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Lights, Camera, Action: How to get started with Video Marketing!

Lights, Camera, Action: How to get started with Video Marketing!

Video marketing has become a crucial part of brand communication strategies in today’s world. With the increasing popularity of live streaming, interactive 360 videos, augmented reality, and more, traditional written content and images are no longer enough to engage consumers. Video establishes that ‘connection’ with the viewer — and with good post-production — it’s also easier to comprehend even the complex matters when explained through infographics within the video. It’s also easier to establish the ‘expertise’ of a lawyer through videos — therefore it naturally makes the lawyer a ‘go-to-person’ for clients. Brands across the board are realizing the value of video in reaching their audience, and if you haven’t started investing in video marketing yet, you’re behind the curve. However, creating engaging branded video content is not as complicated as it may seem. According to a recent study by Wyzowl, 91% of consumers want to see more online video content from brands, and a report by Crisp suggests that about 90% of clients say videos play a significant role in their decision-making process.

For law firms, videos can effectively explain complicated legal concepts to potential clients, making them an essential tool for attracting new business. Cisco reports that by 2022, 82% of global internet traffic will come from either video streaming or video downloads. With videos being shared on platforms like YouTube and social media, it’s easy to start racking up views
throughout the day.

The global average for video consumption is 84 minutes per day, making it clear that video marketing is a highly effective way to engage with your audience. With the right approach and tools, creating high-quality branded video content can help your brand stand out from the crowd and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

Creating a video marketing strategy

Creating a video marketing strategy is essential to achieving success with your video content. Without proper research and planning, you risk wasting time and resources on ineffective videos that don’t achieve your goals.

Think of your video marketing strategy as a roadmap that guides you through the entire video creation process. It helps you determine your budget, timelines, production processes, conversion metrics, and more. By creating a solid strategy, you can ensure that your videos are effective, engaging, and aligned with your overall marketing objectives.

So, before you jump into creating your video content, take the time to research and strategize. Define your target audience, goals, messaging, and distribution channels. Determine what types of videos will be most effective for your audience and what resources you’ll need to create them. Once you have a clear understanding of these elements, you can create a comprehensive
video marketing strategy that will guide you every step of the way.

Remember, a well-crafted video marketing strategy is the foundation of your video content.
1. Determine Your Audience and Goals: As with any marketing strategy, you need to
determine your target audience and goals. Who are you trying to reach, and what message do you want to convey? Having a clear understanding of your audience and goals will help guide your content creation and distribution strategy.

2. Choose Your Type of Video: There are various types of video content you can create, such as product demos, explainer videos, customer testimonials, and brand storytelling. Choose the type of video that best aligns with your goals and audience.

3. Script and Storyboard Your Video: Once you’ve chosen your type of video, you need to script and storyboard your video. A good script will help you communicate your message effectively, while storyboarding helps you plan out the visuals and ensure the video flows smoothly.

4. Invest in Equipment and Production: To create professional-looking video content, you need to invest in high-quality equipment and production. This includes a good camera, lighting, sound, and editing software. If you don’t have the budget to invest in equipment, consider hiring a professional video production company.

5. Optimize for SEO and Distribution: To ensure your video reaches your target audience, you need to optimize it for SEO and distribution. Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Also, share your video on social media, embed it on your website, and consider paid advertising to increase visibility.

Don’t Miss Out on the Power of Video Marketing!

In today’s digital age, the demand for engaging and visually appealing content has skyrocketed. Video marketing has emerged as a powerful tool that brands can use to connect with their audience in a more personalized and impactful way. With consumers increasingly turning to video as their preferred form of content consumption, it’s no longer a question of if you should invest in video marketing, but when.

By incorporating video marketing into your overall strategy, you can increase brand awareness, engage your audience, and ultimately drive conversions. The longer you wait to take advantage of this powerful marketing tool, the more opportunities you’re missing out on and the more customers you could potentially lose.

So, don’t hesitate any longer. Start exploring the endless possibilities of video marketing and unlock the full potential of your brand!

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Quick marketing tips for Lawyers

Quick marketing tips for Lawyers

Marketing for lawyers is an essential part of any lawyers business. A good lawyer will always have an effective marketing strategy in place to help draw in potential clients and to keep existing clients coming back. One of the most important aspects of marketing for lawyers is to establish a strong online presence. This can be done through creating a website that clearly outlines the services and areas of expertise the lawyer has to offer, as well as providing helpful information to potential clients. Additionally, it is important to create a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter in order to reach out to potential clients and to keep current clients updated on any changes or developments in the field of law.

