Law Firm Internet Marketing | Website Design

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted on here. Seems like I've got a bunch of ideas and a bunch of great things to say, but I keep forgetting to write them down! Oh well, I'm here now, and I'm ready to talk about website design and your law firm.

What inspired me to write this post was something I saw on another blog, the nonbillable hour. You can click on that link to go check it out, but the gist of the post (in pictures, not in words) is that many websites are designed for the wrong audience. You see, there are things that potential clients want to see on a website and things we expect (as lawyers) should be on a website. Those two things don't always match up.

This is critical when you are designing your website. Rule number one of law firm internet marketing, even before having your site optimized for Google, is to have a site that will convert potential clients. And when I say convert I mean make them pick up the phone and call you. If they aren't doing that, it might be time for a change.

For example, some things that you might think look really cool on your site but that clients don't really care about include (and this is from the nonbillable hour post) - list of practice groups, pictures of fancy offices, and "white papers." Things people want to see include - customer service commitments, the names of staff, and how you can help them. It's pretty simple, but it's easy to get off track.

Go ahead and take a fresh look at your website. Matter of fact, have someone that isn't a lawyer take a look at your website. Ask them if what they see would make them pick up the phone. And if it wouldn't, find out what they need (to do this you are going to have to put your ego aside for a moment and make them feel comfortable telling you the truth).

I've got an old request from someone for help on their website and I've been meaning to do a full fledged critique of it for some time. That's what's coming next.