We posted an article a few months ago about recession marketing, which can be found here <http://www.primelegal.biz/index.php/Blogs/2/67/law-firm-marketing-in-a-recession>.
We are not the only ones writing about the subject. I have collected several links on the topic in the past few weeks and month. In fact there is so much information out there it can be a little confusing to figure out what to do.
Some experts claim that consumers are ready to laugh about the recession. I guess this might be true, but I have yet to meet anyone ready to laugh about the current problems with the economy. The threat of loosing your job and your home are not amusing.
Rather than joking about the economy, you should be comforting your potential clients. If your firm has made it through tough times before, make sure your clients know you have been through this before and you will be there for them no matter what. Reassure your customers and then reassure them again.
Other experts claim that now it the time to go all in with advertising. They claim that while your competitors are cutting their marketing budgets you can grab a bigger market share. This should really be taken on a case-by-case basis.
It is more important to use proven methods that work for your firm. If your online presence is strong and brings in clients don’t let it falter by leaving it untended. To keep a website successful it needs constant development.
You should also use this opportunity to communicate with former clients. In a recession people tend to stay close to home. They rely of friends and family for advice. If they need legal service they will ask them for a recommendation. Make sure your name is on the tip of their tongue. Use email newsletters to communicate advice to former clients who may be having a tough time financially. Give them something useful, don’t just throw them your pitch. Articles about how to deal with foreclosure, debt collectors and bankruptcy may be of great use to your former clients. If they read your newsletter they will remember your firm.
The bottom line is, you should not just cut your whole marketing budget, but you should focus on what works and refine the rest. Now is the time to market smart.