Another important aspect of marketing for lawyers is to create content that is useful and relevant to potential clients. This can be done through blogging and creating informational videos or podcasts. These can be used to educate potential clients on different areas of law or to provide updates on new changes and developments in the field. Finally, it is important for lawyers to create relationships with other professionals in their field. This can be done through attending conferences and workshops, joining professional associations, and networking with other lawyers and legal professionals. These relationships can help a lawyer to gain referrals and recommendations from other legal professionals, as well as to stay up to date on the latest developments in their field.

Some tips for marketing for lawyers are as follows –

1. Establish a strong online presence: Create a website that outlines your services and areas of expertise, and create social media accounts to connect with potential clients.
2. Create content: Create blog posts and videos or podcasts to provide helpful information to potential clients.
3. Engage in networking: Attend conferences and workshops, join professional associations, and network with other lawyers and legal professionals.
4. Focus on client relationships: Focus on creating relationships with current and potential clients by providing helpful information and being responsive to their inquiries.
5. Be active on social media: Post on a regular basis and engage with your followers to build relationships and increase brand awareness.  Contact us for more information

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Public Perception of Lawyers and the Legal System

Public Perception of lawyers

Public perception is the collective view of individuals within a society, which is formed through various media, conversations and experiences. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, including personal values, culture, and shared experiences.
Public perception shapes our attitudes and beliefs about the world around us, and can have a powerful impact on our lives. Public perception can shape the way people act around us, as well as how we perceive ourselves. For example, a person may have a certain opinion of someone based on their clothing, or the way they talk. This can lead to both positive and negative interactions with that person.
Similarly, a person’s perception of themselves can be influenced by public opinion. For example, if the public has a negative view of a certain group of people, this can lead to feelings of inferiority or a lack of self-confidence. Public perception can also affect the way we make decisions. For example, if the public has a negative view of a certain product or service, people may be less likely to purchase it. Similarly, if the public has a positive view of a certain product or service, people may be more likely to purchase it. Overall, public perception has a powerful impact on our lives. It can shape the way we think about ourselves, the way we interact with others, and the
decisions we make. Therefore, it is important to be aware of public perception and strive to form our own opinions about the world around us. Some tips on how to improve your public perception –
1. Build and maintain a strong online presence – Make sure your website and social media accounts are up to date and actively engaging with your customers and potential customers.
2. Focus on customer service – Make sure that you are providing excellent customer service to all of your customers, both online and in person.
3. Invest in quality marketing – Invest in quality marketing campaigns to ensure that your message is heard and understood by the public.
4. Stay consistent – Consistency is key when it comes to developing a strong brand perception. Make sure your brand message and values are consistent across all platforms and interactions.
5. Monitor what is being said – Monitor what is being said about your brand on social media, online reviews, and other public forums. Respond to negative feedback quickly and positively.
6. Take advantage of influencers – Use influencers to help spread your message and build apositive public perception of your brand.
7. Create a positive atmosphere – Create a positive atmosphere for customers, employees,and the public to ensure that they have a positive experience when interacting with your brand.

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What is dispute resolution?

Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution refers to the process of resolving conflicts or disputes between parties in a peaceful and constructive manner. It provides a structured approach to address disagreements and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Disputes can arise in various contexts, including business, legal, interpersonal, or community matters. Effective dispute resolution techniques aim to promote fairness, facilitate communication, and prevent further escalation of conflicts. In this article, we will explore the different methods of dispute resolutions, their benefits, and their application in various scenarios.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Understanding Dispute Resolution
  2. The Importance of Dispute Resolution
  3. Methods of Dispute Resolution
    • 3.1 Mediation
    • 3.2 Arbitration
    • 3.3 Negotiation
    • 3.4 Litigation
  4. Benefits of Dispute Resolution
  5. Applications of Dispute Resolution
    • 5.1 Business and Commercial Disputes
    • 5.2 Family and Divorce Matters
    • 5.3 Employment Disputes
    • 5.4 Community and Neighborhood Disputes
  6. Choosing the Right Dispute Resolution Method
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Introduction: Understanding Dispute Resolution

Disagreements and conflicts are an inevitable part of human interactions. Dispute resolutions provides a structured approach to address these conflicts and find a mutually agreeable solution. It involves the intervention of a neutral third party who facilitates the resolution process.

2. The Importance of Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony and promoting peaceful coexistence. It offers an alternative to prolonged legal battles and fosters a collaborative approach to conflict resolution. By providing a platform for open communication and negotiation, it helps parties find common ground and preserve relationships.

