Your law firm’s reputation relies more heavily on your online reputation and reviews.

Potential clients increasingly rely on online reviews to evaluate law firms and decide whether to hire them.

Great reviews can bring in new customers, while bad reviews can turn people away. So how do you keep on top of your online reputation?

It’s not always easy, but the best way is to manage your online reviews on major review platforms like the ones listed below. By manage, we mean keeping your business information on these sites updated and responding to reviewers — whether good or bad (especially bad).

We compiled a list of 5 sites that legal clients tend to leave reviews on more often than others, making this list a great start to managing your online reputation.

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Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is the king of review platforms, and for good reason.

Potential clients searching for your law firm will likely start with Google.

Your law firm’s GBP is prominently displayed on Google when someone searches for your firm or keywords related to your services.

Searchers will see your star rating and client reviews right away. A positive rating increases the chances that someone will click through to your website over competitors. It also improves your local SEO.

Positive feedback can instantly build trust, while negative reviews can drive potential clients away.

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How to monitor and respond to reviews

Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile is essential.

Regularly monitor your reviews and respond to them, whether positive or negative. Engaging with clients will show that you genuinely care about their experience and are committed to improvement.

Creating and maintaining your Google Business Profile listing is not only important to your local Google search rankings but your online reputation as well.

Customers can review your business on Google through your map listing or straight from the Google search results. If you have 1-2 reviews, Google will display a star rating from 0-5 beside your business name in the local search results and on Google maps.

Setting up and verifying your Google Business Profile listing is effortless and free. Visit www.google.com/business and follow the steps to set up your profile.

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Facebook

Facebook is another significant platform where clients leave reviews.

With over 2.9 billion monthly active users, the social media giant holds immense potential for shaping your law firm’s reputation. Reviews on Facebook are easy to find, and users can easily share their thoughts with friends and family, amplifying their impact.

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Managing your Facebook reviews

Make sure your law firm’s Facebook page is up-to-date and professionally presented.

Regularly check for new reviews and respond to them promptly, showing appreciation for positive feedback and addressing concerns in negative reviews. Engaging with your Facebook audience can help create a community around your law firm and further enhance your reputation.

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Avvo

Avvo is a dedicated platform for the legal industry where clients can find, research, and rate lawyers. One caveat is that it’s only available to lawyers practicing in the United States.

If you practice in the US, claiming your Avvo profile is an excellent idea — 97% of all practicing attorneys in the United States are included in Avvo’s database.

Claiming your profile is free, and clients can leave you reviews. It’s also an excellent hub to share videos and other resources you’ve created to really build out your profile and climb to the top of Avvo’s own search engine.

It’s an invaluable resource for potential clients searching for legal representation. A solid reputation on Avvo can make a powerful statement about your law firm’s expertise and commitment to clients.

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Engaging with Avvo reviews

Make sure your Avvo profile is complete and up to date.

Encourage satisfied clients to share their experiences working with you on the platform. And be sure to respond to reviews with gratitude and professionalism to show your dedication to client satisfaction.

By actively managing your Avvo profile, you can elevate your law firm’s standing in the legal community.

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Yelp

Yelp is available in the United States and Canada (yelp.com and yelp.ca). It’s one of the largest review platforms in North America, which makes it a top contender when managing your online reputation. You can create or claim and verify your profile on Yelp for free.

It’s a popular platform for local businesses, including law firms. A strong presence on Yelp can lead to a significant increase in your client base.

To set up or claim your Yelp listing, visit the Yelp for Business Owners section.

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How to use Yelp effectively

Claim and optimize your Yelp business page, and encourage your clients to leave reviews.

Keep an eye on your Yelp account, and promptly respond to positive and negative reviews.

By being active on Yelp, you can improve your law firm’s visibility and credibility in the eyes of potential clients.

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LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform. It plays a crucial role in establishing your law firm’s professional reputation.

 

Recommendations and endorsements from clients and peers can boost your credibility and help you stand out among competitors.

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Leveraging LinkedIn for reviews

Ensure your personal LinkedIn profile and law firm’s company page are polished and informative. Request recommendations from satisfied clients and colleagues to build social proof of your law firm’s expertise.

You can also engage with your connections and share valuable content to solidify your reputation as an industry leader.

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FAQ

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1. How can I encourage my law firms clients to leave reviews?

You can ask clients for their feedback after you’ve successfully won their case. Explain the importance of reviews to your law firm’s online presence and provide them with the necessary links to your profiles.

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2. How should I respond to negative reviews?

Respond to negative reviews professionally and empathetically. Address the client’s concerns, apologize for any inconvenience, and offer a solution whenever possible. This will show potential clients that you care about their experience and are committed to improvement.

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3. Should I respond to every review I receive?

Ideally, yes. Responding to positive and negative reviews shows that you value your clients’ feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.

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4. How often should I check for new reviews?

Regularly checking for new reviews, ideally once a week, is important to maintain your online reputation. By doing so, you can promptly respond to reviews and address any concerns that arise.

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5. Can I remove false or defamatory reviews?

In some cases, you can report false or defamatory reviews to the platform for removal. But you need to be ab solid evidence that the review is false or defamatory for the platform to take action.

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Use reviews to level up your law firm’s marketing

In the competitive legal landscape, your law firm’s online reputation is essential.

By actively managing your presence on Google Business Profile and sites like LinkedIn, you can showcase your firm’s dedication to client satisfaction and stand out among competitors.

Remember, every review is an opportunity to build trust and credibility with potential clients. Take them seriously and use them to fuel your law firm’s growth.

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