- Frank Skinner Presenter of New BBC Series Room 101
More people may know Room 101, from the TV series than from its origins in George Orwell’s 1984
In the new BBC series, Frank Skinner invites contestants to nominate pet hates and annoyances. The winner or rather loser is then consigned to the fictional black hole of Room 101.
Thus far, no law firm blogs have had to endure the ignominy of selection.
The Perennial Law Firm Blog Question:
I am invariably asked by other solicitors thinking of starting a law firm blog, how they can ensure their blogs avoid being boring and uninteresting: or as I would put it turgid and bombastic.
To put it another way how do you avoid your law firm blog being sent to Room 101.
Here are 4 basic tips to avoid such a fate.
1. Focus on the Title To Your Law Firm Blog:
You will know from previous blog posts that Ed and I consider that content is king.
What you may not fully grasp is that a catchy and interesting title can make the diference between engagement or being overlooked.
After all first impressions and all that.
Time is tight and attention must be instantaneous.
My rule of thumb is to spend at least 35% of the time in writing a blog thinking about the title.
2. Use Active Verbs rather than Passive Verbs:
Emphasise a good reason to read your law firm blog rather than avoid it.
Such an example would be #1 Biggest Mistake Made by Blogging Solicitors: or How to Win Law Firm Clients through Blogging
3. How Sexy is Your Blog Title
I said sexy, I meant interesting or better still intriguing. You get the point.
4. A Picture Paints a Thousand Words
By using a photo or image you are already painting a picture for your readers. It is much more likely to persuade a reader to continue than the title alone.
I use a company called www.istock.com for most of my photo and image resources.
Keep Calm and Carry on Blogging
Whatever you do, give yourself time to develop your own blogging style.
Blogging success is not overnight, takes time effort and a commitment to succeed.
If I ask myself whether my blogging content and style have improved since I started in 2008 on my law firm Clutton Cox website and now with Solicitors Marketing Success, I would say undoubtedly they have. And I am still endeavouring to improve.
What Kind of Law Firm Are You?
Some solicitors and law firms will go it alone and create a successful blog under their own steam.
Other law firms will engage consultants or mentors to help them make the most of their law firm brand and marketing strategy. Some of you have already noted your interest in our “Blogging School For Lawyers” course for example.
Some solicitors and law firms would prefer a “done for us” option to ensure they do not lose out on the new opportunities internet marketing offers.
Ed and I can greatly assist you in this option and avoid your law firm blog ever falling into Room 101.
"You need to have the tools and the knowledge to equip your firm for the challenges ahead with ABS. Internet Marketing is an area where law firms can compete on a level playing field and punch above their weight.
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