Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Web Marketers

Published on: 23 February 2016 Last Updated on: 29 May 2021

Getting along with a web marketer is about as easy as negotiating your client’s settlement over a picnic outside the courthouse. Some people are that easy to work with, but they’re about as common as an 8-1 ruling in the Supreme Court.

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For lawyers, web marketing is what the French call a devoir — a “have to.” Most of us would rather wash our hands of it. After all, we went for a JD, not an MBA or a marketing degree. We have a whole desk full of case files and ethical obligations demanding our time. Marketing is hitching for a spot in the backseat, at best.

But the Web is where the clients are. Internet marketers are the new rainmakers. We need them to keep the soil moist, so to speak. In today’s marketplace, Google is the ground from which law firms grow.

The trick is to find a marketing firm that can get the job done at the right price… while keeping our blood pressure below the call-an-ambulance level.

That’s easier said than done, but here’s some advice.

Five Commandments for Keeping the Peace with a Web Marketer

1. Slow and Steady

You know what they say — it wins the race. SEO is not an impatient person’s game. Top 10 search results are not achieved overnight. Sure, you might see a blip here and there, but if you’re looking for instant gratification, you’re searching in vain. Think of it as the stock market. You’re investing for long-term gain.

2. Micromanagement is a killer:

Attempting to micromanage your marketing will put you and your marketer in that blood pressure danger zone. You’re the lawyer. They’re the web gurus. You each have jobs to do, so stick to those. It’ll do wonders for the relationship.

3. Know what you’re paying for:

Legal web marketing isn’t exactly inexpensive. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Just know what you’re paying for. A good marketing firm will offer itemized transparency for their services, and that’ll keep you from feeling resentful about any “phantom charges.”

4. Don’t get emotional:

This isn’t “Dr. Phil.” Your relationship with your web marketer means everything, but that relationship should be built on performance, dependability, and communication — not personality. Trust is important, and it takes time, but you should assess the firm’s effectiveness in the services they provide, not the extent to which you “like” them as people. Oh, and the Golden Rule applies here too — treat your marketers with the courtesy and respect you expect from them.

5. Work with good people

This is especially important in the legal arena. So much of web marketing is content-based; but as attorneys, we have to be careful about whom we allow writing about the law on our behalf. Stick with experienced and highly credentialed marketers, preferably those who are able to have your content written by licensed attorneys. The State Bar will thank you for it (in the form of zero discipline for marketing blunders). Here again, you get what you pay for.

Need Web Marketing Advice for Attorneys? Ask.

As the old saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. If you need web marketing advice for attorneys, ask around. Maybe some of your law school friends practicing in other jurisdictions can share their experiences. A simple conversation can shed real insight.

You might be surprised by how much you’ll learn from the web marketers themselves. Ask them to educate you. Most are more than willing to elaborate on their history, their best practices, and their approach to client management.

Working with web marketers isn’t always easy, but take these tips to heart and you’ll see long-term success (instead of simply seeing red).

Kaplan Lawyers PC is a New York City personal injury law firm that helps victims of personal injury and their families in Bronx, Queens, and Kings Counties, as well as all of New York City.

Lucia Patterson

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

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Google and Digital Promise Team Up to Make Teachers More Tech-Savvy than Ever

