WANT PROOF THAT YOUR FIRM NEEDS REVIEWS?

by Brianna Sullivan

We’ve been harping on it for months: your law firm MUST have online reviews. We knew from our research and observations the importance of this part of your online presence, but now Bright Local has provided us with the stats to back it up. Here we have the highlights from the Annual BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey 2016.

84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation

Historically, law firms have relied on referrals for new clients. A trend we’re beginning to see is that once a referral is made by a potential client’s family member or friend, they immediately jump online to do some research. This research most certainly includes reviews, and if they don’t match the personal recommendation the chances they will contact your firm are slimmer.

90% of consumers read less than 10 reviews before forming an opinion about a business

Consumers online make decisions quickly. Reviews are no exception. The average person is not going to comb through fifty reviews before forming an opinion on your law firm. They’re going to skim over the first that come up and then decide whether or not to call you. It’s vital that you make sure your most recent reviews reflect positively on your firm.

7 out of 10 consumers will leave a review for a business if they’re asked to

If your client is satisfied with the service they received from your law firm, they are very likely to want to help you out by leaving a positive review. We’ve found the review request to a final meeting with the client is a good strategy. This ensures that their experience is fresh in their mind.

54% of people will visit the website after reading positive reviews

If positive reviews show up in search for your law firm, either on a top review or as part of the Knowledge Graph, site traffic will increase, also increasing the chances they will call or fill out a form on your site.

73% of consumers think that reviews older than 3 months are no longer relevant

This is precisely why you can never stop asking for reviews. Consumers know that a business, including a law firm, can have a lot of change as time goes on. Make sure that your reviews reflect that you are still taking clients and they are having positive experiences while working with you.

74% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more

Reviews are the best form of social proof out there. As your online presence has become a key player in protecting your referrals, reviews help you build trust not just with potential clients but also within your community.

58% of consumers say that the star rating of a business is most important

The stars say it all! Detailed reviews are a plus, but what matters most to the potential client while they’re doing research is your ratings.