Latest Martindale-Avvo consumer study reiterates the importance of an online presence to attract legal consumers

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Nov 01, 2022, 08:00 ET

Individuals searching for attorneys turn to search engines, online reviews and directories more than any other resource.

LOS ANGELES , Nov. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Martindale-Avvo has released its latest annual consumer report in which legal consumers were questioned about what they look for when hiring an attorney. The results highlight important factors in the legal consumer's journey, from hiring an attorney to closing a case.

A primary goal of the report is to help attorneys attract more clients and grow their business. Consumers interviewed for this year's report continue to value attorneys who respond promptly to their calls and who have invested time in obtaining online client reviews.

As in past years, consumers highlighted the importance of online resources in their search for an attorney. Key findings from the survey include:

Before contacting an attorney, consumers said the top things they'd like to know more about include pricing and fees (58%), responsiveness of the attorney (54%), years of experience (48%) and online reviews or testimonials (46%).
When listing their top resources for finding an attorney, as a first resource, 27% turned to search engines, while another 27% turned to online reviews and directories. Further, as a second resource, 25% used online reviews and directories, while 22% used search engines. Both options ranked the highest in each category, highlighting the importance of a robust online presence.
Additionally, 63% of users said they searched for online content — including articles, Q&As and videos — to help handle their legal matters.
Nearly half the respondents (47%), listed online reviews as "very important" to their decision-making process, while another 34% listed them as "somewhat important."

The research makes clear that whether it's an online search, review, or content about a legal matter, the internet is king when it comes to finding an attorney. While personal recommendations may influence the start of a search, the word of search engines, social media and Martindale-Avvo websites like Avvo.com and Lawyers.com take precedence.

"The majority of consumers searching for an attorney turn to an online search, whether they're looking for an attorney by name or practice area," said Suke Jawanda, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager at Martindale-Avvo. "Having a strong presence in reputable online directories, such as those provided by Martindale-Avvo, is critical.

"Our research shows again and again that attorneys need to meet clients where they are — online. It's crucial for attorneys to invest time and resources into building a strong online presence, backed by good reviews and quick response times."

This study, consisting of interviews with more than 600 consumers, reinforces Martindale-Avvo's mission of helping attorneys build strong online businesses by providing firms with research-driven statistics that can help them develop their online marketing strategies. The full report is available for download at Martindale-Avvo.com.

About Martindale-Avvo

Martindale-Avvo comprises some of the leading players in the online legal space, including brands that have been trusted for generations: Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo and Nolo. We provide comprehensive legal-marketing solutions, including real-time lead generation, online legal profiles, live chat, website services, and lead intake and management tools. Our network of resources, including Martindale.com, Avvo.com, Lawyers.com and Nolo.com, attract more than 25 million consumers per month — making us the largest online legal network.

SOURCE Martindale-Avvo