Starting your very own solo firm is an exciting endeavor. Whether you’ve just gotten out of law school, or you’ve been working for years and have decided to make the switch to work on your own, either way, you’re going to need clients.

However, there is no shortage of lawyers in the United States. With a reported 1.3 million practicing lawyers in 2020, people looking for legal services have plenty of options to choose from.

So, how do you get your business to stand out and encourage people to choose you as their lawyer? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here are tips for finding clients and creating a thriving solo law firm.

First Impressions Count

Remember when your mom told you as a child that “first impressions are everything?”  That rule hasn’t changed, and certainly not when it comes to finding and retaining legal clients! It’s important that you make a positive first impression on your clients if you hope to impress them and encourage them to refer you to their friends and family.

Making a great first impression often comes down to a few simple things. For one, it’s important that your law office is presentable.  You should have a nice sitting area with high-quality furniture, magazines, and of course, wall art. The place should be tidy and well organized, without clutter.

Your personal appearance should be on its top game as well. You should be well-groomed and look the part of a lawyer. People have certain expectations when it comes to what their lawyer should look like, so looking disheveled or unprofessional could affect someone hiring you.

Build a Strong Online Presence

Nowadays, an online presence is a must if you hope to stand out. With over 64% of the worldwide population using the internet every day, it’s safe to say that it’s no longer an option to create a website for your business or not.

A strong online presence is what sets apart big dogs from the little ones. Think of it this way, when someone searches for terms on Google such as “lawyer in Minneapolis,” 85% of the time they’re going to choose one of the first three options displayed to click on.

So, if your website doesn’t show up, just think of how many potential clients you’re missing out on!

Besides a strong website and SEO strategy, you also want to make sure that you have a presence on social media profiles like LinkedIn on Facebook. Having plenty of followers and interaction in places like these will increase your credibility as a business and is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise.

From sharing personal legal tips, to posting client testimonials, there are all sorts of ways to showcase why you’re the right choice.

Networking

Networking is a must in the legal world. Not only should you be networking online, but also teaming up with other people in the legal field or related industries. Referrals are your best friend when it comes to finding clients.

For example, if you’re a personal injury lawyer, you could refer your clients to a local auto body shop, if they have car repairs to do, and in return, the auto body shop could send you their customers who are looking for a lawyer too. Creative networking can make a world of difference when it comes to getting clients. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!