As of March 2024 we have renamed Apexchat to Blazeo. We are excited to share the next part of our journey with our customers and partners.

Why the name change?

The name ApexChat implies that we are primarily a chat company, which is no longer true. Now we have many offerings, such as call center services, AI, Appointment setting, SMS Enablement, Market Automation, and Sales acceleration (Q2 2024), that go beyond chat. The new name will not only allow us to convey the breadth of our offering but will also better convey our company’s mission and values.

Why Blazeo?

Blazeo, which is derived from the word Blaze, evokes a sense of passion, speed, and energy. A “Blaze” is captivating, illuminates, and represents explosive growth. Blazeo encapsulates our mission to ignite such growth for our customers and partners by delivering innovation with passion, speed, and energy.

ApexChat is now Blazeo! Learn more

A Low-Cost Approach to Growth for Small Law Firms

Aarij Khan July 17, 2024 4 minute read
Low cost approach to growth for small law firms

Updated August 22, 2024 

Small law firms face challenges in 2024, with various factors making growth difficult. Yet, these firms have unique advantages that can help them thrive despite the obstacles.

The Competitive Landscape for Small Law Firms

Competition remains fierce for small law firms. According to a recent Thomson Reuters survey, 75% of small firms still find acquiring new clients challenging, with 30% labeling it a “significant” challenge. However, a robust business development strategy can help alleviate these pressures and drive growth.

Differentiating Your Law Firm in 2024

In 2024, differentiation is key to standing out. Small firms often compete with larger legal providers; 50% of small firms reported facing competition from larger firms in a recent industry survey. But small firms can differentiate by leveraging their agility and personalized service.

Advantages Over Larger Law Firms

Small law firms can adapt more quickly to changes in pricing, technology, and market demands. This flexibility allows them to offer a level of personalized service that larger firms struggle to match. For example, the latest ABA Benchmark Study found that nearly half of all law firms take three or more days to follow up on leads, with only 15% of potential clients speaking directly to a lawyer. By offering prompt, personalized follow-up and utilizing tools like live chat, small firms can provide a superior client experience.

Live chat, now boasting a 90% satisfaction rate, outperforms other support channels like email and social media. Implementing a chat solution on your website ensures that every visitor can connect with your firm immediately, enhancing client satisfaction and capturing leads more effectively.

Differentiating from Similar-Sized Firms

While standing out from larger firms is straightforward, differentiating from other small firms requires more nuance. Focus on your unique services, location, target audience, and firm culture. Determine what sets your practice apart from others of similar size and capitalize on those strengths.

3 Effective Business Development Strategies for Small Law Firms

Once you’ve identified your firm’s unique value proposition, you can build a business development strategy that plays to your strengths. Here are three strategies that work well in 2024:

1. Leverage Relationships to Identify Opportunities

Building on existing relationships is a low-cost way to generate new business. Start with your current clients—they’re easier to convert than new ones. Reach out to see if they need further assistance, and maintain connections with other law firms that might refer cases that are a better fit for your practice.

2. Manage Client Relationships with Legal CRM or Intake Software

In 2024, client relationship management (CRM) software tailored to legal practices is essential. Law firms using dedicated legal CRMs have shown significant growth, as highlighted in Clio’s 2024 Legal Trends Report. Firms using CRM tools saw a year-over-year increase of up to 10% in client matters compared to those not using such solutions. Implementing a legal CRM or intake software can streamline your processes and improve client management.

3. Utilize Content Marketing to Build Trust and Attract Leads

Content marketing remains a powerful tool in 2024. Producing high-quality blogs, videos, and social media content can draw prospective clients to your website, helping them build trust in your brand. With nearly half of all legal searches starting online, having a robust content marketing strategy ensures your firm is visible when potential clients are searching for services.

Inbound marketing, particularly through blogs and videos, continues to be a cost-effective way to attract clients. Share your content across social media channels to drive traffic back to your website and establish your firm as a trusted resource.

Tailoring Strategies to Your Unique Practice

The strategies outlined above offer a solid foundation for low-cost marketing and lead generation in 2024. However, your firm’s specific needs and growth goals should guide how you implement these tactics. Personalize your approach to align with your practice’s strengths and the clients you aim to attract.

Looking to generate more leads from your marketing efforts? Discover the benefits of live chat for law firms and take your client engagement to the next level.