The Role of Social Media in the Legal Industry

Social media has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past few years. Now, it seems like everyone has multiple platforms on which they have a profile. This has become an important part of the legal industry as well. Social media presents numerous opportunities for those who work in the modern business world, including the legal industry. As a lawyer, social media can serve as a way for practices to develop their business while establishing a positive reputation among potential clients. In many ways, social media can act as a gateway to career advancement, creating ways for lawyers to connect with colleagues and local practices in the area. Some of the most important platforms in the legal industry include Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google +. When these platforms are used correctly, social media can generate huge returns that make the effort worth it. There are a few social media strategies that attorneys can put to use.

First, social media works well when it comes to amplifying blogs, articles, and opinions. When someone posts a new article on his or her legal website, it can be a good idea to share this article on social media platforms. Lawyers can tweet a link to the article or post in on Facebook to generate more traffic to the article itself. In this manner, social media can help lawyers amplify the writing they produce, helping them increase their visibility. It is important for people to be patient as they try to increase the number of followers they have. It is a good idea for attorneys to correspond with each other through these platforms in an effort to increase their online presence.

Why is this important? This matters because prospective clients might come across the hard work of attorneys who work in personal injury, wrongful death, and more. Clients want to see that their attorney has a positive reputation throughout the local community. If they have a large number of followers and regularly post high-quality content, this can go a long way toward building this presence. If clients have a positive view of an attorney’s work, they are more likely to hire that attorney to represent them.

In order for attorneys to get the most out of social media, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, it is critical to keep the professional profile separate from the personal one. Mixing work and personal lives are never a good idea. Then, make sure to post content on the professional profile on a regular basis. Once a week is probably good; however, posting multiple times a day can make it seem like the content is spam. This can drive people away. Finally, post content that is relevant to that specific practice area. Try not to go outside of one’s area of expertise. This can lead to problems. When used correctly social media can play a major role in the growth of a legal practice.