Do’s and Dont’s of Social Media for Attorneys

Social media for attorneys is a lot more than just LinkedIn. Marketing yourself to a public desperately in need of your services means getting yourself out there in more than just one way. Facebook is everyone’s go to when it comes to social media marketing, but you need to take time to consider an entire strategy instead of just one or two points. At the same time attorneys face a fine line on what they are allowed to say on social media, what they should say on social media, and what they should never say on social media.

Social Media for Attorneys in Five Points

1. Do create a social media policy.

The American Bar Association recommends that you gather together everyone in the firm and get their input on creating a social media policy. Put special emphasis on recruiting young associates and interns to whom social media is second nature. The input of younger “digital natives” is essential in explaining to an older crowd how social media works, in addition to what it can and can’t do.

2. Do create a partition between public and private.

You may wish to post an opinion on how a current Supreme Court ruling will affect a number of cases pending before lower courts, and this is within the realm of your professional life. However, posting photos of the fishing trip and beer bash is best left to one’s private accounts.

3. Don’t feed the trolls.

With social media come those unique creatures of the Internet known as trolls. They exist solely to provoke reactions, and some of them can be rather subtle. However, the outcome is best described by the great writer George Bernard Shaw, “I learned long ago never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”

4. Don’t go freestyle.

Consult with your state bar association about particular rules regarding the use of social media and legal ethics. Be meticulous about sticking to an ethical code regarding what you do and do not post on social media. Above all do not post anything about your clients without their permission.

5. Do create a posting schedule, and work out some content in advance.

The key to social media success is consistency plus visibility. Depending on which social media venues you are using, you can tailor content and schedule to keep your firm in the public eye. There are a number of social media management apps out there so that you don’t have to do this manually.

It’s hard to keep track of marketing on top of the caseload. A busy firm may not be able to detail one person to handle other social media and other marketing needs. When you use 4 Step Studio you are getting marketing expertise, web design, and social media know how on tap. Call us and find out how we can help you to grow your practice, create your brand, and reach out to more clients in need of your services.

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About 4 Step Studio

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