Collaborating with innovators at Digital Promise, some brilliant minds at Google got together with some more at EdTechTeam to come up with a modern-day training program for teachers with a focus on making superb use of technology in the classroom teaching setting. This comes as much welcome news at a time when the government is launching into a cost-cutting mode for educational sectors in the USA, leaving many public schools rushing to cover their expenses for education in all fronts. The new teacher-training program announced by Google in association with Digital Promise and EdTechTeam will focus on imparting technological education for the teachers, enabling them to use that knowledge in classroom settings and to share that knowledge with educators. The Dynamic Learning Project at a glance : The Dynamic Learning Project (DLP) is a pilot of the teacher-training project brought to fruition by Google, Digital Promise, and EdTechTeam. The training program will focus on equipping the teachers with the necessary knowledge and resources to use technology in day-to-day classroom teaching experiences. Through the use of the technological resources at their disposal, the educators will be able to open newer vistas of knowledge for the students, thus bridging the gap between learning and technology successfully in the digital age. 50 middle schools from five states in the USA have been selected for the pilot of DLP. The states in the country that will be the first to receive the results of this unique and beneficial training program are Texas, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, California, and Alabama. If the reports from Google and EdTechTeam are to be believed, the coaches at the teacher-training program will be looking to provide customized learning solutions for teachers so that they can make the best use of technology that is available within the infrastructural framework of the schools. The DLP not only focuses on helping teachers to learn to use the Google resources, but other hardware or software platforms that are available and they are comfortable using. Integrating learning with the assignment help of the latest technological advancements, the teachers from the 50 middle schools have started to undergo training under the able guidance of experts from EdTechTeam and Google. The disparity between the uses of technology in a traditional classroom setting has been more pronounced in the last few years despite most of the schools equipping themselves with smart learning software and hardware platforms in the country. As Liz Anderson from Google for Education states in her blog post for The Keyword, “This second-level digital divide is fueled by major differences in how effectively that technology is being used for teaching and learning.” DLP aims to overcome precisely that. By enabling the teachers to become tech-savvy within the classroom setting, the program imparts in them the invaluable knowledge of putting technology to good use so they can share that with their fellow teaching community. What this means for educators and classroom teaching “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love for learning.” Brad Henry (American politician and lawyer) Sometimes alluded to as the noblest profession on earth, teaching is the profession that creates all other professions. Whether we are diplomats, astronauts, dancers, chefs, or motivational speakers, all of us started from school someday, and the teachers were there for us to teach us the basics of all that we have learned so far. The significant role of the educators in our lives is thus undeniable, and the new teacher-training program launched by Google acknowledges just that. In the sphere of education, the new technical training program for teachers in the middle schools chosen for the pilot of DLP will be able to bring about a refreshing change in the way teaching was envisioned so far. The pilot started off with Google sanctioning a $6.5 million grant to Digital Promise for conducting the research and implementing the professional skill development program for the teachers. EdTechTeam aided in creating a viable model for the training program that takes into account the resources within the school framework and the individual needs of the teachers undergoing the training program. The program has been in place since last fall, and the teachers from the schools that have selected from the programs are to be monitored and evaluated on the basis of their acceptance and performance within the existing framework. Based on the reports prepared from the pilot, Google aims to launch this program all over the country, creating a network within the teaching community for sharing knowledge on advanced technologies. The teacher-training philosophy of the program has three fundamental benefits for the teaching community in a whole and is expected to form the foundation stone for many such innovative projects and programs in the coming years with more innovators and educators coming forward to make learning through technologies a fun and achievable reality. The primary focus of the pilot DLP thus aims at empowering teachers in the following ways. Localization and empowerment within the teaching community is the first goal of this program. Through the course of the training program, teachers will be able to have in-depth knowledge on the learning resources that they have at their disposal to make classroom learning more innovative and will be able to use the resources for the completion of complex tasks as well. Secondly, through the custom-made design of the program, the teachers will be able to infuse their pedagogy within the technological framework and not the other way round. This way, the challenges in the classroom will be overcome more quickly while supported by modern education technology. Lastly, this program opens up a world of possibilities for further research within the educational sphere. Based on the success stories of this program, Google and its partners will be able to focus on the development of a teacher-training program in a much larger scale for the future that includes the entire country in the coming years. Enabling the teachers to focus on equipping themselves with the resources of the modern age, this program brings the opportunity towards further networking and knowledge-sharing possibilities among the teaching community. DLP is thus a program of the future that aims to bridge the gap between traditional pedagogy and advancements in technology for education. Read Also : Things To Consider Before Finalizing An Online Barber Training School The Importance Of Writing Business Reports In College 5 Questions To Ask Yourself While Finalizing An E-Learning Platform For Quality Education

Children are Citizens: What are the Civil Rights of Children in Public Schools?

