Where do solicitors get their enquiries/leads from? UK

[sbramwell12]

Hi everyone,

I'm a marketer who specialises in SEO (getting websites to the top of Google).

I am considering setting up as a agency targeting just law firms. I have had fantastic results for a couple of lawyers in the past and would like to educate myself more on the inner workings on how law firms acquire new cases.

Naturally Google is a great channel to gain new cases, but what other marketing channels do solicitors rely on online or offline? Are there any government schemes that give law firms cases?

I strongly suspect much of this comes down to having a local presence and word of mouth. Any insider input would be greatly appreciated.

[atticus]

Many and varied, depending on the type of work.

About 10 years ago the firm I was with did an exercise - we drilled into the source of every new instruction for a year. We analysed the results, which enabled us to drop some marketing activities and to concentrate on others. But even then, 80% of our work came from recommendation from clients and close contacts. That 80/20 rule is well known and should surprise no-one. But it reminded us of the importance of providing excellent client service.

Other firms will have different approaches, for example those with trade union or insurance company connections.

[sbramwell12]

Many and varied, depending on the type of work.

About 10 years ago the firm I was with did an exercise - we drilled into the source of every new instruction for a year. We analysed the results, which enabled us to drop some marketing activities and to concentrate on others. But even then, 80% of our work came from recommendation from clients and close contacts. That 80/20 rule is well known and should surprise no-one. But it reminded us of the importance of providing excellent client service.

Other firms will have different approaches, for example those with trade union or insurance company connections.

Many thanks for this. I have heard that it's common for lawyers to refer new businesses to each other (if they don't cover that specific area of law).

What marketing activities we're most effective? Which we're the least effective? I would also be interested in knowing which disciplines digital marketing (ie Google) perform best for and which areas I should avoid.

Thanks again

[atticus]

Referrals from other solicitors were (note the spelling!) few and far between. My firm did not rely at all on digital marketing, so I am not able to comment on that. I regularly deleted emails from agencies promising to provide bucketloads of leads.

[sbramwell12]

Many thanks for this. I have heard that it's common for lawyers to refer new businesses to each other (if they don't cover that specific area of law).

What marketing activities we're most effective? Which we're the least effective? I would also be interested in knowing which disciplines digital marketing (ie Google) perform best for and which areas I should avoid.

Thanks again

Hello again, would you be open to discussing this exercise on my podcast?

I think it would be valuable content for lawyers who aspire to own their own law firm.

Im creating a podcast which will help solicitors navigate the challenges of starting and growing their own law firms, covering topics such as business development, client acquisition, and legal marketing strategies. Your insights would be incredibly valuable for our listeners.