Law

Designing a Law Firm Website: This is What You Need to Know

When creating a website for a law firm, it needs to meet certain criteria to actually bring in more clients. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between too much and too little when it comes to digital marketing.

Continue reading to learn how to create the greatest law firm website for you.

Designing a Law Firm Website

Here are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to designing a successful website for your law firm. Think of it as your checklist for success.

Market Your Firm’s Brand

Make it personal. If your brand isn’t front and center from the moment they land on your home page, your potential clients won’t be as likely to be memorable. They won’t feel drawn back to your website once they’ve clicked off of it.

Your law firm website needs to stick out from the rest; it needs to be the best.

A unique and personalized URL can help you do this.

Mobile-Friendliness & Accessibility

A lot of quick searches are done on a mobile device, so it would make sense for your website to be formatted for a small smartphone or tablet screen. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that people with disabilities (visual and hearing) might be searching for your services. If they come across your law firm website and can’t access the information, they might be forced to find a resource that is more accommodating to their needs.

Visually Pleasing to the Eye

There are so many things that you can do to draw clients to use your services after looking at your website:

• A clean, professional design
• A CTA with your contact information in multiple places
• White space! Too many words on one page make it hard to read and put off the reader almost immediately
• Multiple, captivating headers and subheaders to break up the words when you have to have a lot of them on one page

Make sure that whatever theme you use for your website coordinates with the law firm’s brand.

Easy Navigation

It’s pertinent to use everything you’ve learned so far and then apply them to this step:

• Home page: this page 
• About: accomplishments and testimonials can be mentioned here
• Bio: give a short description of the lawyers that work for the firm
• Services: list the types of cases that are worked by the law firm
• Contact: even though the contact information should be in many places, make sure there is a separate contact page that a potential client can click directly on if they are in a hurry

To get the best law firm website, you’ve got to make sure you have these pages available for your potential clients.

How Does All of This Help You?

If you are wondering how to improve conversions on your law firm site, look no further. All of these things help with bringing traffic to your website. It helps you rank higher in search engines. 

What Are You Waiting For?

Using these tips, you’ll have the greatest law firm website in no time!

If you found this post helpful, check out our related articles below.

6 Amazing Digital Marketing Strategies Law Firms Should Consider

We’ve all seen those corny ads for law firms on city buses, daytime TV shows, park benches, you name it. Those ads may have a time and a place if they fit with your brand. In 2020, though, you’re missing out if you don’t take advantage of the digital ecosystem, too.

The problem is that you’re a lawyer, not a marketer. How do you know where to start?

Fortunately, plenty of folks have faced this issue before you and have discovered the top types of online marketing for law firms.

1. Writing Blogs

How many times have you Googled a question about something in the past day? Probably several times, and so have your future clients.

People are always searching for advice and information, so writing blogs with your legal expertise is the best way to reach them.

The key is to focus on informing your audience, not selling to them. This article from Burman Law is perfect—it answers a key question many of their clients have, rather than spending 1000 words patting themselves on the back.

People will find your blogs because they’re searching for that topic or question. When they do find your content, they get to know you as a reliable legal expert. The next time they need a lawyer, who better to call than the one who has already proven themselves to be knowledgeable and helpful?

On top of this, blogging is one of the best things you can do for your search engine optimization or SEO. Your site will be full of relevant content about popular keywords, so you’ll land at the top of search results.

2. Getting onto Online Directories

Your own site shouldn’t be the only way clients can find you online. There are plenty of directories out there dedicated to helping people find lawyers. Are you on them?

There are two categories of directories you want: legal directories and local directories.

Search for as many of these directories as you can find. If you find any sites that don’t list you, submit your profile to the site.

When you find directories that already list you, check out your profile. You want it to be complete and robust. It should have a photo if the directory has this option.

Beyond the photo, make sure all your information is up-to-date. Be sure to include a list of your legal specialties so you show up in the right searches.

3. Going Social

Social media marketing isn’t just for brands selling eyeshadow palettes. It’s a critical strategy for law firms as well.

As with your blogs, your social media posts need to focus on informing the public rather than selling yourself. People are tired of blatant advertising and may react negatively.

Post all of your blogs, videos, and other content on your social media pages. Focus on trending legal topics and give your expert opinion about high-profile questions.

Don’t forget to interact, too. Comment on other posts with your legal expertise. For instance, local news outlets’ posts tend to be popular, and your expert opinion will be welcome.

4. Giving Your Site an Audit

Having a website is rule #1 for digital marketing, but is yours up to snuff? When was the last time you gave it a checkup? Do you know what to look for?

Start by checking how well your site is optimized for search engines. An SEO checklist of the essentials is an easy place to begin.