In the United States, children are given many of the same protections as are adults, namely, the right to equal protection. Simply put, children are entitled to the same treatment under the law regardless of race, gender, disability, or religion. Children also have the right to a safe environment, good nutrition, healthcare, and education. But when it comes to that last one, education, the rights of minors differ from those of adults. It's critical for parents and educators to understand the civil rights of children in the U.S public education system. Federal vs. State: In the U.S., the federal law governing education is limited. The Tenth Amendment provides that state and local governments decide most education policies. Parents can't assume the federal government will protect children in the public school system. You can find state-specific information here. However, there are basic rights provided to all public school children. Free Education: Every child in the U.S. has the right to free, public school education. Parents and guardians should take a look at their state, district, and school policies. They'll want to find out exactly what is free and what they'll have to pay for. For example, a school can charge students for lunch, athletic equipment, and field trips. Protection from Discrimination: The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal treatment to all, including public school students. Schools can't discriminate against a student because of their gender, sexual orientation, home country, financial status or disability. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that male and female students are treated the same in school programs and activities that receive federal funding. Title IX also applies to higher education, career training and education for pregnant students. Students who've had children are protected too. Title IX covers employment and math and science education. Sexual harassment, standardized testing and technology are also included. Parents and guardians who feel their student is being discriminated against can contact the ACLU for help. Safety in School: Civil rights laws are in place to protect students from bullying at all public schools. Teachers and other students can't harass someone because of their race or national origin. Gender, disability, ethnic background, and religion are also protected. School safety has been in the spotlight a lot, especially after the shootings at Sandy Hook and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Schools have come up with safety plans, required active shooter drills and in some cases, even allowed teachers to carry guns. In the 2015–16 school year, 94 percent of public schools said they controlled access to school buildings. They did so by locking or monitoring doors during school hours. If your child is injured at school due to negligence, you'll want more info on your rights and possible compensation. Freedom of Speech and Religion: Public school students have a limited right to free speech. They're often encouraged to speak their mind and share their opinions. But schools can limit the student's right to free speech if they feel it might hurt other students. Students keep their First Amendment right to freedom of speech, as long as they don't disrupt the educational process. Public school students also have the right to pray and take religious material to school. They also have the right to wear religious clothing like a hijab or yarmulke. Students' rights in public schools also include the right to talk about their faith. They're allowed to organize a religious club and miss school for religious holidays. It's illegal for any school or employee to push a particular religion on students. They can't encourage students to join a religious organization. And, they can't discriminate against students who don't practice any religion. Homeschooling: Some parents would rather keep their children out of the public school system entirely. Federal law protects their right to teach their children at home. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Every state has its own regulations that parents have to follow. You can look up state-specific laws here. Civil Rights of Children Include the Right to Privacy: Federal and state governments often gather information about students for research and education-related purposes. Students might be asked to fill out surveys that ask about their alcohol or drug use, their home life, their diet, and their mental health status. Public school students have the right to opt-out of these questionnaires without fear of reprisals. It's illegal to penalize children for refusing to take the surveys. Protection for Students with Special Needs: Federal law gives every student who qualifies an individually-designed instruction program for free. Parents can ask to have their student professionally evaluated. That way, they'll know exactly what the student's academic and social needs are. Qualified students may learn in a regular classroom and get help from a specialist. Or, they could study in a smaller group of students. These kids might need individual or small-group instruction. A student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Section 504 provide a road map for schools that are teaching students with learning and emotional disabilities. It covers mental and physical disabilities, too. Parents who understand their student's IEP can better support their child at home, just as teachers will better understand their condition. Opting out of Sex Education and HIV/AIDS Prevention: Some parents don’t want schools to teach their students about sexual health. They may not want their student to learn about HIV and AIDS prevention in school, either. Students can opt-out of these lessons if their parents request an exemption in writing. Free Education for Immigrants: Children of immigrants have the right to free public school education in the U.S. They have the right to go to school without worrying about deportation or discrimination. Their parents don't have to show a green card, a visa, a passport or an alien registration number to enroll their children. Wrapping It Up: Children under the age of 18 are still developing physically and mentally, and they aren't given all the same rights as adults. Children can't vote, own property or agree to medical treatment. But the U.S. Constitution does protect the civil rights of children by saying they're entitled to a safe environment, good nutrition, healthcare, and education. For more information about the importance of education and its role in the success of our children in the global economy, please visit us! Read Also: How Stress During Studies Can Affect The Health Of Your Children? The Essential Reasons Why Modular Classrooms May Be Your Best Option

