A consumer is less likely to call an attorney with a poor online rating compared to an attorney with four or more stars.
How Important are Online Reviews for Your Law Firm?
Word-of-mouth has always been a trusted source for consumers searching for products and services. Traditionally, consumers asked neighbors, friends, family members, and coworkers for recommendations when they were searching for an attorney or law firm. Today, consumers use online reviews when deciding whether to contact a law firm or an attorney. A consumer is less likely to call an attorney with a poor online rating compared to an attorney with four or more stars.
What Matters to Consumers Reading Online Reviews?
Consumers want to see lots of stars, but they also want to read actual client reviews. Reading reviews that give details about how a law firm helped a client or how the attorney was responsible and available is more helpful than just a five-star rating. Likewise, the website providing the review also matters.
Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and other similar websites are not as valued for reviews by consumers as websites such as Google, Yelp, Facebook, and similar sites. Reviews on strictly legal websites matter, but they matter less to most consumers because most consumers are not familiar with these websites. They are familiar with and accustomed to using Yelp and Google to find a service provider.
The bottom line . . . don’t ignore any or discount any websites online that provide reviews for legal services. You need to monitor all online reviews and work to obtain more reviews to increase your credibility with potential new clients.
How Can I Get More Online Reviews? You can ask individuals to review initial consultations as well as services provided. Send emails and letters to the previous client requesting a review. Make sure that you provide detailed instructions to make it easy for your clients to leave online reviews. You can also work with the marketing experts at EMC Advertising to develop a successful strategy for obtaining and maintaining online reviews for your law firm.
