Convert Blog Buzz to Business for Your Firm

What is a blog?

A blog is a simple Web site that serves as an online diary or journal, with entries posted in reverse chronological order. Blogs can be an easy, cost-efficient way to attract and channel traffic to your law firm’s Web site.

Why are lawyers blogging?

“No longer viewed as just forums for law gossip or associate griping, blogs are becoming a marketing tool for large law firms eager to create a buzz about their practice areas,” the National Law Journal reported in its September 26, 2005 issue.

Lawyers are blogging for multiple reasons, and surprisingly, not all are blogging for dollars. FindLaw recently attended BlawgThink! 2005, the largest group of leading legal bloggers ever assembled, and found the following to be the primary reasons lawyers blog:

• Gain more or superior clients
• Earn respect as a subject matter expert (SME)
• Obtain speaking engagements
• Increase visibility among peers
• Fulfill a passion for blogging
• Manage knowledge within the firm on an intranet (firm culture and case knowledge)

A blog has huge marketing potential. If your blog content is regularly updated, you can build your reputation with both fellow lawyers and potential clients.

How can I generate business for my firm?

With a blog from FindLaw^®. A law firm blog from FindLaw is easy to use, fully featured, and an excellent vehicle for exposure on the Web. FindLaw blogs include the following features:

• Professional design
• Optional news feed
• Ability to create topics and post content
• Web-based user interface for easy maintenance
• Really Simple Syndication (RSS) subscription
• Links section
• Archive of entries
• Contact form

FindLaw can help you optimize your Web site traffic conversion ratio within ethical guidelines. Contact us to discuss the best combination of turnkey, integrated West FirmSite^® features to boost your law firm’s visibility. The Securities Fraud Hotline blog, a FindLaw West FirmSite blog, has produced new visibility for Eppenstein and Eppenstein, a respected New York-based securities fraud law firm. Visit the blog at www.securitiesfraudhotline.com.

What should I include in my blog?

Your focus should be on your intended audience. Your blog content should be appropriate for the audience you wish to attract, depending upon your goal. For example, don’t write blog content for your peers if your goal is to gain more or superior clients.

Thinking about a blog?

To learn more about FindLaw West FirmSites, click Contact Us on any page on the LawyerMarketing.com Web site at www.lawyermarketing.com.