How To Create a Law Firm Website: Complete Guide by TheLegalwebs.com

Having a strong online brand is essential for businesses of all kinds, including law firms. A well-designed law firm website can not only attract potential clients but also establish your credibility and showcase your expertise. If you’re looking to create a law firm website, you’re in the right place. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a professional and effective online presence for your legal services.

Creating an effective law firm website can be quite a complex and time-consuming endeavor. While it’s technically possible to handle it on your own, the reality is that lawyers usually fare much better when they partner with an experienced web developer. The expertise and guidance they bring to the table can make all the difference in establishing a polished and professional online presence for your legal practice.

If you’re determined to take the DIY route and build your own law firm website, the initial step is to map out the essential pages you’ll require. Once you’ve got your plan in place, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide to turn your ideas into a fully-fledged, live website.

What Pages Should Be On a Lawyer Website?

When creating a law firm website, it’s crucial to include pages that not only represent your practice but also cater to the needs and inquiries of potential clients. Here are the essential pages that should be on a law firm website:

Homepage
About Us
Practice Areas:
Attorney Profiles
Testimonials
Case Results
Blog/Articles
Contact Us

Homepage

Your homepage is like the virtual front door of your law firm’s website. Think of it as the first impression that you make on visitors. It’s the place where you introduce your law firm, letting people know who you are and what you stand for.

To make this introduction really stand out, it’s a good idea to include some eye-catching visuals. Pictures of your team, yourself if you’re a solo practitioner, your office, or perhaps even legal scenes can add a personal touch and make your firm feel more relatable.

But it’s not all about the visuals. You also want to convey your firm’s core values and areas of expertise in a clear and concise manner. This is where you let visitors know what you’re all about and what kinds of legal matters you specialize in.

So, in simple terms, your homepage is your chance to make a great first impression online. It’s like a friendly “hello” that invites people to learn more about your firm and what you can do for them.

About Us Page

This page offers visitors insight into the history, mission, and values of your law firm. Introduce your team members, their credentials, and a bit about their personalities to make a connection with potential clients.

Practice Area Pages

Your service and practice area pages are invaluable when it comes to conveying your legal expertise, showcasing your approach, and demonstrating how you can be of assistance to potential clients. Think of them as the last mile in your client acquisition journey, where you engage with individuals who are actively seeking legal counsel and are ready to make a decision.

For instance, imagine you’re a personal injury lawyer specializing in providing support to those who have suffered harm due to various accidents. Your service pages serve as dedicated spaces where you can delve into the specifics of each case, outlining how you can help individuals who find themselves in these challenging situations.

Here are some content suggestions for a personal injury lawyer’s service pages:

Car Accidents: Dive deep into the intricacies of car accident cases. Explain how you investigate, negotiate, and litigate on behalf of your clients. Offer insights into common issues like liability, insurance claims, and compensation.

Truck Accidents: Provide a comprehensive overview of truck accident cases, emphasizing the unique challenges they pose. Discuss factors like federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and the potential for severe injuries.

Bus Accidents: Educate visitors about the nuances of bus accident cases, highlighting the liability of bus companies and addressing the complexities of pursuing compensation for victims.

Slip and Falls: Explore premises liability cases, focusing on the responsibility of property owners, factors contributing to slip and fall incidents, and the legal remedies available to victims.

Dog Bites: Delve into the legal aspects of dog bite cases, addressing liability issues, insurance coverage, and the steps involved in seeking compensation for injuries.

Wrongful Death: Offer compassionate guidance on wrongful death cases, discussing the legal avenues available to surviving family members, such as pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

In addition to these service pages, it’s essential to consider practice area pages that cater to specific geographic regions. These pages are not only an opportunity to target valuable keyword rankings but also to connect with potential clients in a more personalized way.

For instance:

Car Accidents in Los Angeles: Tailor your content to individuals in Los Angeles seeking assistance with car accident cases. Highlight your local expertise, knowledge of the Los Angeles legal landscape, and your commitment to serving the community.

Truck Accidents in San Francisco: Emphasize your firm’s presence and your ability to handle truck accident cases in the bustling city of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.

Bus Accidents in San Diego: Speak directly to residents of San Diego who are looking for guidance on bus accident claims. Showcase your familiarity with local regulations and your accessibility to clients in the San Diego area.