Your site also needs to perform in certain ways to get strong results. It needs to be mobile-friendly, and ideally, it should be responsive. This makes it easier for mobile users, and Google penalizes sites that aren’t mobile-friendly in their SEO rankings.

Don’t forget to check your site’s loading time. Users have little patience for sites that load slowly, so it will lose traffic for you.

Finally, aesthetics play a part too. Your site’s design needs to display your brand while having an updated look. If your site looks outdated, users will assume that your legal knowledge is outdated, too.

5. Video Marketing

Videos are engaging, easy for anyone to explore, and well-optimized for SEO. If you aren’t using all that to your advantage, you should be.

Start producing videos on a regular basis, at least weekly. They don’t need to be expensive, just quick videos of you giving your expert take on a trending legal topic.

Post your videos on YouTube first and foremost. From there, you can share them on social media, embed them on certain pages of your site, and more.

Be sure to mix up the formats of your videos, though. Some can be straightforward “talking head” videos of you, but add some interview videos, demonstrations, live videos, and so on.

6. Paying for Clicks

Many businesses expect that they can get to the top of search engine results pages with organic SEO alone. While that isn’t impossible, it can be far more difficult to catch your competition than you expect.

To put your results into hyperdrive, try pay-per-click ads or PPC ads. These are the ads that show up at the top of Google’s results pages, looking like organic results.

With these ads, you set a specific budget and you choose which types of users to target based on location and the keywords they’re searching for.

Keep in mind that successful PPC ads aren’t just about pumping in as much money as you can. It takes strategy to determine the best keywords to target, how to further customize your audience, and how to compel users to click through.

Getting Serious About Online Marketing for Law Firms

Some law firms make the mistake of assuming that if they do good work, recommendations will bring in all the clients they could want. That isn’t a safe gamble to bet your business on anymore.

In this digital age, many people don’t bother to ask anyone for recommendations before they hit the internet and search for themselves. That’s why it’s so critical for you to have an online presence.

These strategies for online marketing for law firms will help you jumpstart that process. For more tips about content marketing and other ways to spread your message online, check out more articles on our blog.

3 Little-Known Law Firm Marketing Tips to Promote Your Practice’s Website

A recent report found that 99% of businesses plan to increase their online marketing spend in 2019.

If you own a law firm, this statistic might apply to you, and you may be on the lookout for methods that’ll bring some attention to your firm.  

But with so many options on offer, which one should you go for? Should you spend money on AdWords? Maybe you should work with a web development company? 

This post will highlight three marketing tips that’ll help raise the profile of your law firm. If you want your law firm to be a market leader, these suggestions should help you reach that goal. 

Let’s begin!

1. AdWords

AdWords is a common marketing method used by many law firms, and this is because the approach works well, and it works quickly.

Essentially, AdWords allows you to promote your law firm, whenever someone types a particular keyword into Google.

When selecting a keyword, it’s a good idea to be as precise as possible.

So, you want to avoid generic keywords such as ‘law firm.’ Rather, you want to target specific keywords such as ‘personal injury lawyer in Colorado.’ 

By targeting specific keywords, you ensure that your ads are shown to the right people. This then improves the ROI of your campaigns and helps limit wasted ad spend. 

2. Facebook Advertising

Facebook advertising is different from AdWords, in that you’re not targeting people based on Google searches.

Instead, you’re just defining an audience and then displaying ads to this audience when they’re visiting Facebook.

For instance, you might create an ad campaign that allows you to target business owners that are 35 years old, and live in New York. This campaign might then promote some kind of legal service designed for business owners.

3. Give Your Website an Upgrade

Your website will play a significant role when it comes to your overall marketing strategy. After all, if someone comes across one of your ads, they’ll probably check out your website, before they give you a call.

If your website looks outdated, you should think about giving it a new look, and you can do this by hiring a web development agency.

Before working with an agency, it can be a good idea to find websites that appeal to you. The agency can then use these websites to inspire the design of your site. 

Ideally, you want to find websites that are related to your niche.

So, if you’re personal injury lawyer, search for websites that belong to other personal injury lawyers. Taking this step will make it easier for the agency to create something suitable for your law firm.

Will You Use These Marketing Tips?

The marketing tips covered in this post have the power to transform your law firm.

That said, if you don’t know much about marketing, acting on them can be a challenge. Because of this, you might want to hire a marketing agency to help you implement the tactics we’ve covered.  

If you can, find an agency that caters specifically to law firms. In doing so, you should be able to achieve faster results, as the agency will already know how to deal with your industry. 

Did you like this post? If you did, please read some of the other posts on the site!

Does Your Law Firm Website Follow These 4 Best Practices?