3. Methods of Dispute Resolution

3.1 Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator facilitates communication, identifies underlying interests, and helps generate creative solutions. Mediation encourages active participation and empowers the parties to make informed decisions.

3.2 Arbitration

Arbitration involves the appointment of a neutral arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators who act as private judges. The arbitrator reviews the evidence, listens to arguments, and makes a binding decision. Arbitration offers a more formalized process than mediation but is still less adversarial and time-consuming than litigation.

3.3 Negotiation

Negotiation is a direct and informal method of dispute resolutions where the parties involved engage in discussions to resolve their differences. It allows for flexibility and encourages the parties to find a mutually beneficial solution through compromise and give-and-take. Negotiation can occur with or without the assistance of a third party.

3.4 Litigation

Litigation involves resolving disputes through the court system. It is a formal and adversarial process where parties present their case before a judge or jury, who then make a binding decision. Litigation tends to be more time-consuming, costly, and less private compared to other methods of dispute resolution.

4. Benefits of Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution offers several benefits over traditional litigation. It promotes a collaborative approach, preserves relationships, and allows parties to maintain control over the outcome. Other benefits include cost-effectiveness, confidentiality, flexibility, and faster resolution compared to lengthy court proceedings.

5. Applications of Dispute Resolution

5.1 Business and Commercial Disputes

In the business world, disputes can arise between partners, shareholders, employees, or with clients and suppliers. Dispute resolutions methods such as mediation and arbitration are commonly employed to resolve contract disputes, disagreements over business strategies, or conflicts arising from mergers and acquisitions. By using these alternative methods, businesses can minimize disruptions, maintain confidentiality, and avoid the costs associated with litigation.

5.2 Family and Divorce Matters

Disputes within families, especially during divorce or separation, can be emotionally charged and complex. Dispute resolutions methods like mediation and collaborative law provide a platform for spouses or family members to discuss and negotiate issues such as child custody, division of assets, and financial support. These methods prioritize the well-being of all parties involved, particularly children, and aim to foster cooperative decision-making.

5.3 Employment Disputes

Workplace conflicts can be detrimental to both employees and organizations. Dispute resolutions techniques are utilized to address issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or disputes over contracts and benefits. Mediation and arbitration offer a confidential and efficient means of resolving employment disputes while preserving professional relationships and avoiding public litigation.

5.4 Community and Neighborhood Disputes

Disagreements can arise within communities or neighborhoods regarding noise, property boundaries, shared resources, or other matters. Community mediation and facilitated dialogue processes enable residents to voice their concerns, find common ground, and develop solutions that benefit the community as a whole. These methods promote understanding, cooperation, and a sense of collective responsibility.

6. Choosing the Right Dispute Resolution Method

Selecting the most appropriate dispute resolutions method depends on various factors, including the nature of the dispute, the level of conflict, the desired outcome, and the preferences of the involved parties. It is essential to consider the advantages and limitations of each method, seek professional advice if needed, and assess which approach aligns best with the specific circumstances. In some cases, a combination of methods may be utilized to achieve an optimal resolution.

7. Conclusion

Dispute resolution provides a valuable alternative to traditional litigation, allowing parties to resolve conflicts in a more efficient, collaborative, and cost-effective manner. Whether it’s in business, family, employment, or community settings, the use of mediation, arbitration, negotiation, or other methods empowers individuals and organizations to find mutually acceptable solutions, preserve relationships, and promote harmony. By embracing dispute-resolution practices, we can foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and constructive problem-solving.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What is the role of a mediator in dispute resolution? A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates communication, assists in generating options, and guides the disputing parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
  2. Is the decision reached through arbitration legally binding? Yes, the decision reached through arbitration is generally legally binding and enforceable, similar to a court judgment.
  3. Can dispute resolution methods be used in international conflicts? Yes, dispute resolutions methods can be employed in international conflicts, providing a structured and diplomatic approach to resolve disputes between nations or organizations across borders.
  4. Is dispute resolution always successful in resolving conflicts? While dispute resolutions methods have a high success rate, the outcome depends on the parties’ willingness to engage in the process and find common ground. In some cases, further legal action may be necessary.
  5. How long does dispute resolution typically take? The duration of dispute resolutions varies depending on the complexity of the dispute, the chosen method, and the willingness of the parties to cooperate. It can range from a few weeks to several months
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Law firm business development and marketing know-how ?

