In a world where precedent rules, law firms aren’t widely known to be trend-setters – or even early adopters. There are two law firms who have put an i-generation stake in the ground and created iPhone apps. (Other firms have launched apps, but the most highly publicized recent ones are […]
How I spent my Summer Vacation
My blog has been on vacation. I have had numerous ideas for posts, but I just haven't been compelled to drop what I was doing to put any of them on paper. But, I'm back. Stay tuned for some of the most interesting trends I've seen the last few weeks. […]
Getting a rash from the rash of law firm RFPs
During round table discussions in 2009 entitled, “Best Practices in Business Development and Proposals,” we asked invitees (law firm marketing and BD professionals mostly) about the uptick in the receipt of RFPs and RFIs from clients and prospects. The overwhelming response was that the number had tripled or quadrupled. On […]
“Web site” finally becomes “website” – according to the AP Stylebook
I’ve been a stickler for writing “Web site” with a cap W, lowercase s and two words. Because it was right. According to an April 16th twitter post, the AP Stylebook has finally relinquished its hold on this written protocol – and from now on, “website” (one word and a lowercase […]
Marketing ROI, Measurement and Metrics – LMA Dallas City Chapter Survey Results
I moderated a panel yesterday at the LMA Dallas City Chapter (subgroup of the LMA Southeastern Chapter) luncheon on ROI. Panelists included: Allen Fuqua, CMO, Winstead PC Bill Livesay, Executive Director, Andrews Kurth LLP Tim Powers, Partner and Business Development Chair, Haynes and Boone LLP To anchor our remarks in […]
Law Firm Intranets – A new look in 2010
I am seeing more interest in their intranets by law firms than I have seen in the last dozen years. Firm leaders are taking a serious look at ways to improve communication up and down the organization, facilitate collaboration among colleagues and workgroups, reinforce cultural tenets and save money. A well […]
Incentive to update lawyer Web site biographies (YouTube video)
Each time we plan and design a new law firm Web site, we create a lawyer profile tailored to that firm and insist that all lawyers update their biographies. In spite of the Web site analytics statistic that more than half of the visitors to a law firm Web site view […]
Law Firm Web Sites: Foundational Best Practice #2 – Graphics and Design
Each morning I read law.com’s latest report about an AmLaw 100 firm’s profits or revenue drops in 2009 over 2008. American Lawyer Media is building anticipation with this tactic as it leads up to its May 1, 2010 release of the AmLaw 100 financial report. The release of the AmLaw 100 firm […]
Congratulations to the 2010 LMA Hall of Fame inductees
Last week, I attended (and Content Pilot exhibited at) the 2010 international Legal Marketing Association (LMA) conference in Denver. I have several observations, which I’ll share in a post later this week. This post is a quick congratulations to the 2010 inductees into the LMA Hall of Fame. These are not […]
Law Firm CMOs Part 2: LSSO listserve discussion about their future
In my last post, I brought in comments from leading legal marketing consultants from the LSSO listserve discussion called, “Where have all the CMOs gone?” In Bill Flannery’s LSSO listserve post dated February 20, 2010, he said that he has recently interviewed more than 100 law firms in North America and overseas, […]
Law Firm CMOs – LSSO listserve discussion about their future
“Where have all the CMOs gone?” is the subject line of an LSSO listserve discussion late last week. Some of the legal marketing/sales industry’s top consultants (Silvia Coulter and Bill Flannery, to name two) weighed in on this hot button topic. Silvia, a consultant with Hildebrandt Baker Robbins, noting that […]
The “How to Get Things Right” Lawyer Checklist
(Guest post by Keith Wewe) While passing time during the Olympic commercials, I wandered upon a book review (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_08/b4167079069773.htm) in Business Week of “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right” by Atul Gawande. It’s the byline that caught my eye – “How tragic errors can be sharply reduced with […]
Google’s Super Bowl ad — Sweet, but at what cost?
I am resisting adding my opinions to the blizzard of commentary about any of yesterday’s Super Bowl commercials. In fact, this post isn’t even mine – it’s from the Daily Online Examiner. The post is entitled, “Will Google’s Super Bowl ad backfire?” The author is Wendy Davis. Will Google’s Super Bowl […]
How to discuss innovation and strategy with lawyers
Nathan Darling, the Director of Client Development and Marketing for Van Ness Feldman in Washington, DC, and the 2010 President of LMA International, has the following suggestions for marketers who want to “brainstorm” ideas with their firm lawyers. 1. Frame such sessions as “strategy sessions” rather than “brainstorming.” In my […]
Law Firm Web Sites: Foundational Best Practice #1 – Communicating your Message
On December 31st, in this blog, Content Pilot announced the 2010 Ten Foundational Best Practices for law firm Web sites. We wait with anticipation American Lawyer Media’s announcement of the 2010 AmLaw 100 firms – those law firms whose Web sites we will review against these Ten Foundational Best Practices. Between […]
Get your money’s worth from Martindale.com
I am speaking at the LMA Ohio chapter meeting this Wednesday, January 27, 2010. The title of my presentation is: “New Rules for Marketing in a Recovering Economy — Tactics to Improve your Success and Reach.” It makes sense to critically analyze your marketing investments to ensure that you are […]
“Word of mouth is all grown up” – says Eric Fletcher
With all the talk, all the brouhaha about social media, it’s grand to find a simple, practical appraisal of it. Read Eric Fletcher’s post about social media and Bob Garfield’s new book, The Chaos Scenario. Eric is the CMO of McGlinchey Stafford PLLC. Word of mouth has been coveted as […]
How do you keep law firm associates on your good side?
Chat boards, blogs, Facebook pages, tweets and more are the ready receptacles for associate gripes, whining, belly-aching and wailing. I am amazed at those who passionately defend their constitutional right to free speech, yet haven't the foggiest clue about exercising good judgment, being self and employer respecting, and otherwise selfishly guarding […]
The efficacy of Martindale.com as a referrer to your Web site
A law firm's Web site should be at the center of its business development. With the evolution of Web 2.0 and social media tools, site visitors can customize their experiences, interact with the firm and its lawyers, and stay up-to-the-minute on the latest laws and industry developments via video, podcasts, […]
Content Pilot announces the Web Sites 2010: Ten Foundational Best Practices
As we approach the new decade with anticipation and hope, we can look back and be thankful that Internet marketing has evolved away from brochure-ware Web sites to more tailored, intuitive, user-driven experiences that provide quick answers, easy transactions and the desired information to visitors. The result is visitor loyalty. Law […]