These practice area pages serve a dual purpose—capturing the attention of search engines for relevant keywords and providing valuable information and assurance to potential clients. By addressing both aspects effectively, you can create a strong online presence and establish yourself as the go-to legal expert in your chosen field and region.

Attorney Profiles / Bio Pages

Showcase the talents and qualifications of your legal team. Include professional photos, bios, educational backgrounds, and areas of expertise. Personal anecdotes or interests can help humanize your attorneys.

Testimonials Page

Displaying authentic testimonials from satisfied clients is a vital way to build trust and credibility in your business. These testimonials serve as real-life endorsements of your services, assuring potential clients that you’ve successfully handled cases similar to theirs.

Remember, authenticity is crucial. Fake testimonials can harm your reputation. So, use real client experiences to showcase your success and win the trust of new clients.

Case Results Page

Highlight notable cases your firm has won or resolved. Provide a narrative that outlines the challenge, strategy, and successful outcome, demonstrating your expertise.

Blog Post/Articles Page

Legal blog isn’t just a space for articles; it’s where attorneys connect with potential clients. We know many potential clients have questions before they even think about scheduling a consultation. That’s why legal blog is here—to provide clients with answers and show you why reaching out to us is a step in the right direction.

Creating and publishing blog posts takes time, but it’s a necessary step if you want to get traffic from Google. It’s not just about writing; it’s about creating a valuable resource.

Understanding keywords makes our blogging process more efficient. Keywords help us focus on the topics and questions that matter to you, ensuring we provide the information you’re looking for.

Contact Us Page

Make it easy for visitors to reach out to your firm. Include a contact form, phone number, email address, and office address. Consider incorporating a map for directions.

Now that you’ve identified the essential pages for your website, you have a solid roadmap to begin the construction process. The following steps will walk you through the actions to be taken before launching your law firm website.

Step 1. Choose and Purchase Your Domain Name

Before you dive into building your website, you’ll need to get yourself a web address, also known as a domain name. Think of it as your online calling card for your law firm. You can snag a domain name from a variety of places on the internet, such as:

When it comes to picking a domain name, the .com ending is still the classic choice. But here’s the snag – your dream .com domain might already be claimed or come with a hefty price tag.

Let’s say your law firm has a common name, like “Miller & Associates.”

Chances are, the web address millerandassociates.com is either taken or costs a pretty penny.

If you can’t nab your first choice as a .com, don’t despair. Get creative with alternatives.

Think of something like your city’s name followed by what you specialize in, like “newyorkinjurylawyers.com” or “houstoncaraccidents.com.”

You could even play around with variations, like “millerlawteam” or “millerlegalpros.” Start by jotting down all the ideas that come to mind.

Step 2. Select Your Web Hosting Provider

Once you’ve secured your domain name, the next step is finding a suitable home for your website’s files. Think of it as renting space on the internet where all your web content will reside. This space is provided by a website hosting provider, and it’s what ensures your website is accessible to visitors.

Now, here’s a word of caution: while there are many hosting options available, it’s important to avoid dirt-cheap hosting services because they often operate on shared hosting plans. Shared hosting means your website shares server resources with many other websites, potentially impacting its performance and security.

Some reputable hosting providers that strike a balance between affordability and quality service include:

Now, let’s talk about a crucial aspect of your website’s security: the SSL certificate. This digital document is like a virtual padlock that ensures secure data transfer between your site and its visitors. It’s a valuable investment for your website, and some hosting providers even offer it for free when you sign up for their services.

So, remember, once you’ve secured your domain name, finding the right hosting provider that offers a balance between quality and affordability, and ensuring your website’s security with an SSL certificate, are the next important steps in bringing your online presence to life.

Step 3. Choose Your Content Management System (CMS)

Your Content Management System (CMS) is like the engine that powers your website, making it a breeze to maintain without the headaches of manual coding and the complexities that can come with it. With a reliable CMS, you gain the ability to create, publish, and effortlessly edit design and content elements on your website.

For lawyers, our top CMS recommendation is WordPress. Not only is the software free, but it’s also incredibly popular across the web, which means there’s a vast community of developers who are well-versed in it.

Now, let’s address a common temptation when you first contemplate building a website: the allure of “do it yourself” lawyer website builders like Wix and Squarespace. While they might seem convenient at first glance, they often lead to more trouble than they’re worth. The results can lack the professional polish your law firm deserves, and they come with technical limitations.

