"But I Already Have a Website" and Other Common Denials

An often-heard phrase is that Internet marketing is not really necessary “because I already have a website.”  The implication is that no internet marketing is needed because “anyone can access my firm’s website” by typing in the website’s URL (such as www.bestlawfirmever.com).  

This belief merits two comments.  First, having a website is the same as having a telephone number.  By having a telephone number, anyone can call your office so long as they already know your number.  But if your firm isn’t listed in a phone directory, it’s highly unlikely prospective clients will be dialing your number (or finding your website) at random. Only by being found in search results can new clients find your firm’s website.

Second, as explained in Google – The One Page Yellow Pages, your firm may not show up on the first page of the search results for all of the thousands of different combinations of search terms used.  If your firm isn’t listed on the first page, it’s unlikely that the person searching will ever see your firm’s website (in which case your firm won’t even be considered by the prospective client). 

Today, there are billions of web pages and thousands of law firms that have websites.  Many legal websites have similar names (the search term “Johnson law firm” resulted in over 14 million pages on Google).  Even local search terms, such as “Phoenix estate attorney”, results in over 7.5 million web pages. 

Being on the first page is important.  It’s the difference between prospective clients calling your firm and never being considered. 

With respect to Internet marketing, there are two important points to consider:

 1.The need for internet marketing is here today.  As with computers, fax machines, and other technology, the use of and need for Internet marketing will increase.

 2.The key to effective internet marketing is not just having a website, but implementing and managing an ongoing marketing campaign to drive prospective clients to your website.

 EI Ten Word Learning:  Just having a website isn't enough, you must market it.