If a lawyer asks me how to use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media services to generate more clients, one of the first things I ask is if they have a blog. Even though social media can be very powerful promotional tools, having a blog gives you something to promote.

Advertising for lawyers with your blog: How fast can I get results?

Everyone likes the idea of the get rich quick approach. Who wouldn’t want a big return with minimal effort? However, this isn’t the nature of social media. Just posting an update on a social media site won’t provide the depth that a blog does. In my opinion, one of the best ways to leverage social media is to share your blog posts with others.

If your lawyer marketing efforts are simply status updates on Twitter and Facebook, without any longer, thought out content of your own, then you will be making comments about many things, but adding nothing of substance to the conversation.

When you maintain a blog that provides valuable information, this serves two important purposes when used with social media:

1. You can promote your posts through social media. This gives you a voice in the community. You are actively getting involved and contributing. People will check out your blog where they can be turned into potential clients.

2. You will position yourself as an expert. A blog will allow you to produce content which puts on display your expertise in your field. This simply can’t be achieved as effectively solely by commenting.

This still requires work on your end. You need to take the time to write content that people want and enjoy. However, if you put forth the effort sharing your blog on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets will drive traffic to your posts.