Law firm business development and marketing

Law firm business development is a crucial factor to the success of any law firm. To remain competitive in a crowded legal marketplace, law firms must continually strive to improve their business development capabilities. This requires a strategic focus on developing and nurturing relationships with clients and key referral sources, leveraging technology to create efficiencies and expanding services to meet client needs. Law firm business development
encompasses both proactive and reactive activities. Proactive activities involve the development of a marketing strategy and plan, which includes
the identification of target markets, the creation of a unique value proposition, and the development of a brand that resonates with current and prospective clients. Reactive activities involve responding to inquiries from current and prospective clients, participating in networking events, and attending industry conferences. Technology is a key component of successful law firm business development. Utilizing web-based tools and applications can help firms create efficiencies, increase visibility, and drive traffic to their websites. Utilizing social media platforms can help firms reach potential clients and referral sources that they may not have had access to otherwise. Ultimately, the success of a law firms business development initiatives depends
on its ability to create a client-centric experience. This means that attorneys must understand the needs of their clients and be able to provide Some tips for law firm business development –
1. Develop and nurture relationships with clients and referral sources: Establishing and maintaining relationships with current and potential clients and referral sources is essential to the success of any law firm.
2. Leverage technology to create efficiencies: Utilize web-based tools and applications to streamline processes, increase visibility, and drive traffic to your website.
3. Expand services to meet client needs: Make sure that your services meet the needs of your clients.
4. Participate in networking events: Participate in industry events and conferences to meet potential clients and referral sources.
5. Create a client-centric experience: Provide a client-centric experience by understanding their needs and providing quality services and excellent customer service. Visit us

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How to create your law firm’s effective online presence?

How to create your law firm’s effective online presence

With the evolution of digital and social media, the definition of online presence is also evolving. Mere online existence doesn’t equate to having an effective online presence.

Whether your firm is an emerging one or have been around for some time, digital media democratize the way you establish your thought leadership in your area of expertise.

Here’s what you can do to create a strong presence of your law firm online:

  1. Build a modern and attractive website for your law firm: Having a website, builds credibility and provides comfort to your clients that you are running a real business. Hire a website developer and get prepared a SEO sound website for your law firm.
  2. Write targeted Blogs with adequate keywords: One of the best techniques to rank well on the internet is writing and publishing SEO-friendly blogs. Use both long-tail and short-tail keywords while blogging for better results.
  3. Study what your competitors are doing on the Internet: To be successful in your practice, you must pay attention to what your competitors are doing and learn from it. Social and digital media analysis is a great way of understanding what is the drift of your competition. This can be a good input for your own strategy.
  4. Know Your Target Audience: The beauty of digital marketing is the ability to interact with prospects. To gain insights, you can start a conversation or run a survey on social media or through a blog. You can learn about what people are looking for by interacting with them online and using this data to provide solutions through your services. Using digital marketing removes the guesswork from determining who your clients are, allowing you to personalize communications and refine targeting. You will develop a relationship with your client as a result of this.
  5. Become active on social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. for showcasing your presence. Post actively and interact with your audience for converting them into your clients.
  6. Utilise both free and paid social media posts: There are various schools of thought regarding the use of social media to market a business. Some people believe that organic social media posts produce the best results, while others believe that paid ads on the platform are the best way to gain exposure. Therefore, a mix of both can be quite helpful for your law firm.

Digital marketing is a must-have tool for any new law firm in the industry looking to expand its brand awareness. A thriving economy requires business growth and sustainability. When a business is healthy and profitable, the community also benefits and prospers.

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Steps to follow while designing a Social Media strategy for your law firm

Social Media Strategy for your law firm

In this digital era, having a solid social media presence has become an integral part of the growth of any business. Today, many law firms are struggling to implement an effective, data-driven social media strategy to enhance audience engagement. This is a huge missed opportunity for law firms as an effective social media presence has the potential of attracting new clients and building a good reputation in the market.  