Your website is often the very first interaction that a potential customer has with your business. 

As a law firm, you want to ensure that your website design shows a sense of authority and professionalism. Of course, you also want to ensure you rank high in the search engine results and that people stay on your website for as long as possible. 

The best website design practices can make that happen. 

Read on to learn the basics of what makes for superior law firm web design. 

1. Speed Matters

More than 40% of consumers say they’ll click away from a website that takes more than three seconds to load. 

That’s why a fast-loading website is at the top of our law web design tips. 

We suggest decreasing image sizes, enabling browser caching and file compression, and using a content distribution network to speed up loading time. You may also consider switching to a dedicated hosting server is your site has seen a major increase in traffic recently. 

2. Mobile-Friendliness is Essential

Roughly 2/3 of Americans say they use mobile devices to get online, and that they usually use mobile devices in lieu of desktop computers. 

One of the most important aspects of web design for law firms is to make certain your website is mobile-friendly. 

This means making buttons and font large, getting rid of pop-ups and autoplay features, and even considering creating a completely mobile version of your website. 

3. Make Scheduling/Billing Simple

Your clients don’t want to have to waste their time combing through your website trying to find out how to pay their bills online or how to book a consultation with your firm. 

Your law firm web design should include chatbots that act as digital customer service representatives. These bots can help customers know which services to book, guide them through the online bill payment process, and even make appointments for them. 

Include online forms so customers can come completely prepared for your appointments, and allow them to see your availability on your website. 

4. Hire Professional Design Services

SEO experts at GLM Designs explain that lawyers need a professional, well thought out website that sets them apart from their competition and attracts new clients.

In most cases, website design for law firms isn’t something you have the time or expertise to handle on your own. 

Hire a professional team that specializes in law firm websites. This way, you’ll get the best of both worlds when it comes to your site’s overall design and SEO optimization.

What Else Should Strong Law Firm Web Design Include?

Of course, these tips are just the foundation of excellent law firm web design. 

You’ll also need to consider how you organize your internal pages and blog posts, where to place your social media icons, and how to guide visitors through your natural sales funnel. 

Looking for more tips and tricks on how to outrank your competitors and increase conversions? 

Keep checking back in with our blog to make sure you’re up-to-date on all the latest web design trends. 

SEO for Law Firms: 5 Brilliant Tips to Get Your Law Firm on the Google Front Page

The demand for legal services in the United States is strong. In fact, the nation is expected to add 65,000 new lawyers in the next seven years. While legal professionals are in demand, there is also a fierce competition to attract new clients.

One of the most effective resources to draw new business is Google. This leaves many legal executives wondering how to get the firm’s website on a Google search’s first page.

Read on to learn more about SEO for law firms. SEO is a certain way to drive web traffic and grow your customer base.

1. Start a Blog

The first step to boosting web traffic is starting a legal blog. For starters, this is a place to show off your firm’s legal expertise. Here you can tackle complicated topics and give pro bono legal advice.

A legal blog is where you will execute Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies. Publishing quality content, accompanied by SEO tactics, is a certain way to attract new clients.

2. Use Targeted Keywords

The algorithms that Google uses to rank websites rely heavily on keywords. Envision a scenario in which a prospective client is searching for divorce lawyers near Los Angeles.

Google then searches the web for hyperlinks including the keyword used by the client. Each blog post or webpage on your website should strategically use targeted keywords. In this case, write a blog post about hiring the best divorce lawyers near Los Angeles.

Start off by brainstorming targeted keywords that prospective clients are likely to use. There are tools like Google Keyword Planner that will help you research effective ones. Then generously incorporate these keywords into new blog posts.

3. Authority Anchors

Becoming a legal authority in your specialized field has SEO perks. By producing quality content and building a sterling reputation, online resources are certain to link to your website.

Some refer to this as a backlink. To get the ball rolling, you can pay legal directories a small sum to backlink to your page.

Another easy way to create backlinks is by registering with the Better Business Bureau. Some find success by offering small scholarships so that colleges backlink to your website.

4. Share on Social Media

Increased web traffic has a positive impact on your Google ranking. A proven method for driving traffic to your site is sharing content on social media.

For example, prospective clients may see a preview that says GLM believes a 5X return is required to grow your business. Then, they are redirected to your website when they click on an image or hyperlink.

There are a few different social media platforms that are effective for lawyers. Facebook has the most users and is best for attracting local business.

However, Millennials and Gen Z prefer video content over written articles. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram are video-friendly.

A Recap of SEO for Law Firms

SEO is a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website. Steps like using targeted keywords are certain to improve your Google rating.

If you enjoyed this article about SEO for law firms, check out our blog for more great content.

