If you’re really ready to start a new business, then you have to learn that it’s not just about providing good products and services, it’s about maintaining your brand. This is especially true of businesses like law firms where your reputation will be one of the key determining factors in whether or not you will get clients.
For that reason, we’re taking a closer look at how you can better manage that reputation.
Manifest and live up to a code of ethics
Whether they know it or not, every business owner, and by extension, their business operates by a set of core values. Of course, as a lawyer, you will have a code of ethics that you’re professionally obligated to follow.
But you should also think about identifying core values for your firm. The better that you’re able to follow them, the more they will manifest to your clients, which will help you grow a reputation that is built upon them.
Values such as trust, transparency, and the like can help you grow a strong reputation.
Keep putting the right messaging out
You also have to ensure that your brand is effectively representing the values and ethics that you take so seriously. To that end, you should take a look at the best practices for a law firm marketing strategy.
Learn the various ways that you can reach out to your client, and ensure that the branding for all of your marketing matches the image that you’re trying to maintain.
A consistent dedication to the values mentioned above means that the people who see that marketing are more likely to believe in it.
Be active in getting positive testimonials
You might have more than a few happy clients in your books, but others aren’t going to know about it if they’re staying quiet.
There are many ways to generate positive word of mouth, such as by creating a referral scheme for your business, which improves your reputation and brings in new clients at the same time.
You should also ask your clients to leave reviews or to provide a testimonial that you can use to create the social proof others might need to get in touch.
Deal with reputational issues early and often
There are going to be people who may want to attack the reputation of your firm, whether it’s an ex-employee, a client who was unhappy with their results, or even a rival looking to take you down a peg or two.
Using reputation management systems can help you challenge false information and slanderous reviews, for instance. You should also look at whether you need to take a public stance by consulting a legal PR firm.
In some cases, not making a comment is the best option, but in others, you might need to make a clear statement to keep the confidence of your clients.
It takes time, effort, and vigilance to ensure your law firm’s reputation is where it ought to be. The tips above can point to where you need to start, but you must be ready to put the work in.