How does your firm’s website stack up against the competition? When’s the last time you refreshed your site?
I look at a lot of law firm websites. In fact, I researched all of the US big law firm’s website’s for a project last year, and many of them didn’t cut it in my books (I’m sure some have improved since then). There are certain features all websites should have to keep your viewers engaged and interested. Dion Algeri of Great Jakes talks about the Ping-Pong Effect and this is what you don’t want when it comes to website design. The Ping-Pong Effect is when viewers are bounced all over a website in search of the content they want. The website isn’t easy to navigate and valuable website viewers leave not finding the information they want. Here are some tips on how to fix up your website:
1.) Your attorney bios must be one click away from the home page. Back in 2010, Great Jakes did a study on how much website traffic goes to attorney bio pages and it was 56% (and I’m sure that number has risen). Take a look at your Google Analytics and see for yourself. Make it easy for your website viewers to find who they’re looking for. It shouldn’t take more than one click to find an attorney on your site.
2.) Your contact information should be available on every page of your website. As soon as a potential client decides they want to contact you, make it as easy as possible. Have your phone number and email address in an easy-to-see location so they don’t have to go searching for it. Don’t just have it on a contact-me page. You’ll thank me later for this.
3.) Make it easy for your viewers to follow your social media accounts. Many law firms are guilty of putting their social media accounts in the footer of their websites. It makes me think they’re embarrassed that they tweet or post on Facebook. It’s even funnier when they make their social buttons blend into the background. Put your social buttons on the home page of your website at the very least and put them at the top of your website.
4.) Your website must be easy to navigate. Create strong headlines and relevant sub-headlines.
5.) Your content must be professional, correct and fresh. This goes for all the content on your website including attorney bios. All of the content should flow in style and should be written by one person or team. There are many different schools of thought when it comes to updating content but make sure you keep things fresh. Update your blog often.
There are many more required features of law firm websites but these five are my personal favorites. Follow the Great Jakes Blog and the Attorney Sync Blog for great information on website design and strategy. Take a look at some of the best law firm website designs for inspiration. Do you have any tips to add? Any great websites you want to share? Feel free to share them in the comments below. If you want more information on how I can help you with your legal website, contact me at samanthataracollier@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Samantha Collier
Social Media Strategist
www.SocialMediaforLawFirms.com
