“The future of the net is not websites and traditional SEO.” You treat these as static concepts. A blog is just an evolution of a website. What is now called “inbound marketing” contains many of the elements of “traditional” SEO (if there ever was such a thing).

There are always people that are behind the curve. I’m not saying that we should go back to brochure (Web 1.0) websites, keyword stuffing, and directory submissions. But SEO isn’t dead and won’t ever die. It just evolves. There will always be a need for getting your content in front of people who are looking for it.

I don’t want to downplay the importance of networking. I just see it as subordinate (and related) to the primary goals of (a) being found by potential clients and (b) letting potential clients know that you can solve their problem. If a website accomplishes these two goals more efficiently than a blog (or other social medium), and if the firm can only devote resources to one medium, then I say go for the website (even if it doesn’t position you as a thought leader, build long-term relationships, or yield word-of-mouth referrals). It’s all about finding the right fit for that particular practice.
I recently posted..Website vs. Blog: Which is Better for Attorneys?

I am saying 1) when it comes to the net, focus on the foundation of business development, which in the case of lawyers is relationships and reputation and, 2) when it comes to the net focus on the future not the status quo.

The future of the net is not websites and traditional SEO. It’s networking through the various mediums now at a lawyers disposal. Mediums uniquely suited for business development because they focus on networking to build relationships and a strong word of mouth reputation.

Historically, Barnes & Noble bookstores solds lots of books and Blockbuster stores rented lots of videos. Spending money on building more stores and advertising buys to get people in was what those companies wanted and received only a few years ago.

In the case of Yellow Page companies, sales people sold to me as a trial lawyer for two decades. No question they had compelling case studies.

These companies are now finding out that playing to history, and even the status quo, is not always in their best interest.

I’d also loop the clients or prospective clients into the discussion. This discussion which has been hashed out extensively many times over always takes place between lawyers and marketers. No one ever bothers asking the clients what they think and how particular clients or categories of clients look for lawyers.