How will next generation (millennial) clients buy legal services?

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As digital natives, the millennial generation is coming into its own. As the first generation to grow up in the digital world, their behavior and desires are different than past generations. With the Internet available 24/7 and being seconds away from reading hundreds of expert opinions, millennials are responding differently to purchasing legal services. These differences will present a very real challenge for law firms. Traditional marketing will not work to attract the attention and dollars of today’s millennials. Digital natives (millennials) bypass the typical literature, flyers, ads and sponsorships. Instead, they’re using the tools they grew up with to find the answers they need, right now.

How can your law firm effectively market to millennial clients of legal services? By understanding that millennials are digital natives, learning what they like, and how they communicate.

Strengthen Your Online Presence

While 70% of typical legal clients contact an attorney when they’re faced with a legal issue, less than half of millennials do. When millennials need legal help, they become Perry Mason (even though they don’t know who he is) and do their research. They whip out their IPhones, check Yelp, read reviews, and assess the different options available to them. Listen to this, over 63% of millennial consumers use the Internet to find an attorney. Millennials gravitate toward DIY solutions because of the power of the Internet.  They are willing to scroll and scroll until they find what they need—and the Internet provides the ease and efficiency to do so from the comfort of their own home.  Remember, “Digital Natives”.

Be Active On Social Media

Does your firm use Facebook, Instragram, and Twitter to promote and market your legal services? If not, you’re missing out. In order to stay relevant with millennials and Gen Z (Digital Natives), your company must be where they are spending time: social media. When needing legal counseling or advice, 37% of millennials used Facebook in their search. Millennials are digital ninjas with social media.

Because they grew up with social media and know how to use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook like the back of their hand, millennials are more comfortable with using apps to find what they need. By creating eye-catching visuals, interesting blog posts, and fun videos, millennials will be more likely to engage with your service. They trust companies that speak in their language (aka tweeting, Instagram posts, YouTube videos, etc.)

Millennials spend over 3 hours per day on social media.[1] Posting just once a week won’t cut it if your company wants to stay relevant to millennials. Make an effort to consistently post and also engage with millennials. Social media is a two way street. Invite millennials to tweet back with their opinion, post their questions on Facebook, and get involved. This engagement shows that you care, and will set you apart as a company that cares, which is really, really important to millennials or digital natives.

Millennials value authenticity almost as their number one value. And the right kind of social media is a way for your company to bridge the gap, let them get to know you better, and for them to understand you want to help them. Use social media and show you’re not some faceless company, but real people, with real personalities, with real services and solutions.

Provide Value and Data Through Blogging

While less than 20% of legal customers consider blogs important, over 40% of millennials consider blogs to be a key factor in choosing an attorney. Blogs are a vehicle to express personalized and unique messages. Your company blog should reflect your voice, values, and unique solutions in a way that resonates with millennials. With a blog, you can better communicate with millennials without being pushy. Millennials can read through sale pitches and get an authentic read on your voice before they lean in. However, an interesting blog post that is engaging and provides helpful solutions is much more likely to build their trust.  Remember; again, make your story and value resonate to your audience the way they want to receive it. 

They Use Others’ Opinions to Make Buying Decisions

Millennials are tough sells. When considering an attorney, millennials consider reviews to be twice as important compared to average customers. What started with reviews of the best Mexican food on Yelp and the most durable video cameras on Amazon has now turned to almost every industry online. Millennials trust online reviews in legal services as well because, well, digital natives value authenticity. They see reviews as an honest, no BS assessment of legal services because (in most cases) reviews are unfiltered, unbiased, an independent of a company’s influence. And they’re more willing to trust a strangers’ experience using a product or service instead of first trying it out for themselves. They also can tell who is just plain bitter and a “crazy” so they can make a determination of credibility.

May we be as bold to suggest that reaching out to past clients and politely asking if they’d be willing to leave an online review is a calculated strategy that will pay off. Be personal in your request, so they feel it’s genuine and not some email blast. Suggest what you would like them to write in your review. What part of the experience would a potential millennial buyer be looking for answers in? Ask them to write about that. Be transparent and let them know you value their feedback, and that it will really help.

Legal services will always be needed. However, the way they’re being used and marketed is changing. Pay attention to how digital natives communicate. Think about what they want: authenticity, social proof (online reviews), transparency, and helpful solutions presented in a way they understand. When you understand what digital natives want, you can market your service so it appeals to them.

