8 Social Media Myths Law Firm Owners Still Believe (And How They’re Hurting Your Firm)

Social media isn’t a fad—it’s a critical part of how clients find and evaluate law firms today. But many law firm owners are still clinging to outdated beliefs that keep their social media presence stuck in neutral—or worse, damaging their brand. If you’re not seeing results from your firm’s social strategy, chances are you’re falling for at least one social media myth.

Let’s break down the most common social media myths law firm owners still believe and how these misconceptions could be hurting your firm more than you realize.

Social Media Myth #1: “Our Clients Don’t Use Social Media to Find a Lawyer”

One of the most common myths among law firm owners is that social media isn’t a place where people go to find legal help—especially for serious matters like divorce or child custody.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

Potential clients absolutely use social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok to research and hire attorneys. Many turn to social media before they ever pick up the phone. If your firm isn’t showing up in their feed or your page is outdated, you’re missing out on key visibility and trust-building opportunities.

How to fix it:

• Regularly post helpful, relevant content tailored to your audience (e.g., “What to Expect in a Child Custody Evaluation”).
• Highlight testimonials and success stories.
• Use video content to introduce your attorneys and build rapport.

Social Media Myth #2: “Posting Once a Week Is Enough”

Many law firm owners think posting occasionally is better than nothing. But inconsistent posting is the equivalent of showing up late to court—you’re not making the impression you think you are.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

Social media algorithms reward consistency. Posting sporadically means fewer people see your content, and those who do might assume your firm isn’t active or reliable.

How to fix it:

• Create a content calendar and aim for at least 3–4 posts per week.
• Mix up your content: client FAQs, interactive polls, blog snippets, and behind-the-scenes firm culture. 
• Use scheduling tools like Meta Business Suite or Hubspot to plan ahead.

Social Media Myth #3: “Social Media Is Just for Branding, Not Leads”

This social media myth leads many law firm owners to underestimate the real business impact of a strategic online presence.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

Social media can—and should—generate leads. When used effectively, it not only turns followers into booked consultations but also drives traffic to your website, which can improve your search engine rankings over time. Consistent engagement, link clicks, and content shares all signal relevance to search engines, helping your firm show up more often in local search results.

How to fix it:

• Include clear CTAs in your posts (e.g., “Book a free consultation,” “Download our free eBook”).
• Run targeted Meta ads to drive traffic to your lead generation pages.
• Use lead forms directly on Facebook or Instagram to capture interest.
• Share blogs and service pages regularly to boost SEO visibility through backlinks and increased web traffic.

Social Media Myth #4: “My Competitors Aren’t Posting—So Why Should I?”

Some law firm owners assume that because other firms in their area aren’t active on social media, they don’t need to be either.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

Your competitors might not be showing up online—but that’s a huge opportunity for you to stand out. The bar is low, and clients do notice firms that educate, show up consistently, and make it easy to get in touch.

How to fix it:

• Audit your competitors’ social presence and identify gaps you can fill.
• Position your firm as the go-to authority in your region with educational, accessible content.
• Focus on areas where your competitors are absent—like Instagram Reels or TikTok tips.

Social Media Myth #5: “Professionalism Means Being Boring”

Law firm owners often confuse professionalism with being cold, distant, or overly formal online. This social media myth leads to content that feels stiff and forgettable.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

Today’s clients want to work with lawyers they trust and feel connected to. If your content lacks personality, people may scroll past—even if your credentials are impressive.

How to fix it:

• Show the human side of your firm: attorney highlight reels, team events, community involvement.
• Use plain language and avoid legal jargon when explaining complex topics.
• Feature real people—your team, not just logos and stock photos.

Social Media Myth #6: “I Don’t Have Time for Social Media”

This is perhaps the most understandable social media myth, but it’s still one of the most damaging. Many law firm owners are already stretched thin, so social media ends up on the back burner—or never gets started.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

An inactive or nonexistent social presence creates the impression that your firm is out of touch or unresponsive. You might be the best lawyer in town, but if no one sees you, you’re invisible.

How to fix it:

• Delegate social media to a trusted agency or in-house marketing coordinator.
• Repurpose existing content like blogs into posts, Reels, or FAQs.
• Use tools and templates to streamline the process and save time.

Social Media Myth #7: “I Need to Be on Every Platform”

Some law firm owners feel pressure to show up everywhere—LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Youtube—from day one. But trying to manage too many platforms at once often leads to burnout and inconsistent messaging.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

You don’t need to be on every platform right away. In fact, starting small and focusing on the platforms where your ideal clients are most active is a smarter strategy. A strong, consistent presence on one or two key channels is far more effective than spreading yourself thin. Once you build confidence and see results, you can always expand your reach from there.

How to fix it:

• Focus on the platforms that align with your audience (e.g., Facebook and Instagram for family law firms).
• Build a solid presence before expanding to new platforms.
• Track what’s working and double down on high-performing content.

Social Media Myth #8: “If I Post Something, People Will See It”

Unfortunately, this social media myth sets many law firm owners up for disappointment. Organic reach is limited—and without engagement or promotion, your content may go unnoticed.

Why it’s hurting your firm:

Low-performing posts can make you feel like social media “doesn’t work,” causing you to give up before it pays off.

How to fix it:

• Encourage engagement by asking questions or prompting comments.
• Boost high-performing posts with a small ad budget.
• Use hashtags and geotags to increase reach.

Stop Letting Social Media Myths Hold Your Firm Back

Believing a social media myth isn’t just harmless—it’s costing your firm the visibility, trust, and leads you should be generating online. Whether you’re a solo family law attorney or managing a full team, how you show up on social media shapes how clients perceive you—and whether they choose you.

At US Legal Marketing Group, we help law firm owners break free from outdated strategies and start using social media to drive real results. From custom content calendars and ad campaigns to thumb-stopping Reels and profile optimization, we’ll take social off your plate and turn it into a powerful growth tool for your firm.

Ready to turn your social presence into a steady stream of new clients? Contact us today and let’s build a strategy that actually works.