A well-designed, integrated marketing strategy will help you know which marketing tactics are right for your firm, so clients can find you. Perhaps your selection will include a website and blog, online advertising, lead generation, search engine optimization, or instant chat.

FindLaw can help you get started.

Outsource your conversion services – that is, the initial conversation to greet and learn about the person interested in your firm – and screen/qualify clients for a fraction of the cost of a full-time receptionist. That's "converting" a prospect into a client of your firm.

• Online billing software, such as the online legal billing software that is integrated into the Thomson Reuters Firm Central legal practice management system, streamlines invoicing and lets clients pay online.
• If you bill hourly, track and record time to capture every billable minute with Time & Billing legal billing software.

Replace your static office space with a more appealing local coffee shop or private table at a restaurant. The cost of a few client meals can save hundreds compared to rental square footage.

• An online legal client portal lets you share updated documents, forms, and other case details with clients.
• Interact with clients, staff, and other attorneys using chat and videoconferencing.

Rent office space monthly, or even on an as-needed basis, without a lease from a variety of providers to save costs. This allows the privacy you need for negotiations or a personal atmosphere, but shares the cost of space with many others.

For example, a virtual law office with a prestigious business address and call and mail handling, with 5 days' use of a private office, is approximately $350 per month in Faneuil Hall in Boston, $400 in the Pacific Heights area of San Diego, and $320 in downtown Houston.¹

¹ Source: Regus Group Virtual Offices

Holding client meetings at a favorite local location – such as a restaurant, coffee shop or golf course – instead of an office, allows you to individualize your approach based on client interests.

Access and share your contacts database with the online Firm Central legal practice management system.

A traditional awards wall is a great way to highlight accomplishments and credentials. Too bad only those existing clients who are already visiting your office will see it.

An honor that is actively maintained online, like a Super Lawyers selection, is available to any prospective or existing client with an Internet connection - significantly expanding the marketing power of your award.

Cloud-based file storage provides secure and confidential storage and costs much less than physical storage space. If you choose the right cloud provider, you'll have the same data security alongside banks and financial institutions. Does a traditional attorney's office provide the same level of security as the safe at a bank?
Learn more about cloud computing for lawyers' data security standards.

Benefits of digital vs. paper:

• You can find your files! Staff can search for and access documents easily from anywhere with a laptop, mobile phone, or tablet, leaving more time for billable work. Firm Central Global Search incorporates all of these functions.
• 61% say it saves money.
• 53% say it simplifies work.
• 51% say it is easier to file and manage documents.²

² Source: Adobe Systems, Inc., "Paper: An Endangered Species?"

• Meet court deadlines with a legal calendaring program that automatically updates, such as Deadline Assistant court date calendar. And keep staff organized and in touch with virtual calendars.
• A legal practice management system handles everything you need for a client or matter.

• Scan documents with portable scanners, and save them to your legal practice management platform from anywhere with an Internet connection.
• Send faxes through email with eFax systems.

Learn about mobile offices by reading the whitepaper, "Mobile in Practice: The Benefits of a Virtual Law Firm." For more information on cloud-based legal practice management, visit Firm Central or to learn more about integrated marketing, visit FindLaw.

For more information on cloud-based legal practice management, visit Firm Central or FindLaw for more on integrated marketing.