Looking to bridge the generational divide in the workplace and engage your millennials? Check out the recent launchbox article “4 Ways to Coach Millennials to Drive Results and Engagement.”

 

All facts in this article were pulled from the 2017 FindLaw Report titled Reaching the New Generation

 

 

 

[1] http://www.tnsglobal.com/us/press-release/tns-millenials_study_111915

In the Age of Social Media, Real Connection Has Not Changed

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This is a guest post by Matt Cohen, Associate Marketing Manager at ResMed and President of the Cal Poly Alumni San Diego Chapter. Learn more about Matt by connecting with him on LinkedIn here linkedin.com/in/mattsbcohen

 

From time to time, I like to ask myself the following question to check in on the way I’m living. The question is, “If everyone in the world were exactly like you, what would be better and what would be worse?” I could write an entire other article on what would be worse, as any honestly introspective person probably could, but I’d like to focus on one thing I do well for this article: connecting.

In the age of social media, we are more connected than ever. LinkedIn is a great example of this. Never in history has one’s entire professional network, as well as everyone your network knows, been one click away. The value of this unprecedented connection and access to one another is indisputable, evidenced by my ability to have this article read by people all over the world, but so too is the downside. We have become addicted to likes, shares, and comments because we feel it provides validation for who we are as people. In fact, research has shown that getting this perceived social validation online results in a similar release of dopamine to that of a positive in-person interaction. However, to put it simply, this is our mind playing tricks on us.

That’s right- I’m a millennial and I am saying that there is no substitution for face-to-face interaction. I know that may be hard to believe for those of you from previous generations, but I suspect that more of my generation feels that way than you may think. We are hardwired as humans, regardless of age, to crave social interaction and we know deep down that there is no substitute for the connections we make while in the same room. Just think of how much easier it is to develop trust in someone with whom you can shake hands or share a meal. Then consider that trust is the currency of opportunity and, without it, it is nearly impossible to develop the meaningful relationships we rely on to accomplish our goals in life.

I know firsthand how easy it is to fall back on online relationships. Even as a self-proclaimed extrovert and adept connector, there have been times when I have not known what to say to someone I see across the room and settle for the less stressful path of messaging them afterward behind the safety of my screen. Unless that message ultimately results in a meeting, though, I regret it. There’s no way our online conversation will carry the same quality it could have if I just mustered the courage to say hello.

So, what do we do with all of this in mind? You should certainly not do away with your social media accounts. Embrace the potential that exists in instant global communication, both personally and professionally. You should also keep in mind, however, that it should not be used as a substitute, but rather as a complement to physical interaction. I live across the country from my family and have for several years, so I am acutely aware that you can’t always arrange a coffee meeting, even with those you love. Next time you want to engage a local friend, co-worker, professional connection, or someone you may see across the room, I would challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. Genuine connection comes from genuine conversation. Look them in the eye, learn their name, shake their hand, and listen to what they say. Feeling advanced? Try listening to the other person without thinking about your reply. I know it’s not always easy, but you will get better the more you force yourself to do it and it will pay huge dividends.

“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” – Charlie Jones

Author Charlie Jones said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Unfortunately, neither of these staples of personal growth and development happen like they used to, but that can change. Self-control is the only control we really have, so that change has to start with you. It won’t be as easy as posting a status, but I promise you it will be infinitely more fulfilling.

Blog post originally posted here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/age-social-media-real-connection-has-changed-matt-cohen-mba

Matt Cohen Guest blogs for launchboxMatt Cohen, MBA | LinkedIn
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Dan Talks with Lawpreneur Radio

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Listen to launchbox’s founder, Dan Negroni’s interview with Lawpreneur radio.

A few highlights from the podcast:

Fail fast to succeed faster

– Dan thinks that failure is always good because we can learn from it.
– Listen as Dan shares that his biggest failures came from not listening to his gut rather listening to the people and experience that he has attracted.

Tell us something good

– Dan tells us that he experiences success everyday at Launchbox. He receives text messages daily from clients sharing their successes with him.
– Dan says that his greatest success are his marriage and his kids.

How do you support a Lawpreneur?

The name Launchbox comes from its two parts:
– Launch – to spark, to ignite, to jump or take action
– Box – the toolbox that you create from your experiences and your network

Launchbox is all about bridging the gap between the generations:
– They teach millenials real world skills that they can use to succeed professionally and personally
– They teach older managers how to work with and relate to millenials to lead both groups to success.