Now that our society is more connected than ever before, people are no longer heavily relying on billboards, phone books and word of mouth to procure attorneys. Surveys conducted in 2013 show that the Internet is now becoming the primary means for seeking out legal help. Thirty-eight percent use the Internet to obtain legal representation, whereas 29 percent will ask a friend or relative. Ten percent say that they will consult the bar association in their locality for finding legal help, and only four percent consult the phone book. Internet is the most preferred way because prospective clients can quickly find a great deal of needed information in order to make an informed choice and can obtain results quickly.
Internet Quickly Provides Prospective Clients with a Great Deal of Necessary Information
Phone book listings, TV ads and billboards primarily focus on marketing the outstanding qualities of a lawyer. Catchy slogans are used to grab the attention of prospective clientele, and eye catching art and well-crafted marketing language are used to draw them in further. While these methods of advertising focus on the lawyer’s good attributes, the Internet will provide a more well rounded picture of that professional’s reputation. Consumer websites as well as those designed for providing legal listings will contain reviews written by customers based on their experiences. Prospective customers can look over these reviews and make an informed decision on who will provide their legal services.
Results Can be Attained Quickly
It takes some time to look through the phone book listings to find the proper lawyers that are needed. Prospects have to scan through the pages and even spend time making calls to ask additional questions about services provided. Friends and family may know of lawyers in town; however, they may not know of anyone who practices the type of law that is needed for a particular situation. Billboards are hit or miss as it depends on if any are currently being displayed. The Internet, however, can provide results within literally seconds. No matter what type of lawyer is needed, prospects can enter in a search, and thousands of listings will be populated at the click of a button. Searches can even be refined to save more time looking.
Because lawyers know that much of their clientele is coming from the Internet, they build attractive sites to represent their firms. These websites not only provide information about the services the firm provides, they contain portfolios complete with customer testimonials. The McGarry Law website is just one example of how lawyers creatively use the Internet to draw in new customers. This site has just the right amount of graphics, contains a portfolio full of success stories from other clients and provides information in clear detail about how clients will be served. With the Internet creating a climate where all parties can win, lawyers stand to gain more business than they can actually handle, and people in the community can find the best legal representation available and enjoy satisfying outcomes.