Below are some steps you can follow while designing a social media strategy for your law firm:  

  1. START WITH KNOWING WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT YOU:
    Before making a solid marketing strategy you need to know what people are saying about you. Once you know the position you hold in the market, only then can you set the right targets for your law firm. Check Google, Facebook, and Twitter to see whether people are mentioning your law firm or not. The results that you find will help you in setting your targets. 
  2. SET TARGETS:
    Setting goals not only gives you a vision of what you want but also motivates you to achieve the set targets. Be modest with yourself and set some realistic goals. As you move forward you can surely push your capabilities and tell yourself to achieve more. One person cannot set the goals for an entire law firm, therefore, involve the most skillful people you have to set your law firm’s goals.
  3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLATFORMS:
    Choosing the right platform for your business is as important as making the right marketing strategy. Initially start with only one or two platforms and slowly and gradually jump to the other ones. Hire people who have expertise in social media handling, who know about the latest trends, and what to post and what not to. Help these people in providing them all the content they require whether your video, audio, articles, etc. For a law firm, starting with LinkedIn as a platform for socialising is the best option for building connections and attracting new leads.
  4. PLAN YOUR CONTENT:
    This is the most crucial stage as most people prefer not to talk about ongoing issues. Sitting on the fence will not take you anywhere, it’s better to have an opinion and speak about it than being silent. Plan what you will say in public, don’t talk in a boring manner. Example: As a lawyer, you can talk about the recent developments associated with your practice area. Share our insights with media, generate as much content as possible, in any form either video, comments, articles, tweets, etc. but it is important to show your presence. 
  5. INVOLVE PEOPLE OF YOUR LAW FIRM AND CHECK INSIGHTS:
    Involve everybody in your law firm and make the law firm’s social media, everybody’s business. Encourage everybody to re-tweet and repost, this will surely take your numbers up. Check your insights regularly and figure out which content is bringing maximum engagement. Post that content more frequently, this will increase your page engagement.   

An effective social media strategy is a great push for all the inbound marketing efforts that a company puts in. So, get started on building a social media strategy for your law firm now, but don’t forget to follow these steps! 

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Five Reasons why Law Firms must use the Power of Social Media

Five reasons why law firms must use the power of social media

In this digital era, the power of social media cannot be overlooked as it not only provides you with a platform to showcase your identity but also gives you an exposure to engage with a wider audience at the same time. The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted all the industries significantly but it has surely altered the way people live by accelerating the usage of technologies which has brought the future far more sooner.  Social media for law firms and lawyers is not a new concept anymore because the legal industry has welcomed digitalisation in the lockdown with open hands.  

“According to the UNDP, India has the second-highest number of social media users in the world”. So, what’s stopping you from being on social media and market your law firm? If you are still not convinced, let me guide you with the benefits of social media presence for law firms. 

Here are the reasons, why you need to have a solid social media presence for your law firm in 2021:   

  1. BUILD CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND ENGAGE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE: As a lawyer, you not only work on winning a case but also on building a solid relationship with your clients. Social media is a platform where you can connect with your target audience by putting out content. Following the latest trends and posting them accordingly surely catches their eye. This tactic enhances your engagement, builds your connections, and makes your brand recognized which attracts new clients to your firm. 
  2. B2B NETWORKING: Most of the law firms claim that new client comes through referral. Social media gives you a chance to connect with people with whom you have lost contact, maybe your fellow alumina. In this way, you can engage with them via social media and promote each other’s work to your social audience. This is another way of attracting potential clients.  
  3. ENHANCES WEBSITE VISITORS: The people who follow you on social media gets all the latest updates about your firm through social media posts. You can also share the links of your blogs on these social networking sites and bring more audience to your website. Look for new content ideas for lawyers, update your blogs weekly and share the link with your social media audience for enhancing the chances of an amazing response.  
  4. INCREASED SEARCH ENGINE RANKINGS: Social media websites like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc, hold enormous value. For lawyers and law firms, it makes it easier for your clients to find you and the best way of doing it is by enhancing your search rankings. Share links of your blogs, vlogs, and other website links on social media. Make sure that your web content and your social media is on the same page. 
  5. KNOW INSTANTLY, WHAT PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT YOU: A law firm can get to know about its actual position by getting instant feedback on social media. With social media, you can talk with people and can get to know what they actually feel about you and your law firm.  

Becoming smarter in this smart era is the key to gain advantage over your competitors. It is important for you to build a strong image of your law firm in the eyes of the audience. Creating content and being updated is one aspect but posting regularly and engaging your audience is the way to make your mark! Digital marketing for lawyers can be a strategic move to turn the tables to your side.  

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Tactics and practical approaches to using social media for law firms

Tactics and practical approaches to using social media for law firms

Enough has been said about the indispensability of using social media for campaign creation. But how often do law firms use social media effectively to optimise their reach? We take a step forward in this direction and answer some questions on the tactical use of social media. With a variety of platforms available to us, it becomes imperative to figure out which ones to use and how to use them.

