There are numerous aspects of a law firm's website. The components of a website vary depending on its intended purpose. Modern websites are extensible and can be integrated with a myriad of themes, plugins, and third-party applications. A good law firm website should serve a law firm's needs and serve as a multi-faceted tool for law firm marketing. Through a well-designed website, lawyers can generate needs, automate appointment bookings, and enable clients to pay online. Websites also allow lawyers to automate the testimonials and review the acquisition process. Below are some of the best tips and practices for law firm websites:
1. Mobile-Friendly Website
Smartphones and mobile devices make 54% of the total browser usage worldwide, which explains why a law firm’s website should be designed for mobile devices. In terms of user experience, mobile phones are more difficult to optimize. The way a website appears on a desktop computer is not the same way it will appear on a mobile device. The aim should be to keep web visitors engaged on a website that loads fast on mobile devices.
2. Show Your Achievements
It’s advisable to set a place on your website to showcase your law firm’s work and results. Showcasing past achievements helps build trust and credibility. A website should list a law firm’s outcomes for clients. For maximum impact, consider posting around one to two dozen case results. By posting many case results on your website, you increase the likelihood of a client finding case results that are relevant to their unique situation.
3. Include Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and client testimonials are a common component of any great law firm's website. There are many sources of reviews, including Google, Facebook, Avvo, and BBB. Clients could also write reviews and email them to your law firm. Post the reviews on your website regardless of their source. Reviews and testimonials serve as powerful social proof, helping clients trust your law firm.
4. Publishing Helpful and Relevant Content
The content on a law firm's website should be relevant; it should include a lawyer bio, the practice area, contact details, and the about us page. Other contents that could be added to a website include legal news, help docs, and blog content. A website should be complete with an FAQ, videos, and an appointment booking system.
5. The Area of Specialization Should Be Clear
Many lawyers and their website marketers have learned that a website should bring out an lawyer’s area of specialization. When clients visit a law firm’s website, they often have one question in mind: can this law firm help me? A website should answer this question as quickly as possible to prevent the client from clicking the back button and hiring another lawyer. A website should convey what makes one the right lawyer for the job. A large headline should appear at the front and center of the homepage outlining the practice area. The headline must speak to clients in a language that resonates with their legal challenges. In addition to the practice area, the headline could also include the area served.
6. Enhance a Website’s Accessibility
Website designs are opinionated and follow a set of principles and conventions. However, some people who visit your website might not have perfect eyesight to see all the links and images on the site. Installing plugins on a website provides a simple solution. Plugins allow users to change the text size, contrast, and font height, among other features.
7. Include Contact Info and Calls-to-Action on All Pages
People have different needs when it comes to contacting a law firm for the first time. While some people prefer to call a law firm, others may consider texting or writing an email. A website should have several ways for clients to get in touch with the law firm. The popular communication methods include text message, click-to-call, contact form, live chat, and email link.
8. Do Not Overlook Website Security
The majority of law firm's websites have an SSL certificate, but some do not. It is mandatory to install an SSL certificate if your website uses contact forms or has live chats. SSL encrypts all the information shared between the law firm’s web hosting server and the visitor’s browser. Malicious third parties and hackers could intercept messages without this encryption layer.
Other tips and best practices for law firm website and successful law firm marketing are:
• Using professional photos
• Performing basic SEO tasks
• Creating a blog to generate more content
• Using a content management system
• Adding your firm’s website to online profiles
Visit
https://dnovogroup.com/law-firm-marketing/ to learn more on best practices and guidelines for law firm websites.