Joseph Dang of San Diego Small Business Law Blog - LexBlog Q&A
San Diego small business attorney Joseph Dang started his blog — and his solo practice — after reading thought leaders in the legal blog community discussing how blogs could be a way to establish an online presence, even for a solo or small firm.
The promise of his early research has held true in every way, and now his San Diego Small Business Law Blog consistantly brings in clients and is helping get Joseph's name out there.
"I have not yet put out a traditional 'ad' in any sense of the word," Joseph says. "Yet I've had prospective clients find me through my blog. They did a search for whatever question they had, and that led them to my blog. After reviewing some of my posts, they decide to call me. Everything I heard about blogging was coming through."
Since launching his blog, Joseph has started to tailor is content to a more local niche as opposed to a broader national perspective.
We caught up with Joseph for this LexBlog Q&A to discuss more about his brainstorming techniques and why his blog impresses prospective clients.
See our email exchange with Joseph, after the jump.
Lisa Kennelly: Why did you decide to start a blog?
Joseph Dang: I decided to start a blog because I read quite a bit about starting a solo practice on blogs. Of course those blogs maintained the effectiveness and ease of using a blog not just for marketing, but as a way to establish an online presence and expertise, as well as a number of other things. After reading through many posts from some legal blog pioneers, I decided to jump into starting a solo practice and of course, blogging.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most rewarding about blogging?
Joseph Dang: The most rewarding thing about blogging definitely is witnessing those very same things I spoke above occur. I have not yet put out a traditional "ad" in any sense of the word. Yet I've had prospective clients find me through my blog. They did a search for whatever question they had, and that led them to my blog. After reviewing some of my posts, they decide to call me. Everything I heard about blogging was coming through.
I think blogging definitely levels the playing field for solo lawyers and small firms.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most challenging?
Joseph Dang: I think it definitely has to be finding topics to blog about. But more importantly, it was developing and maintaining the proper approach to blogging. It took me a couple months to get my sea legs, so to speak. I didn't know what I wanted to be as a legal blogger. I tried to be something I really wasn't at first, but since I changed my focus I've had much better feedback and response.
Lisa Kennelly: What has the response to your blog been like from clients, other lawyers, bloggers or anyone else?
Joseph Dang: It's been great. Clients and prospective clients are absolutely impressed, not only with the content but also the professional look of the blog. I'd had lawyers (who coincidentally do not even have a website) make the same comments.
Lisa Kennelly: How do you come up with ideas for blog posts, and do you ever struggle for ideas?
Joseph Dang: As I mentioned earlier, I sometimes do struggle for ideas. Some days the ideas will flow so fast I have to write them down or I'd forget them. Other days every idea I have just wouldn't work as a post. But now I've learned a simple but effective way to come up with post topics. Identify your ideal market, and figure out what questions they are asking. Then answer it. Sometimes you can do this just by listening to your clients and prospective clients.
Lisa Kennelly: What advice would you give to a lawyer thinking about starting a blog?
Joseph Dang: Don't think. Just go ahead and start a blog. Take your time, do your research, think about and develop a plan. But do it. Now.
Lisa Kennelly: I noticed you also write for Examiner.com. What has that been like and does that bring you a different audience?
Joseph Dang: I'm just starting with the Examiner. I'm hoping to bring me a different audience but time will tell. I stated earlier I changed the focus of my blog. I was authoring posts on national topics such as legislature and policy regarding small businesses. I have since stopped on my blog, but will continue to do so on the Examiner.com site.
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