Social media, such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, can be valuable business tools. Here are five quick tips on how to build an effective online profile.

2. Add a link: Every Twitter profile can display one link to a website, blog or any URL. If you don't have a blog or website, link your LinkedIn or Facebook profile.

3. Interesting bio: Your bio needs to be believable but not boring. If you're in M&A, for example, what sets you apart? Why should people follow or add you to their contacts over any other Twitter or LinkedIn user?

4. Word selection matters: Every word in your bio is searchable. Think very carefully about the words you use. At the same time, don't stay strictly professional. People don't want to hire just a lawyer - they want to hire a person. Use words that show what you do and what you're passionate about and it will lead you to lucrative relationships.

5. A high page rank on Google will not bring you more clients: People don't choose lawyers based on search engine rankings. They choose lawyers based on experience and area of expertise as well as relationships. That is the real value of social media - it adds relationship-building to the website equation. Search engine optimisation is just another tool to bring traffic to your website, but it won't get you anywhere if your profile is not ready to engage potential clients the moment they arrive.

Source: Social Media for Lawyers: Twitter Edition by Adrian Dayton

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