7 Social Media Marketing Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 for Law Firms
Social media isn’t just for sharing cat videos or memes anymore; it’s a business tool with massive potential, especially for law firms looking to connect with potential clients. Yet, many law firms struggle to find success in this space—not because social media for lawyers isn’t effective, but because common mistakes are holding them back.
If you’ve been wondering why your posts aren’t gaining traction or if you’re unsure how to refine your strategy, don’t worry. By avoiding these missteps, your social media marketing efforts can start delivering results that matter.
Why Lawyers Need a Strong Social Media Presence
Legal experts are increasingly turning to social media to find and vet professionals. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook provide an easy way for people to validate expertise, build trust, and connect with firms that match their needs.
For lawyers, social media is also a storytelling tool. It’s a space where you can explain complicated legal matters, engage with your audience, and set your firm apart from competitors. However, an ineffective strategy—or outright mistakes—will render even the best intentions useless.
1. Skipping Video Content
Video is king across social platforms, yet many firms avoid it, citing time constraints or a preference for written posts. But here’s why you can’t skip it—social platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram prioritize video content, pushing it to a wider audience than static posts.
You don’t need a full production team to create engaging videos. Simple, authentic clips filmed on your smartphone can make all the difference. Talk about recent legal trends, break down legal concepts into easy-to-understand ideas, or even share client success stories (with permission, of course).
Your video doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be relevant. Set a goal to post at least one video every week, and watch how engagement improves.
2. Ignoring Compliance and Ethics
Social media marketing for law firms comes with unique challenges, especially around compliance and ethics. Many lawyers unknowingly violate advertising regulations with their posts, potentially risking their reputation and professional standing.
Here are some quick tips to stay compliant:
- Avoid creating false expectations. Be honest about the outcomes your firm can achieve.
- Add disclaimers where necessary (e.g., “This is not legal advice”).
- Check state-specific guidelines for lawyer advertising to ensure compliance.
By focusing on transparency and adhering to regulations, you’ll not only protect your firm but also instill trust in your audience. And if you’re worried about violating guidelines, Green Cardigan Marketing is here to guide you.
3. Failing to Be Authentic
“I don’t have time to create videos, take headshots, or post updates!” Sound familiar? This is a common concern among lawyers when it comes to social media. But here’s the thing—your audience doesn’t expect Pinterest-perfect posts or Hollywood-quality videos.
Authenticity beats perfection every time. Clients want to connect with the real people behind the firm, so don’t shy away from showing a human side to your practice. Share photos from your desk, personal insights about current events in law, or behind-the-scenes moments.
Your audience isn’t looking for sleek marketing; they’re looking for someone they can trust. Being authentic will make your content relatable and approachable.
4. Neglecting Engagement
Social media is a two-way street. If you’re only posting but never responding to comments or messages, your audience will feel ignored. Engagement builds relationships, and relationships build trust.
Make time to:
- Reply to comments, both positive and negative.
- Answer direct messages.
- Interact with others’ posts by liking, commenting, or sharing.
Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in how your audience perceives you.
5. Posting Without a Strategy
It’s tempting to post sporadically or only when inspiration strikes, but this inconsistency often confuses your audience. Every successful social media plan starts with a clear strategy.
Here’s what to consider:
- Platform Selection: Focus on platforms where potential clients are most active, such as LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Content Calendar: Plan your posts for the month to ensure consistency.
- Purpose of Posts: Each post should have a goal, whether it’s educating, connecting, or converting followers into leads.
Remember, consistency is key. An organized approach will lead to better results over time. Green Cardigan Marketing can help you plan and execute a social media strategy that best fits your goals and audience.
6. Overlooking Hashtags
Hashtags might feel like a small detail, but they’re critical for visibility. However, not all hashtags are created equal. Overusing generic tags like #lawyer or #attorney won’t differentiate your posts from the crowd.
Instead, focus on location-specific or niche tags like #FamilyLawNYC or #EstatePlanningTips. Researching effective hashtags for your practice area can help reach the right audience.
7. Not Measuring Performance
If you’re not tracking how your posts perform, you’re essentially flying blind. Analytics can tell you which content resonates with your audience—and which doesn’t.
Tools like Facebook Insights or LinkedIn Analytics provide metrics on reach, engagement, and clicks. Use this data to refine your strategy. For example, if videos perform better than text posts, shift your focus accordingly.
Taking It to the Next Level
Social media marketing for law firms doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require consistency and thoughtful execution. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be one step closer to creating a stronger online presence that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful results.
Need help revamping your firm’s social strategy? At Green Cardigan Marketing, we specialize in helping law firms like yours build impactful social media campaigns. Reach out today for a custom consultation!
