For a small but growing number of lawyers, sophisticated social media marketing is the heart of their business development strategy.

"As [social media] platforms have emerged, I've tried to claim that online real estate," says Daliah Saper of Chicago-based Saper Law, who focuses on intellectual property, social media, entertainment, and business law, and who started online marketing in the early days of the web.

"Traditionally, law firms would send out a newsletter or try to attract clients," she said. But social media requires an always-on approach to engaging would-be clients. "I try to be top of mind depending on platforms, posting something about the practice or disseminating news on a daily basis."

So how are savvy attorneys and law firms using social media to connect with clients? Is Google Plus worth your time? (Surprisingly, yes.) Old-school blogging? (Ditto.) What, if anything, should you do about Avvo? And how can you put the social media triumvirate of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to use in your marketing?

Along with Saper, Chicago lawyer and frequent CLE presenter Sarah Toney and other sophisticated social-media users offer advice for stepping up your game in the January Illinois Bar Journal.

Clio, an ISBA Marketplace Vendor, is hosting a free webinar titled "Law Firms in the Social Age" on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. Central. Click here to find out more and register.