About this interview
Brendan Kelso (founder of Legalsites) was recently interviewed by Dan Stein from Startup Thread about the story of Legalsites.
Here it is!
The Interview
Dan Stein from Startup Thread: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us. To start, I am sure our readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What is your background?
Sure thing! Thanks for the opportunity.
My name is Brendan Kelso.
Born in Newcastle NSW Australia.
I founded Legalsites in 2019.
Besides work, I’m a massive music nerd (search ‘Brendan Hamilton’).
I’m also obsessed with my dog (Wesley). He’s a very handsome Labrador. And I love
swimming laps. Keeps me sane!
Dan: Tell us about your business. What do you do, and what is your startup’s origin story?
Legalsites is a highly specialised law firm marketing agency in Australia.
Services include web design, SEO, Google Ads, copywriting, blogging, marketing advice,
consulting, email marketing and more.
When people ask me what we do,I say, ‘We create websites for law firms and help them get
clients online, mostly through Google’.
Long story short, I founded Legalsites after graduating from Uni in 2019.
Bachelor of Communication and Laws (with honours).
I was pretty sure I didn’t want to be a lawyer. Mostly because of the lifestyle (e.g. working in
an office for someone else, climbing the ladder and trading my time for money).
While I don’t believe in ‘passive income’, I definitely believe in leveraging your time. I think
everything requires some level of effort. And running my own business seemed like a good
way to explore that.
I already ran a successful wedding DJ business (Advantage DJs). I’d taught myself web
design, SEO and other marketing skills. Being an entrepreneur fascinated me.
I did some research on how I could combine my skills, passions and education. And that’s how Legalsites was created.
Dan: What’s unique about your company? What are the key differentiators between you and other players?
Legal-specific marketing. This is important for a few reasons.
First, law firms can get in trouble if their marketing doesn’t meet the relevant guidelines.
(e.g. see Rule 36 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules
2015).
Second, law firm marketing requires a specific approach. Copywriting, design, strategy, etc. It’s different to most industries. Many agencies just don’t have the experience and skills to
achieve this. In fact, lawyers often say to me ‘we had a different agency, but they didn’t seem
to really understand what we do.
I’m also a law grad. I really give a shit about my clients. No long-term contracts. Great communication. Last time I checked, we also have the most 5-star Google reviews for a law firm marketing agency in Australia.
Dan: Can you take us through a typical day in your life?
I’m a morning person.
So it usually starts around 5 to 6am.
Coffee, then straight to work.
I’ll usually find the time to walk my dog, go for a swim and try to live a balanced life.
Dan: What are some of the critical steps you have taken to grow your business?
Asking for feedback.
Recurring monthly revenue (e.g. website hosting, SEO, Google Ads management, etc). We’re
not just a transactional web design business.
Really giving a shit about the success of my clients. Checking in with them. It’s amazing
what a regular phone call will do.
Dan: What has been the most challenging part of growing your company?
Definitely finding great people to work for us.
This is such a specific skill. And I have a very high standard.
Dan: What are your best sales and marketing tips?
Get invested in the success of others.
Be consistent.
And communicate clearly. If people don’t know what to do, they will often do nothing (e.g.
ensure your proposals are well-written).
Dan: Do you have a book, podcast, or YouTube channel you recommend to other entrepreneurs?
Can I recommend my podcast? It’s called ‘Better Law Firm Marketing’.
It’s also on all good podcast platforms.
Otherwise, I think the Millionaire Fastlane is a highly underrated book.
Dan: If you could go back in time to the day you founded your company, what advice would you give yourself?
You’re on the right track.
Be kind to yourself and enjoy it.