Digital Marketing, Web Design
When it comes to hiring a web designer, many attorneys start the conversation with one question: “What do you charge?”
While pricing is undoubtedly an important factor in the decision-making process, focusing solely on cost can lead to disappointment. To ensure a successful website design project that meets your law firm’s needs, it’s crucial to ask the right questions.
Here are key areas to consider when choosing a web designer:
Understanding Your Needs
Before engaging a web designer, it’s important to clearly understand what you want to achieve. Defining your goals and knowing your audience will help you communicate your needs effectively and ensure the final product aligns with your law firm’s objectives.
Set Goals
Before you reach out to potential web designers, it’s essential to define clear goals for your website. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s lead generation, enhancing brand awareness, or educating clients, identify specific objectives to guide your discussions with designers.
Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding your ideal client is another vital aspect of website development. Tailor your website to meet their needs and preferences, focusing on design elements and content that will resonate with the audience you want to attract.
Essential Questions for Website Designers
After you’ve decided on your goals and target audience, you can begin to evaluate potential designers. Asking the right questions will help you assess their qualifications whether they can deliver a website that meets your needs, such as:
What Is Your Experience Designing Legal Websites?
When evaluating a web designer, start by reviewing their portfolio. Pay special attention to their experience with legal websites and law firm marketing. Not all designers are familiar with the unique needs of the legal industry, so ask to see examples of their work on law firm websites.
What Is Your Technical Expertise?
With up to the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, having technical knowledge of this area is non-negotiable. Ensure that the designer’s websites are responsive and accessible across all devices—mobile, tablet, and laptop.
And rather than just asking, “Do you do SEO?” have a few specific questions on the topic. Inquire about site speed, keyword use, and come prepared with the case volume and revenue targets you aim to achieve with your investment. Show that you understand what SEO is, and that a simple “Yes, we do SEO,” won’t be a satisfactory response.
How Do You Collaborate and Communicate?
Building a successful website is a collaborative effort. You understand your business and clients, while web designers understand how to visually convey your message effectively in order to provide a good user experience for your clients.
While it may be enticing to simply turn over the task, you should want a company who expects you to be part of the process. Find out what the company expects of you and your team prior to signing a contract.
Who Owns the Website When it’s Complete?
One critical question to ask is about ownership rights once the project is complete. Will you have the rights to use all components of the site?
Understanding the CMS platform being used is also essential. Open-source platforms like WordPress allow for more flexibility than proprietary tools. Read the fine print of your contract and ensure that usage rights are granted to you after you’ve fulfilled the agreement.
A few of the top-priority components you want rights to include: the domain name, the content, the HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and any designs featured on your site.
What Timeline and Expenses Can I Expect?
Setting realistic expectations for your project timeline and budget is key. Discuss how long the project will take and ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial structure.
Typically, a deposit is made to start the work, and either the balance is due upon completion, or a payment structure is implemented. Ask for details on what the financial expectations are so you can budget appropriately.
Key Considerations for Lead Generation on Your Law Firm Website
As you assess potential web designers, it’s essential to think about how the final website will function as a tool for lead generation, with elements such as:
Calls to Action
Strong calls to action (CTAs) throughout your website are essential for converting visitors into leads. They create a sense of urgency and make it clear what users should do next.
Discuss your web designer’s strategies for creating effective CTAs that resonate with your target audience.
Lead Capture Forms
Strategically placed lead capture forms can significantly enhance your site’s lead generation capabilities. Ask the designer how many forms will be included, where they will be placed, and how submissions will be routed.
Content Marketing
Content marketing is instrumental in attracting and converting leads. Your designer should be equipped to help you develop a comprehensive and accessible content strategy that complements your website design.
How to Choose the Right Web Design Partner
Selecting the right web design partner is not just about technical skills; it’s also about being on the same page about things like:
Values and Culture
Finding a web design firm that aligns with your law firm’s values and culture is essential. A shared understanding of your goals and objectives will foster a smoother collaboration.
Customer Testimonials
Don’t underestimate the power of client testimonials and case studies. Reading about the experiences of others can provide valuable insights into what you can expect from a potential web design partner.
Talk Web Design with Postali and Learn More about Our Services
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when looking to update or launch a new law firm website. Knowing the right questions to ask will ensure you choose a company that is going to fulfill your needs. Map out your goals, budget and deadline prior to your call so you are prepared to answer questions from the web company in return.
Ready to elevate your online presence? At Postali, we take pride in creating custom websites that attract and convert clients.
Contact us today to start your web design project!
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