At WebPresence, Esq. we are always meeting with fellow attorneys to discuss building their web presence. During the process, one of the most common questions we are asked surrounds the use of client testimonials. With potential clients spending more time performing online research prior to giving you a call, a few positive words from a satisfied client (or five or ten) can go a long way. Not only that, testimonials go over well with the major search engines (Google/Yahoo/Bing). And as we all know, search engine rankings are key.
So what is the best way to ask your client for a glowing testimonial that you can share on your website, Facebook page, and/or Avvo profile? We believe it depends, in part, on the area of law you practice. Whether your focus is white collar crime or personal injury, read on for tips on how to obtain and maximize client testimonials for business development!
Not surprisingly, timing is key. For personal injury lawyers, approach your client for a testimonial our clients shortly after you deliver the good news about their settlement / case outcome. Or wait until they stop by your office to pick up their settlement check — who doesn’t have great (and accurate) things to say when holding money in their hands?
IP lawyers can seek a testimonial after they receive news that a patent or copyright has been approved, or a claim against either has been shot down. Corporate lawyers can follow up a business contract that pleases the client with an email asking for a short line or two expressing their satisfaction. While it might seem uncomfortable, it is becoming more and more the norm. For example, how often do you receive a customer satisfaction survey after flying, dining through OpenTable, etc…? Almost every time is the accurate answer.
Some lawyers are just not on board with asking clients for testimonials. The solution? Have your legal secretary or administrative assistant follow up with a ‘exit questionnaire;’ essentially a few brief questions that allow your client to share their experience.
Of course, some websites (such as Avvo, Yelp, and LinkedIn) require that the client actually submit the testimonials themselves. In other words, you cannot submit the glowing feedback in your client’s email on your Avvo profile for them. In these instances, we suggest that you send them an email with the link to your various lawyer review accounts and let them praise away. Again, you need to make leaving you a review easy for them.
For more information on gathering client testimonials and how you can use them to increase your online visibility and bring in new business, contact the experienced attorneys slash legal marketing experts at WebPresence, Esq. today.
