This is one of those moments where I really appreciate the opportunity to come to you and ask for some help. I was approached recently about advertising my estate planning law practice on television, using 30 second spots in which I would be the “star.” (term used very loosely).
My views about attorneys advertising on television have generally been negative: the commercials seem over-the-top, not tastefully done and actually hurt the reputation of attorneys in general. I have no desire to be part of that scene. Plus, I have never done any “mass media” advertising, all of my clients come from personal referrals at this point.
HOWEVER, the person pitching the advertising to me made a convincing argument that the ads could be: (a) done tastefully; (b) based on material I have written; (c) done for a reasonable price; (d) drive traffic to my website; and (e) in our market, I would be one of the few doing this. It was a solid enough argument that I am going to investigate it. 
I need some guidance from you about me advertising on television. Let me know your thoughts. Here are a few ideas to work with:
- What is your opinion of attorney advertising in general? How about on television?
- What are some of the things you either like or dislike about attorney advertisements on television?
- Would you consider hiring an attorney to do estate planning for you and your family based on a television commercial?
Please leave me some feedback in the comments, I would appreciate it greatly and it be helpful to me.
Generally, I have the same opinion you stated as to over the top lawyer ads. However, we are a multi-media culture. If an ad campaign could be done tastefully, I think it could be a positive for both you and and the public.
Kim:
Thank you for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! I definitely need to do a different type of ad if I do one.
Shawn
Shawn,
I think it could be a great success and also serve as a public service to remind people to make plans regardless of their current situation or perceived state of health. A lot of people think its just something for old people and young couples forget all about childcare if something happens to both of them. Also everyone has that person in the family that they would “roll over in their grave” if they knew they were getting something, friends that they would like to see get something, children not of current spouse, and have certain items they would like to see go to someone in particular (especially when its the family historian type person who has collected all kinds of things people will want shared within the next generation). Basically how estate planning is having a voice once you’re no longer there to speak on your behalf type of thing.
Patrick,
Thank you for taking the time to leave the excellent feedback, this is exactly the type of thing for which I am looking.
Shawn