In order to keep up with the growing trends and advances in technology, there will always be a need for website redesign. There are thousands of individuals and agencies available to develop or redesign websites, but how will you know if their work is up to par? Fortunately, there are a number of things that can indicate whether the developer did an excellent job.
One of the most important goals of web design is to connect the user with your law firm. While it may be true that powerful graphics will attract individuals who are looking for assistance, it is equally important for your website to have useful content for someone seeking information.
An experienced website designer also understands how a search engine highlights websites that match a search request. In the past few years, there have been search engine updates and algorithm changes that have forced website developers to get creative in working to have a law firm or individual be one of the first websites highlighted in a search engine. In addition to this, a law firm website needs to highlight the various communities that the firm serves — this will help with local search rankings and help you connect with the right population.
You have probably seen many websites that look dated — some like they are straight out of the ’90s. Did you end up using the services that were offered from that website? Probably not. Modern web design is absolutely imperative in this day and age.
That being said, functionality and user experience are just as important. If your law firm website does not serve a purpose, then what’s the point? The user needs to be able to find the right information quickly. A simple layout can be a great starting point but, especially when it comes to law firm websites, sometimes less is better.
• Phone numbers and email addresses
• The focus of the firm (family practice, personal injury, etc.)
• Information on available attorneys
• Business hours
• The location of one or more law offices
We live in a day where more people are using mobile devices than desktop computers, so it is also absolutely necessary that a web developer understands how to create responsive websites. These can be viewed correctly without disruption at all screen resolutions, from a 60-inch monitor to a cell phone. If not designed properly, you can lose the user from your site and potentially their business.
Website developers also need to be well versed with website marketing and optimization. If they do not add the correct tags, headings, files and other optimizations, your website will be buried by your competitors. With the amount of marketing companies out there, it is necessary to have a well optimized site.
Practically anyone can build a website with the right tools and a drag-and-drop builder. However, a good web developer will ensure that a website functions well for the user and is accessible on many devices. If a web developer follows the basic fundamentals of design and development, you will have no problem generating the solid leads that you seek.