Credit: First Legal
Nowadays, there are few people who don’t have at least one social media account. From Facebook, to Twitter, to Reddit, to Tumblr, it almost seems like we can’t avoid it—and many of us don’t. The little computers in our pockets keep us updated on our friends, family, favorite celebrities, local events of interest, and so much more.
In this day and age, the biggest mistake a law firm can make is veering away from the bandwagon and not establishing an online presence. Instead of picking up the phone and calling the business to learn more about their services, many opt to a quick Google search. If a firm doesn’t at the very least have a well-designed, easy to use website, potential clients turn the other way. It doesn’t matter how brilliant the staff is or how long the firm has been open. Clients don’t want to search for proof of excellence, they want it evident.
West Palm Beach elder law attorney, Mark Shalloway, not only understands this concept, but fully embraces it. With just a few clicks of a button, potential clients can find information on Shalloway and reviews of his firm, Shalloway & Shalloway. His easy to access website presents clients with information on the firm, its staff, its reputation, and any updates involving the area of practice that is elder law. The website presents information in a concise manner that is incredibly valuable to the busy professional of the 21-century.
But hosting a great website is only half the battle. It is essential that firms push their names into the public. Many turn to radio or television commercials, and that is just fine, but there is a great alternative that saves time, money, and is used by billions of people every day—social media.
The staff at Shalloway & Shalloway run a successful Facebook page. With a large number of followers, the firm’s attorneys can easily connect to potential clients. Running a social media account allows them to share updates as they come. When the firm moved locations about a year ago, they were able to keep clients posted on the process, the location, and anything else involving the move b ecause of their Facebook page.
Having one (or multiple) social media accounts allows the faceless attorneys of a firm to become humanized.
“There is intimidation and fear with booking with lawyer,” Mark Shalloway says. “If referred by someone else, that is a helpful resource, but if they need an elder law attorney, there is a lot of worry and fear.”
A vast majority of people have skewed images of lawyers, but having a presence on social media has allowed the staff at Shalloway & Shalloway paint themselves in the light they want to be painted, thus fostering better client relationships.
Social media is not only great for public image, but for generating business. When you follow a page, its posts appear on your timeline, keeping the company in your radar. By having a readily used social media, clients will remember the firm, and come back to whenever the need arises. With their Facebook page alone, Shalloway & Shalloway has seen an increase in business, and other firms should certainly take heed.
For more information on the firm, visit their website, their Facebook page, or their offices.