Web site Design

Legal Web Site Design

Ten years ago, the typical person opened the Yellow Pages to find legal help. Today, most prospects go online. From their perspective, your Web site is your law firm — their first, most lasting impression of who you are, what sets you apart and how well you can meet their needs.

Legal Web site design is crucial to communicating the right messages. An easy-to-use site with a strong, unique personality can instantly set your law firm apart.

Why is that important? On the Internet, your window of opportunity is small. You have just seconds to persuade a potential client to stay on your site and delve deeper. Your message must be clear and memorable.

Well-designed lawyer Web sites that stand out have several key elements in common:

They convey what makes your law firm unique.

Online, being all things to all people is a great way to reach no one. Effective attorney Web design zeroes in on the attributes that set the attorney apart, and communicates that unique identity through visuals, words, and how the site is organized.

Focus on your unique areas of legal expertise. Choose images that reflect your specialties and the geographic area you serve. Reinforce those messages in headlines and other prominent blocks of copy. And think in terms of your prospect’s expectations. While an aggressive tone and bold colors can work for a criminal law firm, for example, visitors to a family law site may be swayed by a softer approach. 

They answer a potential client’s questions about your law firm.

Make it simple for your potential clients. The average visitor to your site wants answers to a few basic questions. A well-designed legal marketing site clearly communicates up front:

• Where your law firm is located. 
• Who you are and what distinguishes your firm. 
• Why the potential client should hire you rather than the attorney down the street.
• What special areas of expertise — such as Spanish-speaking lawyers — you offer.
• Answers to frequently-asked questions.

And don’t forget to include a basic, but absolutely critical, piece of information: How (and when) a potential client can contact you for more information. 

They convey the lawyer’s unique personality.

You’re selling yourself. Don’t be afraid to add personal touches such as your photo to your Web site. If you purchase a template site, “un-templatize” it as much as possible with logos, photos and other content unique to your law firm’s brand.

A FindLaw FirmSite^® delivers dynamic design and compelling content that set your law firm apart from other lawyers and communicate your unique identity. 

They’re easy to use.

Fancy multimedia graphics and video don’t necessarily make for an enjoyable user experience. Keep your site straightforward and easy to explore, even for less Web-savvy prospects. Can a visitor navigate your site effortlessly without clicking the “Back” button, for example?

They’re consistent with the law firm’s other marketing materials.

While the Web is growing (fast) in importance as a legal marketing tool, your law firm’s Web site shouldn’t stand alone. Convey a consistent message to prospects — through the words, images and colors you choose — across all your marketing materials, from online to print to broadcast and beyond. If a potential client sees your name in a print ad, then visits your online site, the experience should be seamless.

Go to www.findlawdesign for more information on legal Web site design and how FindLaw creates successful attorney Web sites that are easy to use, reflect your image and attract more clients for your law firm.