Growing your law practice takes time and effort. By now, you probably recognize the importance of client reviews, as search engine algorithms use these reviews to evaluate your firm’s authority and trustworthiness. In general, the more authentic and positive client reviews you receive, the higher your website will rank in the search results pages. Of course, obtaining client reviews takes time, and many attorneys find the process of requesting client reviews to be awkward and cumbersome. Let’s take a look at some tips for streamlining and improving the client review process through automation and similar tools.
Why Client Reviews are Essential for Law Firms
First, it’s important to understand why requesting and obtaining client reviews matters. Consumers regularly rely on online reviews when determining whether to purchase a particular product or service. People tend to view online reviews as they would personal recommendations—if the majority of reviews are positive, potential clients will be more inclined to contact your law firm. Additionally, search engine algorithms like Google use client reviews to influence the ranking of various websites on search results pages. Over time, and with a steady stream of positive client reviews, your website will rank higher on search results pages in your local area.
Important Review Sites for Law Firms
There are several review sites that potential clients may look at when searching for legal services in their area. While review sites like Google and Yelp are a good place to start, consider directing your clients to niche sites for law firms and legal services. Websites like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell allow you to create a profile for your legal practice and gather reviews from clients. Additionally, these sites specifically serve the legal community, so many of your potential clients will look to these sites for reliable and authentic client reviews.
Making Client Review Requests Less Complicated
While you may have a few strategies for asking clients for reviews, the process may feel cumbersome and ineffective at times. Fortunately, there are several tools that can save you time and energy hounding clients for reviews. Several automated systems allow you to enter your client’s email address or phone number, and the system will contact them with a single-question survey. From there, the client can click once and easily leave a review then and there. The easier the process is for your clients, the more inclined they will be to follow through with your request.
Interested in learning more about how to streamline the client review process for your law firm? Call LegalRev today at (800) 893-2590 to get started.