When you have a question and need an answer, you probably go to the internet to seek out information – and legal consumers are doing the same thing. How can your law firm be the helpful and trusted resource that answers their questions and provides the information and support they need? This is where the utility and importance of FAQ pages come into play.
Legal consumers who are facing divorce, criminal charges, or injuries after a car accident are often desperate for answers that speak to their specific situation. They’re seeking validation that they’re not alone and reassurance that their legal matter can be resolved. Dedicating a page on your website to thoughtful and purposeful FAQs gives legal consumers a place to turn to when they’re in need and looking for support.
How FAQ pages benefit law firms
For your law firm, the benefits of an effective FAQ page are two-fold. FAQs provide legal consumers in need an easy and immediate way to access answers to their burning legal questions while positively impacting your firm. Let’s look at how.
FAQs are a time saver
Frequently asked questions shift the responsibility of answering legal consumers’ questions from you and your firm’s staff to your website. Rather than being peppered with calls and emails about basic questions, FAQs give legal consumers access to helpful and sound information without having to rely on a response from someone at your law firm.
FAQs position you as the expert
Well-crafted FAQs provide a platform for you to showcase your expertise. For example, say you’re a personal injury attorney in Minnesota. Answering questions like “what damages can I recover for a personal injury case in Minnesota?” and “what is the statute of limitations in Minnesota for a personal injury case?” help highlight you as a leader in your respective practice area.
FAQs improve SEO
Not only do legal consumers in need find FAQ pages helpful, but so do search engines. FAQs that discuss specific legal issues signal to search engines that your website is a good resource for information on that topic. This means that search engines are more likely to serve up your website when a legal consumer asks a question that your site answers.
FAQs build trust
Providing FAQs on your website is a great way to establish trust with readers from the very beginning. When done well, FAQs can demonstrate your empathy and that you understand the challenges your clients are facing.
Additionally, FAQs are a good place to include more general information and details about legal fees and a nod to the value clients receive when they hire your firm. Being upfront about your fee structure or initial consultation information can help set the stage for what can sometimes be an uncomfortable conversation about your legal fees.
Best practices for FAQ pages
At the center of all great FAQ pages is authenticity and value. Think of your law firm’s page as a helpful guide for people who need information. They may not be ready to contact an attorney right away, but they may wonder if your firm is worth calling.
FAQs are not the proper place to pitch how great your firm is, but they are an excellent place to demonstrate your law firm’s legal chops and value. As you’re writing FAQs, keep the following tips in mind.
Get in the heads of prospective clients
The most important part of any FAQ page is providing answers to questions that prospective clients are likely to ask. Go through your firm’s emails and contact forms to see what common questions rise to the top. Understanding what considerations prospective clients have before hiring an attorney is a crucial first step towards success.
Stay focused
Don’t try to do too much with your FAQ page or you’ll lose potential clients. Instead, focus on answering a handful of questions well and stick to those subjects. Group the top questions your firm receives accordingly, making the page easy to navigate and read. Also, remember that this is not the platform for marketing messages. The last thing someone wants to read is an FAQ page that only praises your law firm.
Be authentic
The purpose of a FAQ page is to provide helpful information, so write with legal consumers in mind. Using a conversational tone and showing empathy can help a legal consumer feel more comfortable and secure and build the foundation for a trusting client-attorney relationship.
Include a call to action
If FAQs provide the perfect platform to offer helpful answers, a strong call to action (CTA) convinces a prospective client to contact your law firm. Make sure your CTA prompts and encourages communication for those who need help navigating and resolving a legal matter.
Need help creating a professional website and FAQ page? Contact FindLaw today.