Why use social media in your estate planning or elder law marketing?
Surprisingly, I still run across attorneys who balk at the concept of using social media -- including blogs -- in their practice development plans. Here are some of the most common excuses that I hear:
- It is unprofessional. ("it" as the generic reference for any type of social media, whether Facebook, Twitter or a law firm blog)
- I don't want to spend any money on social media.
- I don't want to spend my time blogging or Tweeting.
- My clients aren't on Facebook, don't read blogs, etc.
- I can't figure out how to use all that stuff.
- And etcetera.
I think all of these excuses boil down to one reasonable premise -- if you do not see the value in something, you simply are not going to buy it or use it.
So -- just how valuable is social media, including your law firm blog, to your practice development?
Don't take my word for it. You know what I think.
Take a look at the findings of the recently-released 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, by Michael Stelzner, founder of SocialMediaExaminer.com. Stelzner surveyed more than 3,300 marketers, nearly half of whom were either self-employed or small business owners.
The top benefits of social media marketing:
-- The number-one advantage of social media marketing is generating more business exposure, as indicated by 88% of marketers.
-- Increased traffic (72%) and
-- Improved search rankings (62%).
As a solo practitioner or small firm in the estate planning or elder law market, you need every competitive advantage you can get. If you want more exposure for your firm (aka more "buzz"), more traffic to your website, and better rank with the search engines -- social media is your friend.
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