samples to show you, that's a red flag. You might also want to ask if they have any experience working with law firms in your area.
Ask about their process
Every good marketing company should have a process in place for helping their clients achieve their goals. Ask each company you're considering about their approach to marketing and see if it aligns with your goals. They should be able to provide you with a detailed plan of how they'll help you achieve the results you're looking for. Watch out for SEOs who guarantee results without knowing your specific goals or understanding your target market.
Compare pricing and services
Not all marketing companies offer the same services or charge the same rates. Once you've narrowed down your options, take some time to compare pricing and services so that you can find the best deal for your needs. Remember, cheaper isn't always better—you want to make sure you're getting quality services that will actually produce results.
Don't forget about customer service
Finally, don't forget to consider customer service when choosing a marketing company. You want to work with someone who you can easily communicate with and who is responsive to your needs. Try reaching out to each company on your list and see how long it takes them to get back to you. This will give you a good idea of what kind of service you can expect if you decide to work with them. Rene, a personal injury lawyer in Boston that was ready to give up on SEO says "it wasn't the industry I wasn't happy with, it was the company. I finally found a company that is responsive to my needs and has great customer service. I've been working with them for six months now and I'm seeing results."
When you're ready to start your marketing campaign, keep these tips in mind to find the best possible company to work with. With a little research, you can find a reputable marketing firm that will help you achieve your goals. And don't forget, always ask around for recommendations! Choosing a good marketing company doesn't have to be difficult—as long as you know what to look for. By doing your research, knowing your goals, and asking about each company's process, you can easily find a quality provider that fits both your needs and budget. So don't wait any longer—start your search for a good marketing company today!