A Guaranteed Approach to Raising a Little Genius

There are many forms of success: social happiness, financial success, work success, being loved, and satisfied with life, but one thing is certain – all parents want their kids to achieve success. In order for our children to achieve this bliss in life, they need to be smart. And like many children, there are, there as many ways of being smart, but parents can be the essential factor in raising a little genius. So, if you are seeking ways of ensuring a great life for your child, you need to seek ways of challenging their brain. Raising an Open Mind In order to become smart children need to learn and experience new things. Keeping an open mind about the world allows them to intake new knowledge which increases their intelligence and overall capacities. From an early age, allow your kids to discover the world around them, and take in everything. Raising an open-minded and tolerant child will ultimately result in familiarity with learning, where children are not afraid to experience new and interesting things. Catering to Your Child’s Unique Learning Style Each child also learns its own way, and there are three main learning methods: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Each targets a different sensory system and finding your child’s main preference, as well as refining all three ensures a smart and individualized approach to learning. Creative arts and crafts projects, pictures, and coloring all tend to the needs of a visual learner. image source: unsplash.com Reading out loud, repetition, speaking out information out loud, or learning through song can be a sure-fire way to satisfy the auditory preferences. On the other hand, dancing, learning through movement, or as part of a game can improve their kinesthetic learning. A Fun Approach to Learning Using play as a way to teach kids has enormous potential of developing a healthy attitude towards learning. Young kids use playing games and toys as a way to make sense of the world and is therefore only natural to use it to improve their intellect. Toys play a major impact on skill development and problem-solving games like puzzles and Lego’s target logical thinking, problem-solving skills, but also improves creativity. On the other hand, kids adore their video games, and incorporating math, language, and science by providing free video games to kids, such as Poptropica, can improve their skills, and overall cognitive stage development. The Value of Reading Incorporating reading into your child’s upbringing, not only expands existing mental abilities but also teaches them to make it part of their lives. During the early years, reading to children stimulates their language acquisition, and positively affect their imagination and creativity. Later, when kids learn to read, and reading becomes a habit, and providing them the best children’s books is a must. image source: pixabay.com By reading people are able to use their senses and emotions, in order to understand the material. This, in turn, sparks imagination, inspiring and motivating children to create stories, as a way to resolve problems and accept any challenge that comes their way. Increasing a Brain’s Physical Properties Since a healthy mind requires a healthy body and brain food to grow and expand, kids need exercise and diet that can make them smarter. Eating regularly and incorporating Omega-3 essential fats into their diet, helps increase brain mass, improving synaptic connections. This is seen through heightened concentration and ability to intake information. On the other hand, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can increase lung capacity and regulate healthy sleep patterns. That also allows brain matter to store data and increase thinking rate. In the end, it is important to remember that all kids have the ability to become smart, but in order to create a little genius, kids need a little nudge. By providing them with a healthy environment in which they can grow, you, the parent, are helping them raise their intellect, and ultimately paving their path to success.

Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Web Marketers