Optimization 4 Websites

But my clients don’t use the internet

As I talk with law firms across the Midwest, there is a very common reason (excuse) I am told by firms that haven’t jumped with both feet into the internet age.  “Stephanie, I understand that there were over 55 million searches for lawyers on Google last month but MY clients don’t use the internet” they say to me.  Usually this comes from lawyers who target one of two kinds of clients; either 1) low income clients or 2) business/corporate clients.  Let’s take a look at these two segments to address the false notions that these audiences are not reachable with on-line searching.

First – low income clients.  Some law firms target a clientele that they are certain do not have a computers in their home.  Therefore the next logical assumption is that if there is no computer, there is no internet.  A New York Times article demonstrates that this is not so.  With the usage of smart phones becoming so common, the internet is more affordable and accessible to demographic groups previously thought to be out of reach.  Criminal law firms have traditionally fallen into this line of thinking.  So let me pose this question.  If the internet doesn’t influence criminal attorney hiring decisions, who is responsible then for the over 2,000 searches last month for the keywords columbus criminal lawyer?

Second – business or corporate clients.  This is the one that I think is the most ironic.  Considering the fact that businesses rely so heavily on the internet to promote their own businesses, somehow we are to believe that when they are looking to hire an attorney they abandon the very consumer behavior that makes them successful.  However, I was reminded again today by a partner of an 88 attorney law firm that the firm’s website is the first place their clients are going to evaluate their legal options.  So now the biggest concern for law firms looking to increase their business clients is making sure their website appears on searches like chicago business attorney.

Ultimately, the internet has been woven into the fabric of our society reaching all income and demographic segments.  My message to any lawyer that doesn’t have a website yet:  “The time is now”.  And to those who have a website:  “Make your website work for you!”…

3 Responses to “But my clients don’t use the internet”

Comment from sharon Carolla
Time February 4, 2010 at 7:12 am

Awesome. I will use this today. I have a MH appt with a business atty.

Comment from Greg Stehlin
Time February 4, 2010 at 8:16 am

Sent to a client this morning. Her practice is debt collections and told me her clients don’t search online for her AOP. This helps answer that objection. Thank you.