Metadata, put simply, is data about data. It is used in a wide variety of contexts pertaining to a wide variety of media. Here we will talk about the term metadata as it is used in the context of digital files such as word processing documents, spreadsheets and email, and the particular risks associated with its misuse in a legal setting. We will also discuss various ethics rules that address the potential confidentiality problems inherent in metadata transmission and methods for “scrubbing” or removing metadata from documents. Please note that the information here does not apply to files that are produced during discovery. It is now routine to look at metadata in these files as a legitimate item for production and to shed light on issues that cannot otherwise be cleared up by the documents themselves. “Scrubbing” of these types of files could be interpreted as destruction of evidence. Continue reading ‘Metadata & Ethics Rules for Attorneys’
As the year progresses and law firms continue to struggle to make ends meet, technology budgets will take a large hit, meaning more must be done with less. Nothing new is the name of the game as there is simply no funding available for the latest and greatest. From putting software upgrades on the backburner to purchasing netbooks rather than laptops, firms large and small will have to think of creative ways to make the most of what they already have. Here are some tips to make the most of your technology dollars. Continue reading ‘Making the Most of Your Technology’
Almost two-thirds of potential clients begin their search for an attorney online these days. Law firms of any size are now expected to have a website that clearly communicates the firm’s main practice area(s), the profiles of each attorney, helpful legal content for the consumer and contact information. In the end, sending a clear message about your firm’s expertise and any real-world successes you have had is more important to a prospective client than a bunch of bells and whistles. Whether you are developing a new website or evaluating your current website, this article contains valuable tips on how to make the most of your investment and how to improve what you already have. Continue reading ‘Why Your Website Matters’
One of the easiest ways to make your AttorneyPages’ listing more attractive to potential clients is to spend time creating an impressive profile. The profile is really like a mini-website. It provides you with the opportunity to add critical information about your career, experience, education, bar membership, honors, and affiliations. Many of our members who have spent the time to write a detailed profile find that the profile page ranks higher on search engines like Google than their own website. This is because AttorneyPages uses highly effective search engine optimization strategies. Continue reading ‘Improve Your Response Rate on AttorneyPages’
As the economic situation continues to challenge all kinds of businesses, both companies and individuals may try to delay making payments due for as long as possible. For some small law firms who have already seen a reduction in the volume of client business over the past year, this delay in receiving revenues and ensuing cash flow problems could cause serious damage.
Here are some tips for both preventing and managing delinquent clients: Continue reading ‘What to Do When the Client Won’t Pay’
Search marketing is a growing trend amongst businesses as more and more consumers are going to the web to find the goods and services they need. Purchasing a sponsored link using keywords is one way to get more people to come to your website. Paying for keywords can be a valuable marketing tool if you know what you’re doing. The first thing to understand is that you aren’t paying for placement in the regular, or organic, search engine results. Instead, your listing will appear under “sponsored links” on the right hand side of the search results. Opinions differ as to whether or not it is better to spend money on a sponsored link or on a campaign to generate higher organic search engine placement. You will have to be the ultimate judge for your own marketing investment. Following is a primer on buying keywords using the Google Adwords program and tips to help you succeed. Continue reading ‘Web Advertising: Buying Keywords’
Email newsletters are an excellent way to keep in touch with clients, and unlike the paper kind, they don’t cost as much to produce and deliver. They also reach more people than you even realize. Good articles from email newsletters, for example, are forwarded on to other readers, which creates what’s called viral marketing for your firm. On the other hand, bad email newsletters go right into spam folders. So you must be sure that you are publishing material your clients are interested in, that the product is professional in content and appearance, and that you know what you want to achieve from mailing it. Continue reading ‘Staying In Touch With Clients: Email Newsletters’
Web 2.0, also known as social media, is not easy to define. What’s true, however, is that when you start harnessing the real power of networking on the Web, then you are using Web 2.0. It encompasses the idea of interconnectivity and interrelatedness, to the extent that people with common interests can share their knowledge and experience. It’s about creating networking communities whether those communities are gathering information on a medical problem, finding a street address, or discussing the merits of a particular law firm.
This article describes some of the ways Web 2.0 has found its way into the legal world. Continue reading ‘Web 2.0: What Is It?’
In 2007, companies spent $12.2 billion on search marketing in the United States, according to the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO). This expenditure is projected to increase beyond $25 billion in 2011, which means that dollars previously assigned to more traditional channels such as print advertising, direct mail marketing, and television are now being diverted to search engine marketing.
One of the ways companies spend money on search marketing is in improving their Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This is the process of increasing both the volume and the quality of traffic to their websites. In other words, it’s a way of moving a website higher up on the list of matches when a search engine finds a site in response to a user’s search. It is estimated that 90% of all internet traffic is driven by search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and AOL. This means that most people are using their favorite search engine to find what they need, including legal services. This article explains how SEO works and how it can help you attract new clients. Continue reading ‘Understanding Search Engine Optimization’
People like friendly faces and seeing who they are calling. In fact, lawyers listed in AttorneyPages who have uploaded a photo have a 28 percent better response rate to their listing than those who haven’t.
Here’s How To Do It
1. Find a good digital photo of yourself, or have one taken. Make sure you are smiling and that your attire as well as the background is professional. You can use an image of your firm’s logo instead.
2. Log in. Do this by visiting the AttorneyPages Member Site at https://secure.attorneypages.com/controlpanel/
It’s a good idea to bookmark this URL, so you always have it handy. Enter your username and password. You’ll be greeted by the Member Control Panel.
3a. Platinum
If you have a Platinum listing, click on “Edit this Listing Information” on the left column followed by the tab labeled “More Information”. Click on the “Multimedia” tab. Click on the word “Edit” on the right, on the topmost line. Click “Browse” for an appropriate file. When done, click “Save”.
Or …
3b. Premier
If you have a Premier listing, click on “Edit or View Multimedia Files.” From there, you’ll be prompted to upload a photo from your computer.
If you encounter any problems, simply email the picture to support@attorneypages.com.