Isn't Your Firm Blogging Yet?

According to LexBlog founder Kevin O'Keefe, 25% of the top 200 US law firms have blogs. From Kevin's report:

• 53 of the 2007 AmLaw 200 firms were blogging
• Those 53 firms were responsible for a total of 110 blogs
• 36% growth in last 6 months in the number of AmLaw 200 law firms publishing blogs.
• 49% growth in last 6 months in total number of blogs being published by AmLaw 200 law firms (some firms have more than one blog).

Kevin's excellent post features a link-love list of these blogs--check it out.

Blog growth is rapid among these big firms. But remember that lawyers have been blogging for years! In fact, the first to forge ahead were solos and small firms and we're seeing the same thing now on the accounting side.

A year ago, there were about 10 CPA or Chartered Accountant bloggers writing for the public (as opposed to each other. Today there are between 35-40 such blogs with new ones emerging weekly.

Wake up guys. Firms are doing this because it makes them more effective on the web. If your old website isn't generating "ROI" it's because it's old technology and dead end information. In other words, you get out of it what you put into it (energy-wise, not dollar-wise).

Social media is changing the B2B landscape. Lead, follow, or simply watch with envy...

Comments

[Tom Hood]

Michelle,

I am amazed at how few CPA firms have gotten into blogging and Web 2.0. The real advantages are 1) better communication to your clients and your team, 2) increased findability and search engine results, and 3) much more relevance to the new generation.

At the MACPA, we put our whole staff through a Web 2.0 training program and are now embracing many Web 2.0 technologies, we have started a "free" self-guided web 2.0 learning program to help CPAs understand these ne technologies (http://www.cpalearning2.com), amd will be having several sessions at our upcoming Maryland Business & Accounting Expo (http://www.mdbizexpo.com). We simply cannot ignore these new technologies... more on my post over at http://www.cpasuccess.com

[Meredith Hamilton]

Yes, but are they blogging with their clients in mind? It seems to me that too many lawyers and firms blog with content aimed at other attorneys. What is the ROI on that?

[Kevin OKeefe]

Thanks for mentioning the report Michelle. No question the ROI in blogging is there for law firms. It's a matter of education as many just do not see it.

Meredith, on the target audience, many law firms tailor their content to clients and prospective clients. But like you said there are many firms directing content at other lawyers, something often done to increase their stature in the legal community and obtain referrals.

[Leo Bottary]

Michelle, this is a great stat considering many companies blame legal for not wanting to start a blog!