As a new firm, you may think that it will be easier to find clients than it actually is. Just by telling people that you’ve opened your firm, networking at a function, or creating some physical marketing materials, you may think that clients will start coming to your door eager for your legal expertise. After all, word-of-mouth advertising worked for many businesses in the past. Why wouldn’t it work for you today?
Unfortunately, it isn’t always that easy to get a new law firm off the ground. You’ll need a website to help you become successful and reach the people who are trying to reach a firm like yours.
3 Reasons Your Law Firm Needs a Website
You’ll soon notice that your competition has done more than simply hung their shingle. Successful firms understand the importance of utilizing digital marketing — 74% of people start searching for a lawyer online.
1. Create a Great First Impression
The legal profession is highly competitive. There are dozens of law firms that are fighting for business from the same clients you are in the same area you are. For this reason, you need to stand out from your competition by making a great first impression.
Whether a potential client is referred to you by word of mouth or remembers your law firm’s name from somewhere else, the first thing they’ll probably do is check out your website. Initially, they may be looking for your phone number, but they’ll also be checking out the rest of your website as they do so. Regardless of how much time they spend there, you’ll want to be sure to create a great first impression.
To do so, you’ll need a website that’s appealing, clear, and reflective of the areas of law in which your firm specializes. Ensuring that your website has all of these qualities will help create a feeling of trust and credibility in your firm.
At the same time, it’s equally essential for your website to be engaging. For instance, you may want to include a newsletter or mailing list to which your visitors can subscribe. Doing so won’t only provide them with additional important information, but it’ll also help you stay at the forefront of their mind when they need legal representation.
2. Have a Platform on which to Share Legal Knowledge
Websites provide you with the ideal space to share information (e.g., articles or videos about current legal questions or issues) with your visitors. Sharing this information will establish you as an expert in your field. It also helps you create a voice for your firm by showing your visitors the areas of law you specialize in and establishing you as an authority in your field.
A Word About Brand Awareness
Regardless of your practice’s goal or mission statement, it’s important to let people who require your services know that you exist. This information is something that’s best shared through an efficient and engaging website.
Make sure that your website quickly conveys relevant information in a convenient way. Don’t make potential clients guess about your firm. Make sure your site is easy to navigate and demonstrates exactly what you do to anyone who lands on your homepage.
3. Be Able to Reach New Clients
Your office hours are limited. When you have a website in place, you’re open for business 24/7/365, which means that when someone needs you, you’ll be there for them. Having your contact information available for potential clients to contact you at their convenience means your doors are never closed.
To make your website more accessible, you may want to incorporate a live chat feature. You can also provide forms for your potential clients to fill out when convenient for them to do so. Prominently displaying your email address on your website is also beneficial. Each of these methods ensures that no hour is too unreasonable for someone to reach out to you, and it gives your visitors options to contact you when and how it works for them.
How to Create a Website for Your Law Firm
A powerful law firm website does much more than list your firm’s contact information alongside basic content. Don’t be afraid to translate your core values, mission, and overall culture into a compelling digital experience. Prospective clients are looking for answers to their questions and a sense that your firm can solve their problems.
Your culture is a major deciding factor in how they evaluate your offering. Let your firm’s unique story, team, and goals shine through your website — and watch your conversion rate improve.
For expert website design and development from an agency devoted to law firm website design, contact KangoMedia. We’re here to help your firm connect with your target clients through modern, responsive law firm website design, tailored content, and calls to action that convert.