What is social media?

Social media includes sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Martindale-Hubbell connected, and even blogs. It can be defined as a medium by which people communicate through the internet.

Why use social media?

Some lawyers believe that social media sites and blogs are fads. Maybe they are correct to assume that Twitter will be here today and gone tomorrow. But the internet is here to stay, and so is the human tendency to communicate with one another. So whether humans are communicating through Facebook or the next best networking site, they will continue to communicate through the internet.

So – a lawyer would be wise to try out a form of social media, and connect with his audience. There are many benefits of using social media. You can gain perspective by reading other’s opinions, meet like-minded people, gain referral sources, and educate others. An attitude towards building the online community with helpful contributions will go a long way towards the ultimate goal of getting more clients.

How to use social media

• Use good judgment. Just as you “think before you speak” to an individual, “think before you speak” to the masses. Some people have learned the hard way, that once something has been “Tweeted” it can’t be taken back. Even deleted Tweets can reappear.

• Don’t violate attorney-client privilege, and answer questions in a general way to avoid ethical problems.

• Spend online time wisely. Set aside a small block of time each day to network.

Which social media site is most popular among lawyers?

LinkedIn

How to set up an effective LinkedIn profile

It takes time to set up an effective profile, but it is important to make a good impression.

• Be specific when filling out the Experience section. List all of your practice areas, including commonly used keywords. Include previous experience, as this will help you connect with previous co-workers.

• Include a description of your ideal client (target market) and the types of cases you would like to handle in the Summary section.

• Add your education. LinkedIn will use this information to help you connect with former classmates.

• Join Groups and Associations related to your alma mater and legal specialty.

• Add a picture to your profile. This will help people to identify you as someone that they know, and want to connect with.

• Be sure to add your website address.

• Get recommendations. Ask a former boss or co-worker to write a recommendation for you emphasizing your expertise in current practice areas. Better yet, ask a satisfied client to write a recommendation. But first, check your state rules. Testimonials are not allowed in some states.

• Set your profile to "Full View." To do this:

  1. Choose "Profile" from the main menu.

  2. Choose "Edit Public Profile Settings" from the top, right side of the screen.

  3. Choose "Full View."

• Optimize your URL for the search engines. To do this:

  1. Select tab “Edit my profile.”

  2. Choose “Customize your URL.”

  3. Enter your first and last name with no spaces.

  4. Choose “Set address.”

How to get the most out of LinkedIn

• Get more connections through mutual acquaintances.

• Make recommendations for other people.

• Use LinkedIn as a launch point for further social interaction. Meet through LinkedIn, and then further your relationship in person.

• Check the group updates from your home page, and add comments.

• Market articles that you have written. Go to "Edit my Profile." Look for the form "What are you working on?" Post a link to your article.

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