Four Ways to Generate Referrals for Your Law Firm

Aside from marketing and attorney website design, referrals are one of the most important ways a lawyer can increase their client base. Law firms of all sizes generate a larger percentage of their business from referrals than most other types of companies, so if you work in law it’s important to motivate your clients to spread the word about your services.

1. Establish yourself as an expert. By publishing relevant and important information on your website and sending newsletters to your faithful clients, you’ll ensure that they think of you as someone they can trust for legal information. They can easily send a friend your newsletter or a link to your website for helpful information.
2. Publish the right kind of content. Many of your clients will be confused about their legal situation. By posting content in an easily readable format, you’ll hold their attention longer and perhaps answer some of their key questions. Consider writing “how-to” guides or articles that answer common questions that your clients have. An internet marketing firm specializing in legal website design can assist your practice with writing and distributing good content, including publishing a newsletter.
3. Stay in contact with your referral sources. Especially if they’re current clients, stay in touch with them as much as you can (within reason, of course!). Be sure that your customers are satisfied and they’ll spread the word about you.
4. Offer your services. Especially if you work in immigration law or another field of law that involves extended families, letting your clients know that you’re available to help their families and friends as well can go a long way toward generating referrals for your practice. Consider offering a small discount to their family members – you’ll start the relationship off on the right foot and potentially establish yourself as the go-to attorney for a whole community.

For more information on generating referrals and planning a legal marketing campaign, consider attending the American Bar Association’s R3 conference. The conference will be held November 8-9, 2011 in Philadelphia and aims to help attorneys maximize their ROI through modern marketing and smart planning.