At LeadQ, we’ve found that posting positive testimonials and online reviews about a law firm significantly improves the number of inquiries the firm receives and makes your firm stand out among the competition. Here are six easy tips for consumer law firms to generate those vitally-needed testimonials and reviews in today’s competitive environment. 

1. Make sure each client, first of all, has a positive experience in dealing with you and your firm

It may be obvious, but a concerted effort to generate positive reviews begins with a concerted effort to make your client’s experience with your firm as positive as absolutely possible. Every contact you and your firm has with a client is an opportunity to make a good impression. That starts with whoever answers the phone the first time a prospect contacts your office.

2. Ask your clients to share their thoughts about their experience with your firm upon the conclusion of their case

The next time a client compliments you via email, phone, or in a consultation (even if the case has not yet concluded), ask them if they wouldn’t mind providing the same feedback in a testimonial or online review. Have your office then send them a quick email as a reminder of your conversation with them. 

If it’s easier for them to just reply to your email with a few testimonial comments than go to an online review site, invite them to do just that. You can always post their review/testimonial on your own site instead.

3. Make it easy for clients to organize their thoughts when they’re writing — by providing some sample questions

What was your situation before you contacted the firm? What results did you get from your case resolution? What did you like most about working with the law firm? Would you recommend the firm to others? If so, why?

4.  Set up business profile pages on common online platforms so clients have a place to go to post their reviews

Set up a business profile page for your law firm on commonly visited online platforms that allow reviews (such as Facebook, Yelp, Google Business, Bing Places, Avvo, etc.). When you follow-up with your email request for a testimonial/review, provide links directly to those sites for your firm. It’s often easier to focus on one or two different sites, rather than trying to cover every possible platform out there.

5.  Don’t be afraid to re-ask for a testimonial/review, if your first request is ignored

Sometimes a client may need to see your “ask” for a testimonial several times before making the time to write down their thoughts. That’s ok… people are busy these days and often forget about the “ask” the first time. A friendly reminder sometimes is all it takes.

6. Respond quickly to a negative online review

Whenever you come across a negative review about your law firm, it is essential that you respond to it. Do not ignore it. If someone reads a negative review, but also sees that you have offered to help solve the issue, then that potential client will see that you do care about your client’s happiness, which may well lead to a positive impression after all.