As we approach the last quarter of 2023, there is an uncanny feeling of anticipation propelled by technological advancements, new customer demands, and extraordinary global events.
The legal industry, especially, continues to transition into a digitally-enabled field. The industry is expected to change due to the increasing use of technology, client demand, and competition.
It means that smart law firms are already changing their marketing and advertising approaches to stay ahead and maintain a competitive edge.
Is your law firm ready to embrace change and hit new heights in 2024 and beyond? Are you ready to conquer the obstacles and scale profitably?
Today, we discuss the top 7 law firm marketing and advertising trends we expect to see in 2024. Read on to discover what you can do to stay ahead of your competitors.
Marketing and Advertising – A Look Back Over the Last 50 Years
1970s: The rise of television advertising
The 1970s saw the rise of television as the main marketing channel. Marketers would create memorable slogans, catchy jingles, and interesting ads to draw viewers’ attention.
1980s: Database marketing and direct marketing
Marketers increasingly used direct marketing strategies, such as telemarketing and direct mail advertisements, in the 1980s. They used customer databases to target and customize marketing messages.
1990s: Emergence of digital marketing
Digital marketing started in the 1990s following the invention of the internet. Email marketing, websites, and banner ads availed new channels for reaching audiences and targeting certain groups.
2000s: Rise of social media and mobile marketing
Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter became popular in the 2000s. Marketers began using these sites to interact with customers, launch viral marketing campaigns, and establish brand awareness. Mobile marketing also gained prominence with the massive use of smartphones.
2010s: Data-driven marketing and personalization
The 2010s marked a shift towards data-driven marketing. Marketers started using big data analytics, AI, and machine learning to understand customer behavior and preferences. Targeted ads and personalized marketing interactions also became more common.
2020s: Omnichannel marketing and customer experience
In the present decade, marketers are concentrating on providing consistent and seamless experiences across different mediums, including digital, social media, mobile, and offline.
Businesses prioritize customer experience and engagement while strongly emphasizing creating personalized connections and long-term relationships.
Overall, marketing has undeniably changed, transitioning from traditional mass advertising to a more tailored and targeted strategy driven by data, technology, and customer preferences.
So, what will 2024 be like, and what are the top trends expected to take off?
Marketing Trends and Predictions for 2024
Below are our top 7 predictions for 2024. Prepare for a big year in terms of marketing and advertising.
1. Rise of AI-powered marketing
The use of AI in marketing is expected to increase in 2024, transforming the legal industry in various ways.
Lawyers will increasingly depend on AI-powered tools to analyze legal data, automate administrative tasks, and streamline research.
This may enable them to spend more time providing legal counsel while AI manages routine tasks, making their work more efficient.
AI might also help deliver personalized client experiences, targeted advertising, and optimize marketing strategy to boost engagement and conversion rates.
2. First-party data is the new standard
Lawyers today prioritize first-party data due to stricter privacy laws and rising client trust and privacy concerns.
First-party data is more accurate, reliable, and compliant with laws. That means law firms can use it to improve their legal services, improve client experiences, and forge long-lasting connections with their audience.
This shift can enable them to navigate the changing privacy landscape and deliver more effective and targeted marketing efforts for their services.
3. Video marketing dominance
Video marketing has become a popular tool for audience engagement, a trend expected to continue in 2024.
Video marketing can be a powerful tool for lawyers in 2024. More lawyers will likely use it to sell their services, communicate with potential clients, and build trust.
Live streaming will become more popular, enabling lawyers to hold live Q&A sessions to engage with potential clients or produce educational films explaining legal subjects and presenting successful cases.
4. Social media for legal services
In 2024, social commerce will become more integrated with such features as in-app purchases and posts with shopping options. Consumers will find purchasing things directly from their social media feeds easier.
By harnessing these social commerce trends, law firms may optimize their social media presence to improve their client acquisition potential.
They can provide insightful legal counsel and facilitate simple consultations and inquiries through their social media channels.
5. Demonstrating legal purpose and responsibility
The legal industry demands a high degree of ethical behavior and social responsibility.
As clients look for brands that align with their values, lawyers can use their marketing initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to fairness, justice, and community engagement.
6. Privacy-centric legal marketing
Legal issues are quite sensitive, making privacy a major concern in the legal industry. In fact, a report by PwC found that 83 percent of consumers desire to have more control over their personal data.
To ensure client data is secure and used in compliance with legal and ethical norms, lawyers should adopt transparent data handling practices and obtain clients’ explicit consent.
7. Embracing legal streaming and CTV
Streaming and CTV advertising is another trend expected to gain momentum in 2024.
As consumers increasingly embrace streaming and CTV devices, law firms will allocate more funds to reaching audiences in these digital spaces.
Law firms may explore advertising opportunities on connected TV channels to reach a broader audience that needs legal services.
With webinars growing in popularity, lawyers may use streaming channels to share legal opinions, host legal seminars, or conduct virtual consultations.
The Bottom Line
Marketing and advertising techniques are changing quite rapidly. This is the right time for lawyers and law firms to revise their methods and prepare for a massive year ahead.
Remember to put the client at the forefront of your marketing plans because success lies in your ability to adapt to the ever-changing marketing landscape.
At PALO, we are always ready to partner with your law firm to help you generate exclusive leads ready to turn into high-paying clients.
We are a market leader in pay-per-call campaigns and will do everything possible to help you scale profitably. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
