As 2021 comes to an end, it’s time to set some goals for the new year. One of the best ways law firms can attract more clients is to invest in reputation management strategies. When clients look for an attorney, they don’t just click on the first website that pops up in the search results and make an appointment then and there. Instead, they want to make sure the firm or attorney will provide them with the high-quality services they’re looking for. So, they rely on client reviews to determine which law firm to contact regarding their legal issue. Now more than ever, client reviews are an essential component of your law firm’s success. Here are a few simple reputation management strategies to set your firm up for success in the new year.
Cultivating Positive Client Reviews
While it may feel a bit awkward to ask your clients to write you a glowing review, finding an organic way to make this request will go a long way in solidifying your firm’s reputation. Most people don’t think about writing a review unless they’ve had a negative experience. Without positive reviews to balance out the less flattering reviews, potential clients may develop a skewed and unfair impression of your law practice. By implementing a quick and straightforward process for clients to leave you a positive review, such as sending a short text or email with a direct link to the review site, a greater range of clients can post their reviews and give viewers a more accurate picture of the services you offer.
Google May Side With the Reviewer, But You Can Still Act
For the most part, Google allows clients to post whatever they want to say about a particular business, within reason. The company wants reviewers to express themselves accurately about experiences, both positive and negative. However, Google can and will intervene if it determines that a review is fake, off-topic, spam, or offensive in nature. If you spot a review that seems suspicious in any way, you can report the post to Google for their consideration. Remember that Google will still tend to side with the reviewer—if the review is negative but accurately represents one client’s experience, Google will not attempt to remove it.
Handling Negative Reviews With Professionalism
It’s natural to feel frustrated by a negative review, especially if your firm only has a handful of client reviews. One bad review can dramatically impact your overall rating, creating an inaccurate representation of your services. Although you may be tempted to respond immediately to the negative review using an aggressive tone, this public display of anger can put off potential clients. Take some time to gather your thoughts and consider reaching out to the reviewer privately to discuss their review. In many cases, those who leave negative reviews just want to feel heard. Reaching out to this individual may go a long way in resolving and redressing the issue. Otherwise, respond to the review by expressing concern that the client had an unsatisfactory experience and that you remain committed to professionalism and client-centered practices.
Your Online Reviews Should Reflect Who You Are
As you move forward into the new year, take a look at your law firm’s reviews. Ask yourself whether these posts accurately reflect who you are as a legal professional. What qualities do clients appreciate about you? Do these qualities match the qualities you intend to project to your clients? If there is a discrepancy between how clients perceive you and how you perceive yourself, it’s time to take steps to align these personas. We’re here to help you identify your goals for growing your law practice so we can develop effective strategies for encouraging clients to appreciate and comment on your professional qualities.
Call the LegalRev team today at (800) 893-2590 to discuss your digital marketing goals for the new year.
