10 Features Every Law Firm Website Needs
by Abdul Aziz Mondal Small Business Published on: 20 April 2018 Last Updated on: 08 November 2024
Here’s a question to chew on: how important do you think websites are to businesses? If your answer ranges in the “not very much” to “very little” response, you’re mistaken.
How can customers find you online without one? Sure, there’s social media but to build credibility, you need a fully-functional site.
If not, not only can you not build trust but you’ll lose out on business. That’s money technically walking out the door because people will go to competitors with websites.
It’s a harsh reality but don’t fret. That’s why we’ll go over the vital features needed for your law firm website.
Let’s get into it!
1. Responsiveness :
No one likes a long load time. That time spent waiting on your site to load matters.
Web pages should appear on the user’s screen within two to three seconds. This way, visitors looking for information will find it quickly.
2. Mobile Friendliness :
When you think about it, people spend more time on their phones than actual computers. Today, technology is a part of our lives more than ever before.
With that said, that’s why your site needs to be optimized for mobile. Smaller screens mean no wall of text. Images should load quickly and be of smaller size.
It should be able to be accessed from computers, smartphones, and tablets. If visitors can’t access your site on multiple types of devices, you can kiss their business goodbye.
3. Accessible Contact Page :
Having visitors find a contact page shouldn’t be a game of hide and seek. Having a button that leads to your contact information should be clearly visible on the site’s navigation menu.
Take Savage Villoch Law for example. They take it a step further by not only placing their contact page in their menu but also a phone number at the top of the homepage.
The more visible and accessible you can make your contact information, the better. Don’t be surprised if you get more leads because of it.
4. Profiles for Attorneys :
Let your visitors and potential clients get to know your firm a bit better. One way to do that is to include attorney profiles.
What’s needed are professional headshots, what area they specialize in, experience, and education. It gives visitors a quick snippet of how those you have on board can help them.
5. Testimonials :
Nothing builds trust more than testimonials. Knowing what good things your past clients are saying about you is something to use to your advantage.
Get permission to post their reviews that way others can see how great your firm is. It may even inspire someone to reach out with questions. And who knows, they may become your new client!
But don’t forget about third-party sites like Yelp. Users are allowed to post their thoughts without fear of the company taking it down.
If you do happen to get a bad review, you (as a company) are encouraged to respond. Remember to be polite and don’t add fuel to the fire. The last thing you want potential clients to see is you arguing with someone.
6. Make Your Law Firm Website Easy to Understand :
While you have an understanding of the law, your future clients most likely don’t. That said, make sure you furnish your site with text that’s easy to read and comprehend.
Talking in a professional tone is great but adding big words for the sake of doing so will turn away visitors. Getting an attorney can be intimidating enough for them. But being relatable and talking to them makes all the difference.
7. Have a Clear Call to Action :
Just because visitors land on a law firm website doesn’t mean they know what to do next. That’s where a call to action comes into play.
You need to guide them to the next step. A tried-and-true CTA often leads to a contact page. But you can also have them go to another page on your site.
8. Blog :
A blog that’s kept up to date with new and relevant information is good SEO practice. This will ensure your law firm website is seen by those searching for attorneys in your area of expertise.
Having a blog not only provides valuable information to readers but also establishes your authority. The more you keep your audience informed, the better they’ll see you fit for the job.
9. Use Actual Photos :
People can suss out stock photos like a bomb-sniffing dog. They know those overly-retouched, overly-happy people don’t work for you.
Instead, give them glimpses into what an everyday office visit is like. Show the friendly faces that actually work for you.
And don’t think you have to hire a professional photographer to get great images. All that’s needed is either a point and shoot camera or your smartphone. Upload them to your law firm website so visitors can see how you conduct business.
If you’re daring, film a video explaining what potential clients can expect. It’ll set you apart from your competitors.
10. Include Multiple Languages if Necessary :
If your firm practices an area that abides to technically everyone (like injury) then allowing visitors another language option other than English is necessary. Then you’ll be able to connect with them on another level.
They’ll find it helpful and that’s another client for your roster.
If you’re undecided on which languages you should include, Spanish is often expected from potential clients. Unless your website is incapable of translating multiple languages then make sure to include which attorneys speak more than one language.
Wrapping Up :
Having a website is often time a client’s first impression of you. To make sure it’s a good one, including these features.
Brush up on your technical skills by checking out our technology category today!
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