Law firm websites work best when they balance form with function. An attractive, contemporary appearance is critical to ensure that visitors don’t leave two seconds after they land on your website. But the site has to meet performance standards also. That includes navigation around the site, engagement on an intellectual and emotional level, and design, including but certainly not limited to the logo, that reflects the firm’s identity. What else makes for a well-designed website?
Graphic details that make you, well, you. When we start working with a law firm, it’s our job to learn as much as we can about the firm, from the color preferences of the firm leadership to the atmosphere of the office reception area. Our goal is to take your law firm and translate it into an online presence. Sometimes we may surprise you with elements that you didn’t even know were part of your firm. It’s our job to distill the essence of your law firm. A big part of that is figuring out what makes your firm different from any other firm in your market.
Navigation that works for your visitors. Notice the “for your visitors” phrase. We have clients who spend a lot of time on their websites while we are in the design stage, and they don’t realize that after three visits, navigation to any website is a snap. It’s the ease of use for the first time visitor that is so important to building a level of comfort between your firm and your clients. For some practices, this means oversized fonts, or the ability to switch to and from “normal” fonts and larger fonts for older clients with vision issues.
Building trust and deepening relationships with prospects and clients. This is a key part of a website’s performance. Visitors to your website need to come away from their visit with a strong sense of comfort and the feeling that you will be able to take care of their problems and not become a source of problems for them. That means all of your links are working and there are no dead ends. The fonts are easy to read, and not too small. The site doesn’t take too long to load, whether they are opening it on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone. In short, there should be nothing on your website that causes anyone any degree of frustration. After all, if your website is difficult, then your firm may be difficult too.
Is your website in need of a design update or overhaul? You know how important it can be for a will to be updated. We can tell you if your website needs a design update or if it’s time for a complete overhaul. Not sure? Submit a support ticket and we’ll give you our honest opinion.