Getting involved in social media is a great way to increase your visibility and build some online credibility for you and your firm. It’s super-simple!
Twitter is an extremely useful tool in the legal industry. It allows you to reach potential clients, keep up with industry trends, and get live feeds on what is happening. The first step to maximizing Twitter is setting up an account. Creating an account with a relevant username and bio is important and we have outlined the steps for you to do just that.
Setting up Your Account
- Go to the Twitter homepage at www.twitter.com.
- Enter your name, email address and a password and click ‘set-up’. Only one email address can be associated with a Twitter account. Use your business email, or one that you use regularly to keep up with updates. Updates and notifications will be sent to this email to keep you in the loop when someone follows you, favorites or retweets a post, or sends you a message.
Create a Username
- Create your own username to clearly identify yourself. Twitter will create some recommendation, but steer clear of these. You’re original, and you want your name to be, too! If the name you like is already taken, add the word “law”. i.e. johndoe_law. Keep it simple.
- Your Twitter name will show up during all of your Twitter activity. It must be shorter than 15 characters and can not include the words Twitter or admin. It will also be the URL to your profile.
- For ideas on selecting a name, here is a post from the For Dummies series: How to Choose A Twitter Name
Create an Account
- Click ‘Create My Account’ and complete the Captcha so Twitter knows you’re not a robot.
Confirmation Email
- A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox. Click the link and confirm your account.
Once you’ve created your account, fill it out by creating a bio, adding your location and website, and including a profile and title image.
How to Create a Twitter Bio
- Include the types of law you practice, organizations you’re associated with, and awards you have received.
- Be as brief and relevant as you can be, because you only have 160 characters. This is your time to sell yourself and shine!
- Your bio is what sets you apart from other users. When people type your name into a search engine, your Twitter account and bio description will pop up.
Here are some sample Twitter bios:
- Elizabeth Potts Weinstein. Lawyer. Founder of @EPWSmallBizLaw. Mom. Hiker. Homeschooler. Learning Latin & Swift. On a quest to visit all National Parks. SiliconValley & the wilderness. elizabethpottsweinstein.com
- Shawn E. Tuma. Law. Cybersecurity. Data Protection. Privacy. Computer Fraud. Social Media. Litigation. Christ, family, author, speaker, partner @Scheef&Stone, LLP. Frisco, TX. shawnetuma.com
- Steve Kramer. Founder of Kramer Law- One Firm… For Life. Legal Analyst for Various Media Outlets. Orlando, FL. mykramerlawfirm.com
Once you have created your account and completed your Twitter profile, start using Twitter as an industry tool and get involved. Search users to follow, add lists, and join the conversation.
