It’s no longer an option for law firms to have websites: Law firm websites are the primary means for new clients to find them, and 70% of law firms have reported that they’ve gotten new cases through their website.
Having a website isn’t enough, though. To attract new web users and turn them into new clients, law firm websites need to be well-designed, have the right content, and be optimized for SEO.
This may sound daunting, but remember that investing in your website will pay off, and it’s not as hard as it seems. Read on for three tips for law firm websites to attract new clients.
Focus on Web Design
Your home page should be easy to look at, and easy to use. Take a look at this family law litigation site–it’s sleek and easy to navigate because links are provided across the top, and it loads very quickly.
Designs like this can be found easily with WordPress templates. If you want to create your own site, remember to use readable fonts, uniform and consistent colors, and high-quality photos.
Keeping your design simple will not only help your clients navigate your site better, but it will make sure they don’t click off before they even get started due to a slow load time.
Remember: 47% of web users want a page to load in two seconds or less. Anything longer greatly increases your risk of them clicking off or going to a competitor.
This means your design should be conducive to a quick loading time. Simplify your site’s design and use an online tool to check your site speed.
Content Is King for Law Firm Websites
While design and user experience will get potential new clients to click on and read law firm websites, the content should be your primary focus. Design will bring people to your page, but it should only be pointing to good content.
Your home page should include your phone number, a description of what type of services you offer, and an email address.
From there, you need to rope in new clients by emphasizing your experience and what you can offer that no one else can.
Include client testimonials, certifications, attorney profiles, a well-written and informative blog, and easy-to-find information on how to get a free consultation.
The contact information is key: this is what turns web users into clients, so your phone number and email address should appear clearly on each page.
Don’t Forget SEO
When deciding how to rank law firm websites among search results, Google will look at measures that reflect user experience, including site speed, time spent on the site, and mobile compatibility.
That means if you want potential new clients to be able to find your site through Google, then you have to focus on these measures. Luckily, if you make sure your web design and content are top-notch, the analytics that reflect user experience will improve, and so will your SEO.
Remember to make sure your website is mobile compatible: mobile and tablet usage surpassed desktop usage in 2016, so if your website isn’t compatible with any device, you’re losing out on some business. Your website will also take a hit in its SEO.
In short, web design and SEO go hand-in-hand. Potential new clients will be able to find you if your SEO is good, and your SEO will improve when they stay on your site longer due to a better user experience.
What changes have you made to your web presence so far to help boost your clientele? Do you have tips for improving law firm websites? Let us know in the comments.
