Some Tips to Ensure that Your Firm’s Website Will Get the Job Done
As an increasing number of potential clients turn to the internet in search of a lawyer, it's essential that a firm's website is also a reflection of the quality service that they provide, because in many instances, the website may be the only opportunity to impress potential clients.
Your website is your shopfront
Let's just say that you were browsing around in your local shopping district and encountered a store that didn't have an attractive shopfront. Nor did anything appear to be functioning when looking inside. Now take another moment to imagine what you thought of a website that was akin to the shabby store. Did you explore the site further? Chances are you'll probably overlook both the store and website. Therefore, if your website isn't welcoming, your firm may be losing precious business.
Do a stocktake of your website
It's not enough anymore for lawyers to have an online presence because search engines such as Google don't reward sites that merely exist. As a result, embarking on a regular 'stocktake' of your website is essential.
- It's all about appearances. Ensure that the layout of all pages is uniform and work in unison with the rest of the site. Text that doesn't flow correctly or missing images can be a turn-off for potential clients.
- No broken links. Links that aren't working, pointing to missing pages, or one that leads a potential client to a dead end, may annoy your visitors. Consider how frustrating it may be that the person has engaged with your website by following a link - that leads to nowhere. Not only will broken links not do your lead generation efforts any favours, but it may have an impact on search engines as well.
- Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date. Are the phones falling silent? Has foot traffic to your firm dropped off for no sound reason? If your firm has recently switched locations or phone numbers, and the change is not reflected on your website, then your firm is obviously not making it easy for potential clients to find you. Therefore, it's essential that all of the important contact details are up-to-date on your website.
- Take the embarrassment out of your website. So you have a link to an "articles" section, yet, there is nothing there. Or, you have included push buttons to your firm's Facebook or Twitter page, yet, the last time there was any action on either account was when the Tasmanian tiger was roaming around the planet. Needless to say, anything that may suggest to your potential clients that your firm may no longer be in business - may be bad for business.
- Keep your website relevant. Although it's important to keep your firm's website well maintained, it's also important that content such as blog posts, articles and news related to the firm is consistently updated. Fresh content suggests to potential clients that your firm is engaged, while also keeping your website visible on search engines.
As more people use the internet to contact a lawyer, merely having a website is no longer enough because for many firms, their website is the one and only opportunity to draw in potential clients. Therefore, it's essential that your "shopfront" is always looking its best.
For your website and online needs, please contact the FindLaw/Firmsite today and our friendly team will help you get started with your online initiative.
