Your website is one of the most important lead generating tools available. In fact, in today’s Internet-driven world, hardly anything is more effective than a professional website—billboards, directories, TV ads, and newspapers included. This is because no matter what you sell or offer, more and more people are going online to find it.
In the short-term, old fashioned word of mouth might get you a few clients. But it won’t get you far when competing in broader markets. Even if you consider your firm’s reach to be local, you are still going to need a great website since everyone, even small town American, is using the Internet to find businesses, especially good law firm websites. Furthermore, by having a solid web presence, you can expand your firm and influence into new markets and bring in more clients.
BE INFORMATIVE
A good law firm website must be informative. People want to know you are professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. If you have expertise in different areas or types of the law, be sure that you state this. Web design for a lawyer should include areas of expertise for individual partners as well, allowing clients to see which lawyer at your firm could most help with their needs.
People do not want to choose a law firm that does not specialize in their needs. This is especially true in sensitive criminal or family law situations. Specific, informative pages are a great way to make sure your site visitors can get the information that they need. Be certain to minimize legalese, jargon, or fluff that may confuse a potential client. While you may get a phone call, clients will see right through these claims, hindering your opportunity to represent them.
If you are writing your own content or copy, be sure that it is well researched and correct. If you are having your text drafted by someone else, look over it to confirm that it corresponds to the mission of your firm. Remember that good information can help you build trust online.
BE EASY TO USE
It is vital that your law firm website is easy to use. Many people who are looking for lawyers online know little about advanced Internet technologies. If they're in possible legal trouble, they are already frustrated, scared, or even angry. Don't make their frustrations worse! Make sure that your law firm's site is a piece of the solution, not part of the problem.
If your website is difficult to use or frustrating, you will turn away a prospective client. In this regard, your website is often your first point of contact with a new client. Failure on the Internet can tell a person that your firm may fail them down the road. Make the most out of the situation and have a website that is easy-to-use. If your website is pleasure to explore, clients will assume that your law services are as well, making them more likely to choose your firm.
GET