This document summarizes strategies for law firms to establish an online presence. It discusses how traditional media is declining while more people use the internet and social media for information. Search engines and social networks now drive most referrals. The document recommends law firms build their online networks through content writing, search engine optimization (SEO), and link building from relevant organizations. Firms should strategically participate online to both connect with clients and improve their search engine rankings.

1. Web Business, SEO & Practical Tactics for Law firms Steve Matthews Stem Legal Web Enterprises

4. Decline of Print Media “ US newspaper ad revenues predicted to drop 42.5% in seven years” “ One big problem newspapers have in this age of instant information is the lag time between story creation and distribution. Compare that with online content, which is timelier and mostly free. News organizations also compete with blogs and user-generated content sites.” Source: http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006876

6. Who’s Searching? “81% of Internet users worldwide used search engines.” Tip: Think about consumer research, and how Lawyers can back up referral endorsements? Google your own name! Source: http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006885

7. Who’s creating content? Forrester Research: “33% of online adults post status updates on websites like Facebook & Twitter” ( January, 2010) Source: http://blogs.forrester.com/groundswell/2010/01/conversationalists-get-onto-the-ladder.html

8. Growth of Social Networks By 2013, an estimated 93% of adults over 18 will be regular social network visitors. Source: http://www.emarketer.com/Report.aspx?code=emarketer_2000566

10. Local search market? Get to know… The Google Keyword Research Tool https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

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