Budget Season Is Here: Don’t Forget Marketing

As the year winds down and you begin planning budgets for next year, one line item often overlooked—or underestimated—is marketing. Yet, whether your law firm has been consistently marketing or hasn’t done much at all, now is the perfect time to think strategically about how you’ll grow your visibility and reach in the coming year.

Why Marketing Belongs in Your Budget

Marketing is an investment, not a luxury. A strong marketing plan builds your brand, strengthens your reputation, brings in new clients, and deepens relationships with existing ones. Like any investment, it works best when it’s intentional and planned. By budgeting now, you’re not scrambling midyear to figure out how to fund a website redesign or launch a new campaign.

And if you’ve had a particularly strong year, this is also the ideal time to reinvest some of that success into strategies that will sustain and grow your business in the future.

Ideas for Firms Not Doing Enough Marketing

If your marketing efforts have been minimal or inconsistent, here are some high-impact ways to start:

• Build or Update Your Website: Your website is often the first impression potential clients get. An outdated site sends the wrong message. Budget for a redesign that’s mobile-friendly, SEO-optimized, and client-focused.

• Professional Photography: Quality up-to-date photos of your team and office create trust and connection. Consider new headshots or updated visuals that reflect your firm’s personality.

• Email Campaigns: Plan a monthly email newsletter or client update series to stay top-of-mind and demonstrate your expertise.

• Social Media Presence: Create and schedule consistent, professional posts that position your firm as a thought leader. Even modest investment here can pay off significantly.

Ideas for Firms Already Marketing but Ready to Level Up

If you’re already doing some marketing, think about how you can enhance or expand those efforts:

• Video Marketing: Add client education videos, attorney introductions, or FAQ explainers to your website and social media channels.

• Content Strategy: Develop a steady blog schedule, white papers, or lead magnets that demonstrate your expertise and attract new clients.

• Digital Advertising: Consider targeted Google Ads or social media ads to increase visibility with the right audiences.

• Brand Refresh: A subtle update to your logo, messaging, or visuals can breathe new life into your brand and attract attention.

Spend Now, Benefit Later

If 2025 has been a strong year for your firm, consider using some of that revenue before year-end to make strategic marketing investments. Doing so may have tax advantages and set you up for even greater success next year.

For example:

• Pay for a website redesign now so it launches early in 2026.

• Prepay for a year of professional social media management or email marketing support.

• Schedule a professional photo or video shoot before year’s end.

• Commission branded materials like brochures, presentations, or client guides that will support business development in 2026.

Marketing is one of the few areas where the more intentionally you plan and invest, the more exponential your return. As you finalize your budgets, make sure marketing isn’t an afterthought. It’s the bridge between the great work you do and the clients who need to know about it.

Let us know how we can help.