We reviewed the most important legal marketing statistics so you didn’t have to. 🔥You’re welcome. 😎
Each year, numerous reports are released that provide insights into the state of legal marketing. While these reports are chock-full of statistics, not all of them are equally useful. We understand that it can be easy to get lost in a sea of percentages in articles filled with tens or even hundreds of statistics.
Not to worry; we did the research for you. This article will cut through the noise and discuss seven of the most compelling legal marketing statistics from the latest reports.
42% of the time, law firms take three or more days to reply to a voicemail or web-generated form from a prospective client.
What it means: This is one of the most astonishing statistics and easiest fixes for law firms to implement on this list. The solution is simple: prioritize responding to clients.
Time is money. Especially in the present economy, funds are tight, and every lead is a potential source of revenue for the firm. Don’t let an inefficient intake process be the reason your clients go elsewhere. Streamline your intake process by designating a support staff member to respond to voicemail and web-generated forms at least once a day.
Only 57% of attorneys surveyed said their firm had an annual marketing budget.
What it means: So if only 57% of law firms have an annual marketing budget, how do the other 43% approach getting the word out about their services? The answer, sadly, is a random sporadic blog and social media posts. Such attempts are (at least most of the time) infrequent and unoptimized for SEO, which spells disaster for growing your law firm’s revenue.
Don’t leave your marketing to chance – even the best product in the world won’t matter if nobody knows about it. Nobody wants to be known as the best kept secret, right? Investing in a strategic marketing plan can make all the difference in attracting clients.
87% of law firms surveyed said that their firm has a website.
What it means: Frankly, we’re a bit surprised this number isn’t higher. In today’s digital age, Google is often the primary way that potential clients discover law firms (see the statistic below). Without a website, your law firm could be missing out on a significant amount of potential business.
Pro Tip: If you’re not experienced in web design, it’s best to hire a professional for your law firm’s website. By outsourcing your web design needs, you can focus on what you do best – practicing law – while leaving the technical aspects of website design to the experts.
Only 14% of attorneys surveyed said that their law firm’s website offered the ability to schedule a consultation.
What it means: The name of the legal intake game is simplifying the consultation process for new clients as much as possible. You have a limited window of time to capture clients’ attention and sell them your services. Assuming you can even get this far, it becomes critical to pin down a time to speak before they lose interest.
From a dead phone to being in a loud social setting, there is any number of reasons why a client would prefer to schedule a consultation online rather than over the phone. It’s therefore up to your firm to give clients this option.
A whopping 83% of legal firms hire external marketing firms to do their marketing work
What it means: With over 2000 billable hour requirement minimums, attorneys likely don’t have the time to dedicate to marketing efforts. On top of that, marketing isn’t a billable activity, so it can be tough to justify taking time away from client work. That’s why many law firms choose to outsource their marketing efforts to external agencies – it’s a smart way to ensure their marketing is done right, without sacrificing valuable time.
If you’re part of the 17% that choose not to work with external agencies, you’re essentially competing against firms that have teams of people dedicating over 100 hours per month to marketing efforts. These numbers can be daunting and can leave you competitively disadvantaged if you try to muscle your way through the road less traveled.
Only 31% of respondents said their firms produce video as a marketing tool.
What it means: Considering the power of video content to engage and connect with potential clients, we think this statistic can improve – substantially! With so much untapped potential, video can be a fantastic way to showcase your firm’s expertise, personality, and unique selling points. Not only that, but it’s a great way to build trust with potential clients before they even meet you in person.
For 85% of potential clients, Google is the preferred research tool for finding a lawyer.
What it means: That’s right, 85% of clients are out there Googling away, searching for the perfect match. But if your law firm isn’t showing up on the first page of search results, chances are they’ll never even know you exist. That’s why Search engine optimization (SEO) services are so important for law firms – it’s the key to unlocking a world of potential clients who are just waiting to find you.
Takeaway
While it’s easy to get lost in a sea of percentages and statistics, it’s important to focus on the key points of these reports. From the importance of having a website and optimizing your SEO strategy to streamlining your intake process and embracing video content, there are many ways to attract and retain clients through effective marketing tactics.
If you’re just starting out on your legal marketing journey, be sure to check out our blog post “The Attorney’s Beginner Guide to Marketing Your Law Firm” for more tips and tricks. Remember, the key to standing out from the competition and reaching more clients is investing in a strategic marketing plan that aligns with your unique goals and strengths.
