The Dos and Don'ts of Online Reputation Management for Law Firms and Other Professional Businesses

Online reputation management can be a challenging job. After all, it's impossible to please every reader or potential client who stumbles upon your website, even if you've followed all best practices and recommendations.

That said, reputation management is essential for law firms. Read on to learn more about the top dos and don'ts of online reputation management, and if you have questions about your firm's online marketing plan, contact a skilled law firm marketing agency. At Actionable Agency, we have the strategies and tools to manage your online reputation effectively.

Do Monitor Online Reviews Regularly

First and foremost, law firms and other professional businesses should take a proactive approach to reputation management. For instance, you must monitor your online reviews regularly.

By keeping an eye out, you'll be the first to notice when someone posts negative feedback on Yelp, Google, or one of your social media sites.

Remember, however, to maintain your professionalism, regardless of the reviews you receive. Avoid posting a rude comeback or a standard, canned response. Your audience and potential clients will see your replies, so it's best to address each comment individually with honest, kind, and caring feedback that reinforces your firm's dedication to providing exceptional service.

Do Create a Reviewable Corporate Profile

Although the possibility of negative reviews is intimidating, it's important to increase visibility for your firm by creating profiles on sites like Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, etc. And if an impostor tries to create a copy of your profile, claim ownership right away.

To boost your firm's reputation, be sure to use high-quality photographs, detailed descriptions, contact information, videos, and a link to your website.

Additionally, make a separate email account for your review sites so that you don't miss any notifications and can easily keep tabs on newly posted reviews.

Don't Avoid Social Media Platforms

If your firm uses social media—and it should if you want to be taken seriously as a business—make sure you pay close attention to comments, responses, and shares on your profile.

Do Ask For Clients Referrals

You can also utilize social media for another essential strategy of reputation management online: requesting referrals from happy and satisfied clients.

Follow up with clients who have recently utilized your services by sending them to your Google or Yelp accounts to provide reviews.

Don't flood clients' inboxes with a request for reviews all at once, though. If your clients notice a cluster of reviews appearing on the same day, they may be suspicious that your feedback is disingenuous.

Don't Pay For Reviews

In that same vein, avoid the temptation of gaming your reviews. Don't pay for other people's opinions. It's dishonest, and most readers can see through fake reviews.

Keep in mind that you can't win everyone's trust or goodwill, and most clients will take that into account when they see a range of replies. Be confident in your services and in your authenticity. Only make modifications if you notice fake reviews or clients who haven't worked with your firm posting feedback.

Call a Law Firm Marketing Agency

If you don't know where to start when it comes to online reputation management, an experienced law firm marketing agency can help.

Actionable Agency is a law firm marketing agency that offers a comprehensive array of online and offline marketing alternatives to lawyers nationwide.

Contact Actionable Agency immediately if you're ready to revamp your strategy for reputation management. Call us at 855 206 9689 to set your firm apart from the competition.