How Long Do You Wait Before Your Legal Marketing Contract Is Up To Consider Alternatives?

When it comes to marketing your law firm, your contract with your legal marketing agency should be more than just a formality; it’s an essential partnership. You pay for a certain service, and you expect them to deliver.

But what happens if that current marketing strategy is not working for your firm?

If you’re starting to wonder whether your current agency meets your needs, it might be time to consider alternatives.

Legal marketing isn’t static. It requires constant adjustment, analysis, and growth. Remember that not all agencies deliver the same results. If you are not happy, it could be time to move on. So, when should you think about switching?

As the Sales Development Representative for GAVL, I hear all sorts of stories about legal marketing firms that fall short of expectations. Let’s look at when you should search for a new agency and a few signs that it is time to make the switch.

When Is the Time to Change Your Strategy and Agency?

Staying competitive in the legal field demands marketing solutions that consistently deliver results. If your current marketing contract is nearing its end, it may be time to assess whether your firm’s needs are still being met. But how soon should you start considering alternatives?

Think of it like preparing for a big case. You wouldn’t wait until the last minute to gather evidence and build your argument. The same goes for evaluating your marketing partner.

Starting three to six months before your contract expires gives you time to assess what is working, what is failing, and whether another agency might be a better fit. This way, you can make a confident, well-informed decision without feeling rushed.

Don’t forget to review your contract terms. No one likes unpleasant surprises, especially when it comes to contracts. Take a moment to review the fine print, including notice periods and cancellation clauses.

Many contracts require 30 to 60 days’ notice before termination. You will want to avoid being locked into another term or scrambling at the last minute by checking these details early.

Now that we have a general timeline, when is the best time to make a change?

If you’re on the fence about sticking with your current agency or making a switch, let’s take a look at some reasons that it might be time to start thinking about your options before your contract expires.

Is It Time to Change Your Marketing Strategy?

When you sign a contract with a legal marketing agency, you’re expecting results. Otherwise, why would you spend money on these services?

If you’re not seeing an increase in leads, online visibility, or website conversions, it’s time for a serious conversation.

Marketing isn’t just about checking off boxes, it needs to make a measurable impact. If your agency hasn’t been able to deliver that, consider whether they understand your firm’s needs.

Do you need to go in another direction? Here are a few reasons why you may want to change your law firm’s marketing agency.

You’re Not Seeing a Return on Investment

Marketing your firm is an investment, and you want it to pay off. It could be time to reassess if you’re spending money on marketing services but are not getting new clients or cases. A reputable agency should help you track your ROI so you can see that your marketing dollars are being used to their full potential.

You’re Not Keeping Up with Your Competitors

The legal industry is fiercely competitive. But if your competitors consistently rank much higher than you on search engines or have a far stronger presence on social media, it might be time to think about making a change.

Seeing growth is key. While you shouldn’t expect huge ranking jumps overnight for keywords that are among the hardest to rank for in your field, you should see steady growth over time and upward movement regarding your organic web traffic and overall number of keywords you’re ranking for.

Your legal marketing agency should use a combination of SEO and a solid digital strategy so you can see this growth and understand why you’re seeing the movements (or lack thereof) that you are. Marketing for law firms requires a special set of skills, not just basic knowledge of the latest techniques. This is why it is important to find a marketing company that understands the legal industry and specializes in law firm SEO.

Your Content Isn’t Engaging Your Audience

Anyone can fill a blog with words, but do those pieces connect with potential clients?

Content is your opportunity to build trust, establish authority, and connect with potential clients. You might miss valuable opportunities when your current marketing partner is not producing high-quality, engaging content.

Plus, content is more than the written word. Video production for law firms allows you to take your marketing to the next level. Not only can potential clients see you, but this puts you as a thought leader in your field. It’s another avenue to connect with your audience.

If your marketing agency is stuck in the past and reliant on “in-the-box-solutions,” it might be time for someone else to take over.

Whether blogs, social media posts, or videos, your content needs to reach the right people. It may be time for a change if your current legal marketing team cannot achieve those goals.

Your Marketing Needs Are Changing

As your firm grows, so do your marketing needs. Maybe you have expanded into new practice areas or opened a new office. That means you might have to pivot your strategy. When your marketing agency cannot scale with you, it could hinder your growth.

You need a firm that has a marketing plan that can adapt as your firm evolves. From redesigning your website to expanding your content strategy, these steps help your firm grow and thrive no matter where you are on your journey.

You Feel Out of the Loop

Transparency is key. Your agency should provide regular updates, track performance, and communicate about your campaigns. Getting radio silence is a sign it is time to look for a new partner. You should always be informed and involved in your marketing strategy. When you reach out to your agency, if they don’t respond in a timely manner, that lack of responsiveness is a major red flag.

At GAVL, we pride ourselves on keeping you in the loop every step of the way. We provide detailed reports, open communication, and ongoing support to make sure that our marketing efforts continue to align with your goals.

Is It Time to Explore New Alternatives?

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it might be time to consider a change. And yes, you may want to consider your options before your contract is even up.

The legal marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and your firm needs an agency that can stay ahead of the curve. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make a change.

At GAVL, our team works with you to identify the issues holding your firm back from reaching its full potential. You deserve an agency that focuses on delivering results that matter to your practice. Whether you need SEO, web design, or video production, we bring in the clients that you need to grow your firm.

Contact us to learn how we can elevate your legal marketing.