Many Law Blogs Stink

I don't know if I so much surf the Net as I troll for law blogs.  I have viewed many.  I have read hundreds and hundreds of posts on these blogs.  And, I hate to be rude, but many, if not most, of these blogs, stink.

The good news is that web-based technology has brought blogging (easy publishing) to lawyers for free or for very little cost.  But, just because the technology is available does not mean you should take out across the web looking like whatever.  You would not take out in public looking like Borat preparing for a swim.  So why would you rush out on the Internet looking that way?  It is enough to make one want the government to apply the same seven day cooling off period it does for gun purchases for setting up a blog.  (Okay, maybe that would be a bit extreme).

The better news is that blogs have proved able to bring business (paying clients) to lawyers who recognize the medium as a collaborative tool that can achieve the dual purpose of providing readers and referral sources useful information and for marketing.  Do well at the first part and the second part will take care of itself.  (The qualifer is "do well").

However, what most law blogs offer is little insight, little blogging, bad graphics and bad layout.  Zig Zigler says that most couples spend more time planning the wedding than in planning their lives together.  I think the same thing is true for staring a law blog.  Most lawyers spend more time trying to get one set up than thinking about what it looks like and what information to provide the public.

I have blogged jokingly about running around the office dressed like The Jerk, but is that really the image you want to portray of yourself to the World?  If your blog looks scruffy and disheveled, then you will appear the same way to the public.  If your blog lacks useful information that the consumer wants to see, then you will come across as unprepared and unprofessional.

Your appearance is the first thing by which people will judge you. If someone or some company is learning of you online for the first time then your blog is your proxy in this regard.  Do not blow it.

The bottom line is that blogging is a powerful tool that allows you to compete without paying a lot of money, but if you are not prepared to do it right, then I urge you to not do it at all.  I am all for DIY blogs.  That is what I do.  You are probably the best person to draft and craft the persona and style you want to portray.  However, if you are devoid of ability to grasp the essence of professional and rememberable layout and design and relate these things graphiclly, then please get help.  Further, if you do not have the time to devote to setting up a pleasing and effective blog then get help.  You might try some service such as LexBlog.

Comments

[Jamie Parks]

I agree Chuck, most law blogs blow when it comes to making graphics or other layout decisions. Quite frankly, many lawyers seem to get caught up in the 'wording' of their blogs and end up missing the mark when it comes to aesthetically presenting the data in a digestible format.

What's so awesome about the blogging community is that there are all types of blogs out there. So if you see a certain area on a blog that you really like or would like to implement into your own blog, never hesitate to ask the blogger. I've found that many bloggers are very open to answering questions on how they achieved a certain look on their site. One shouldn't be surprised to find out that many blogs are actually pieced together DIY style over time. Re-mixing is really what design is all about. Sure strive for originality but a wheel is a wheel - usability is the key - then its all about being found, and that's where word of mouth comes in... So yes, if you want to be found and talked about you might want to go look in the mirror and brush your teeth once in a while. But hey, every one knows consistent quality content rules the roost in the end - no matter how ugly you are.

On a side note, in regards to not blogging at all - I say take the leap regardless of your design skills! Things always look bare and awkward in the beginning. Don't be afraid, as time goes on your blog will evolve and flesh out. IMHO, The hardest step when I first began blogging was the first step - GETTING STARTED. After your first couple of posts hold on tight b'cuz it's gonna be a life changing ride!

[Chuck Newton]

Jamie, thank you for your response.

The problem with a rant is that one point is often emphasized over the other in a response. It is to be expected.

Although I do have a problem with stylistic issues, I am willing (and often do) overlook these if the blog is meaningful and has interesting or useful information. (After all, I understand that some poeple like the style I've chosen for my blog and other do not). But, most lawyer bloggers do not blog, and when they do they are often not saying anything.

So you say, fine, that's their business, and I agree. My point is what was the purpose of the blog in the first place. If it was to make you an authority in the area and, hence, to attract business, you have not only failed, but you have probably converted someone that out of chance might have retained you anyway if not for your bad image.

The image issue is not as much the image of the blog (for I have seen some pretty bland blogs do some pretty amazing things), but the overall image that the lawyer is putting out there. It is fine to have a bland blog but good, solid content. But, most lawyer bloggers have neither. The post little and they post bad. Apart from the visual image, that leave a bad impression. My little rant wanted to remind them that in this Internet age, in this Third Wave environment, that this blog of their's represented the first impression people have of them as a lawyer. So why waist it.