Email Marketing: Lawyers need to weigh the benefits as a marketing tool

Click here to read this article on the Chicago Law Bulletin.

I am asked almost daily about the benefits of email marketing and newsletters. While I’m a huge advocate for this variety of marketing, it’s not always a fit for every lawyer or law firm. Typically, I ask a few questions that help identify if there’s value in expending limited resources on this marketing endeavor.

  • Question 1: Do you have 100 or more people to keep in touch with?
  • Question 2: Do you have something new or important to communicate?
  • Question 3: Are you looking to keep your clients and develop new ones?

If the answer is “yes” to any one of these questions, then please keep reading. If the answer is “no,” it may be because you are just starting out, you’re in a “worker-bee” role at your firm or you are close to retirement and looking to slow things down. For all those yes’s out there, here are the top five reasons an email newsletter would be of great value to you in sustaining and growing your practice. Also, be sure to read the last paragraph if you’re serious about executing on an effective email campaign.

Staying top of mind: Having something to email your clients, colleagues and friend each month in order to keep in touch is rarely a losing proposition. Think about it, how long does it take to email 100 to 1000 people each month? You and I both know you don’t have time for that. An email newsletter allows you to get your name and important content in front of your people on a regular basis, where you alone cannot. One of the main reasons attorneys lose clients today is lack of regular communication and face time. Statistically, it takes six times more energy, money and time to find a new client, than it does to keep the one you have.

Building Brand Equity: In a recent article I wrote about the importance of being a leader in your field and growing your brand equity. There’s no reason why that can’t be done through your monthly newsletter. Here’s an opportunity to take your finest ideas, strongest wins, insightful articles and best resources and share them with your clients, strategic partners and colleagues. In addition to adding value to these existing relationships, you’re demonstrating why they need you in their life. This is also where word of mouth is key. Your audience members forward your material to their audiences, who then do the same. It’s amazing how people love to share great content that and benefits others.

Promote what’s new: Do you have a new logo? New area of focus? New white paper? New win in appellate court? People love NEW! It’s exciting to read about positive changes that people are making in their business and personal lives. For example, let’s say that you share a favorable decision in court. One of your past clients sees this and decides to call you for a similar matter she is dealing with. Now you may get a client back that’s been dormant for years. Nice, right?

Better quality leads:  What’s the easiest way to find new business? Networking? Cold calling? Attending conferences? The answer is “no, no and no.” As I mentioned, the best way to get new business is from your existing clients and strategic partnerships. What email marketing can offer you is pre-qualified business leads. Again, the people who already know you and know your work are the most likely to use you again and refer you to others. While I’m not suggesting that these other marketing efforts aren’t worthwhile, statistically they are less likely to convert and take much longer to vet.

Generate more website traffic: The final point I’ll make on email marketing is the importance of driving traffic to your website. That being said, if your website is terrible and outdated, you can skip to the end of my article. A bad or outdated website will typically TURN AWAY business, rather than generate it. For those who have successful and well thought out websites, it’s of critical importance to get people there. This is where you house your blog, bio, testimonials and other relevant information that can convert your network into new or repeat business. Your email newsletter can do just that, leading people down a path and getting that phone call you are looking for.

Now, you might be thinking, what the #$@! do I know about setting up a newsletter, let alone how it works to drive business? We’ll there are two options you have for this. First, go online and research options for automation tools like Mail Chimp or Constant Contact. They will provide many videos and articles on how to do this. BUT, if you are strapped for time and do not want to learn this, let alone execute on this, there are many companies, FRETZIN being one of them, that actively takes this over for you. Like your website, your newsletter is an extension of you and your brand. If you decide to outsource this service, be sure you meet with an expert who understands your business/practice and that you can trust to get this marketing piece done properly.

For more information about email marketing or to speak with us about your newsletter, please email us at steve@fretzin.com or call (847) 602-6911.