9 Effective Ways to Promote Your Law Firm Online and Get More Clients

According to the American Bar Association, there’s a total of 1,352,027 active attorneys in the U.S. This increase is making it more and more difficult for law firms to stand out from the crowd.

Difficult, but certainly not impossible.

Here are nine effective ways you can promote your law firm online. With these tactics, you can boost your online reach, attract new clients, and build your firm despite the rise in competition.

1. Get a Mobile-Friendly Website

When potential clients are searching for law firms online, their first interaction with your company is your website.

Make sure your site is optimized for mobile as well as desktop visitors. A mobile-friendly website allows you to attract potential clients regardless of where they are. If it’s an emergency and the client checks you out from your phone, your website needs to work on their smaller screens.

Your website also ties into your other digital campaigns. If you’re trying to attract clients to your website, it needs to communicate who you are and what you do.

To promote your law firm online, make sure your website appears legit and professional.

Websites that are optimized for user experience make your information easy to find.

Remember, your website can make a strong first impression. Make sure it communicates your firm as a professional, reliable resource. This will help you stand out from all the rest.

2. Reveal Your Value

It’s not enough to just have an online presence. Many law firm websites are too vague, making it difficult for you to stand out from all the rest.

Put your firm’s value at the forefront of your marketing materials. As you work to promote your law firm online, focus on clarifying the benefits of your services.

How are you better than your competitors?

How do you help your clients and make their lives easier?

When communicating your value, get specific. Highlight your specific areas of expertise. If someone has a specific issue, they’ll want a lawyer who can help with that specific issue.

This is a good time to check out the competition. What value do they offer?

Many law firms choose generalizations such as “we care” or “we’re here to help.” 

Remember, vague values won’t help you stand out. Instead, make a specific statement about your specialty. Show clients how you can solve their legal problems to distinguish yourself from all the rest.

3. Step Up Your SEO

How are clients going to find your website if you’re one of a million firms online?

You can boost your website by using search engine optimization (SEO). A high website ranking will ensure you appear at the top of a Google search for lawyers in your area.

A higher ranking will also tell clients you’re a leader in your local industry. That increased credibility will help you stand out from the competition. The higher the ranking, the more likely you can increase website traffic, too. 

There are multiple ways you can increase your SEO website ranking.

For starters, optimize your existing content. Use keyword research to determine what people search for when they look for a local law firm. Then, use those keywords in your website content.

SEO relies on unique, regularly updated content. Try posting to your website’s blog on a regular schedule. Show clients you know what you’re talking about.

This can also improve your online credibility.

You also need external links from other credible websites to improve your ranking.

In addition to link building, you can also create custom landing pages to improve your SEO. These pages focus on a specific keyword while helping people recognize your firm’s value.

4. Push Higher with PPC 

You can also improve your online ranking by using pay-per-click ads.

In 2018, more than half of online traffic came from mobile devices. PPC ads can help you reach new clients when they’re searching for a law firm. That’s when they’re at home and on their phones, too.

These ads are exactly as they sound; you only pay when someone clicks on the ad. Like SEO, this strategy relies on keywords. However, PPC ads often display above the top SEO website results.

5. Raving Online Reputation

With online reviews, you can show interested clients your previous clients had a happy experience.

People check on online reviews before they decide to trust a company.

Ask your clients to post their reviews on your Google My Business listing. This will improve your online reputation and help you attract new customers.

6. Get Real with Videos

A landing page with a video can increase conversions by more than 80 percent.

People skim through blocks of text. Videos, on the other hand, encourage visitors to stop and watch. Use videos to convey your value and give your firm a personable, online presence. 

7. Share Insight & Experience

As you promote your law firm online, make sure you’re conveying your expertise. After all, people want to hire a lawyer who can help offer smart solutions. 

Share your insight and show clients you’re experienced. To do this, use your blog, social media posts, and other online platforms. As clients research law firms, this content will show visitors you know your stuff.

8. Stay Social

Social media gives you an opportunity to interact with potential clients.

Create a Facebook business page, Instagram account, and LinkedIn page. Having these accounts will increase your online presence. It also gives you an opportunity to show followers your insight and expertise. 

9. Improve Intake

Attracting people to your website is just the first step. Once there, you need an easy intake process to turn those visitors into leads.

Make it easy for clients to contact you. Prioritizing their user experience and convenience will encourage them to trust and work with you online.

You can also add:

• Legal document generators
• E-signature options for legal documents
• Online payments
• Online forms

These add-ons will make the process easier for you and your clients.

Promote Your Law Firm Online

With these nine methods, you can promote your law firm online and attract new clients.

Click over to our most recent posts for more effective tips and tricks.