Sites to look at

LinkedIn is arguably the most bankable and professional platform for branding, connecting, and visibility. To connect, try writing to people as often as you can. The audience may follow links posted here all the way to the website and end up booking appointments. However one must be wary of the algorithm which discourages offsite content and rewards onsite content with more visibility. Also, one’s impression count is much better if the audience comments on the post rather than just liking it.

Twitter is another useful platform to rebrand but discretion is recommended as it tends to be an explosive platform. Use it judiciously and skip the controversial issues. You can (and must) put up information relevant for your clients, say, in the form of blogs etc.

YouTube has gained unprecedented impetus during the pandemic. Since the consumption of video content has gone up in recent years, it has proved an excellent platform for increasing visibility of the content manifold.

Facebook is a non-formal and fun platform. For lawyers, it is best suited for the promotion of CSR-related activities. It is perfect for projecting the humane side of the company. Family and divorce lawyers could exploit this feature to connect to potential clients on Facebook.

WordPress, though not a conventional social media platform, holds significance for lawyers. Blogging is intrinsic to amplify your online presence. Lawyers’ blogs should become a go-to source for information for clients and prospective clients. This blog content can then be integrated with other platforms.

Type of content

Be very careful while putting out content. Creating content requires an acute understanding of your audience. A quick Google keyword search will tell you what kind of questions one must address to keep the audience interested in your content. While attending to your clients, do not forget about the needs of potential clients. Thorough research of market trends will give you insights into the type of content expected by the audience. Visuals and charts generally perform better.

If blogging, do not do legal blogs only. Be creative and do personal stories, Q/A interviews, etc. This content will also improve social presence and connections.

Company pages or individual lawyers’ profiles?

While individuals’ profiles are more likely to get more engagement, this can still be a two-way equation. Banking on an individual’s reach, the company can comment, like, and share his/her posts and thereby reach its audience via the individual/s.

On the other hand, company pages can make social media interactions much safer, especially for newer lawyers. Also, it’s only a company’s page that can run events.

To conclude, find out where your clientele is and bank on that. Choose your platform based on the data of the audience and what they want. Also, make sure to have a social media policy for your law firms. A few right steps at the right time go a long way in ensuring the best possible results for you and your firm in the long run.

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How to handle camera/video interview online?

How to handle camera

Online interviews may not be new but have certainly gained momentum in the past few months owing to the coronavirus-induced lockdown worldwide. Most companies as well as universities, etc have switched to online interviews, in absence of a better alternative. However, there are some absolutely essential things we often forget while preparing for an online interview. Here are some handy tips to help you ace that interview.

  1. Find the perfect spot
    Make sure to look for a quiet and comfortable place with ample light. Natural light is the best to count on, so try and pick a spot, say, near a window. In case that’s not possible, make sure the room is well lit and that you are properly visible to the interviewer(s). Ensure the place has uninterrupted internet connectivity. Ideally, have a plain wall in the backdrop. Too many details around you can be distracting for the interviewer(s). To avoid distractions on your part, de-clutter the space you have chosen. Also, take care how you dress. You wouldn’t want to wear anything either too gaudy or too casual. Dress professionally.
  2. Check your devices
    Since this interview is going be online, it is elementary that you check your devices beforehand. Ideally, keep your devices fully charged. At the same time, ensure that you have enough charging points near you, just in case. Put your phone on silent before you sit for the interview. Check your Wi-Fi connection. You may want to use Wi-Fi signal boosters if your internet connection is not very stable.
  3. Trial run
    Get your colleague, friend, or family member on board and run a trial test of the devices and the interview. This will expose loopholes, if any, in the setup. It is very much possible that you might have missed out on something important. This exercise will prepare you to face any possible contingencies. It is advisable to consider having a backup for devices et al.
  4. Practice
    Even though the interview is happening online, some of the skills of a conventional interview will still be put to use. To feel more confident, practice some of the frequently asked questions. Go over the interview in your mind. This will shake off nervousness and help you think with a clear head during the interview.
  5. During the interview
    This part plays almost the same as in a conventional interview. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s). Now remember, for that, you must look into the camera and not at the screen. During the interview, smile from time to time. Stay calm and listen attentively to the questions being asked. It is okay to take a few seconds to reflect before you answer. You must keep your answers simple and sound confident. Do not over complicate. Attempting to answer a question you know little about is a big no.

Online interviews are not a big deal. They just involve a little homework before the final show. Once you get a fair idea of how to navigate that, you are good to go. All the technical arrangements may seem chaotic (and to some extent they indeed are!) but the only way to go about it is to go through it. The more you prepare beforehand, the more prepared you will be for the interview.