Law Firm Websites 101: The Basics of Name, Design and Content
Many firms have websites, and chances are if you're reading this blog post you're probably technically savvy enough to have one for your firm. If you don't, welcome to the 21st century (where the hell have you been?), and get thee to a web designer.
In the first of a two-part post on law firm websites 101, here is a synopsis of our best posts on the subject. The FindLaw team has done some great work on describing why your firm needs a website, and what needs to go into a law firm website. We're listing our best content on the basic concepts of creating a law firm website from domain names, content, design, all the way through creating a mobile site.
Basic Considerations
In this post we discuss the basics of designing a website like choosing a domain name, server space, and platform.
Design Tips
Let's run through how you can give an already existing website a facelift. Don't skip this information if you're creating a new website, because the points here are equally valid for new sites. For more on branding, this article has some great points on website content and aesthetics. On the flip side, read this article listing what not to have on your website.
Online Bio
You want to instill a feeling of trust among prospective clients and one of the ways to do this is by having a carefully crafted professional bio.
Proper Headshot
First impressions are everything so when it comes to your professional headshot, take a look at these tips.
Traffic Generating Content
Your website should be more than a mere business listing with contact information. This article has great tips on creating traffic generating content such as uploading court documents, legal forms and aggregating news on your specific areas of practice and interest.
Blogging
With all the things you have to do, is there enough time for blogging? Considering it's a great way to generate traffic (which can translate to clients), you may want to consider it. Here we discuss things to consider and things to avoid when writing blog posts.
Going Mobile
The concept of a mobile site may be a bit advanced if you're just getting started, but considering the amount of people who have mobile phones, this will be a future necessity. Creating a mobile version of your website will streamline how your site looks on a mobile device and make it much easier to use.
Later in the week we'll take a look at SEO -- that's search engine optimization for you newbies -- and how you can translate search to new clients.
Editor's Note: If you don't have time or the skills to do this yourself, you could always take a look at FindLaw's services. It is after all, what we do best. Other than writing great blogs, that is.
Related Resources:
- 5 Cheap (or Free) Ways to Market Your Legal Practice (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
- Law Firm Branding: Know Your Target Audience and Adjust (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
- Business Plan 101: Why You Need One, What's In It (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