These DIY builders tend to offer fewer options for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and technical optimizations. They also struggle to integrate seamlessly with the tools essential for effective law firm marketing. In contrast, WordPress provides you with a broader scope of possibilities.

We highly recommend using WordPress.org and utilizing the native Gutenberg editor as your page builder. This choice ensures that your law firm’s website remains reliable and lightning-fast. The Gutenberg editor, as a page builder, offers greater stability compared to others like Elementor.

When it comes to building your website, partnering with a seasoned professional is the most effective way to maximize your time investment and achieve a beautiful, fully functional site.

When seeking the right professional for the job, consider their experience with SEO best practices and copywriting. While many web design agencies prioritize the visual aspects of the final product, it’s equally crucial that your website is built with search engine optimization in mind from the start. This strategic approach saves you from potentially having to hire a dedicated SEO expert down the road to improve your Google ranking. Begin on the right path by engaging a law firm marketing agency that possesses a strong grasp of web development and SEO.

Step 4. Choose Your Page Builder or Theme

When it comes to your CMS, especially if it doesn’t come with a built-in page builder, here’s a handy tip: consider using a page builder plugin. It can be a real time-saver as you embark on the journey of creating your website.

Now, if you’ve opted for WordPress, a page builder is a must. Unless, of course, you’re a coding wizard who enjoys writing code from scratch. But for the rest of us, a page builder is a much more user-friendly choice.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, we recommend keeping things straightforward with the native Gutenberg editor. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of page builders, versatile and reliable.

And guess what? If you’ve chosen The Legalwebs for your law firm website, we’ve got you covered with pre-constructed law firm website templates, making the process even smoother. So, whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or just starting out, building your website can be a breeze.

Step 5. Draft Your Website Design

Before you jump into the thrilling world of page building and law firm web design, here’s a valuable tip: consider creating a mockup first. It’s akin to sketching out your design ideas on paper – a practice that not only keeps your project organized but also facilitates smooth collaboration with your design team.

Most content management systems (CMSs) and page builders offer handy templates that can serve as a solid starting point. Alternatively, you can harness the creative potential of design tools like Figma to mock up the key pages of your website. Figma, in particular, is an excellent choice for:

Ensuring a seamless handover to a developer if their expertise is required.
Has a developer tools that converts design to low level styles for coding.
Effective collaboration with your team and stakeholders.
Maintaining a structured and organized design process.

Now, let’s get into what sets a remarkable law firm web design apart from the rest: user-friendliness and professionalism. To achieve these crucial qualities, keep the following in mind:

Integrate essential navigation elements like headers and footers to enhance user experience.
Ensure that your website’s design adheres to accessibility standards, making it inclusive for all visitors.
Elevate the visual appeal with captivating and original images that resonate with your target audience.
Prioritize a fast website loading time to provide a seamless and frustration-free browsing experience.
Conduct thorough testing to confirm that your site looks impeccable and functions flawlessly across various devices, from desktop computers to smartphones. You can use BrowserStack for the cross-browser testing.

If you’re collaborating with a developer, your meticulously created mockup becomes their trusted roadmap for transforming your vision into an actual attorney website. A skilled developer will diligently recreate your website, paying close attention to every pixel and detail based on the mockup’s guidance.

Step 6. Create Your Website

Now that you have your mockup in hand, it’s time to dive into the website development phase using your page builder. Even with a mockup as your blueprint, building a website often involves a few rounds of refinement and fine-tuning.

Website development is a continuous process, and this step is about creating the fundamental structure needed to launch your site successfully.

Once your site is live, you’ll find ample opportunities for further optimization. This could encompass technical enhancements to boost performance, implementing law firm SEO strategies to climb the search engine rankings, and refining your website’s content to enhance the visitor experience.

When you’ve reached a point where you’re satisfied with the launch version of your website, it’s time for one last round of quality assurance checks to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Step 7. Check that Everything Works and Go Live

Take a moment for a thorough quality check. Think of it as giving your website a final once-over to catch any glitches before it goes live. It’s a good idea to involve a few different people in this process to get a well-rounded perspective.

Here’s what you should look out for:

Double-Check Links: Make sure all the links on your website actually take you where they’re supposed to. Broken or wrong links can be frustrating for visitors.
Forms That Work: Test out any forms you have on your site. Whether it’s a contact form or a newsletter sign-up, make sure they’re working as they should.
Can Google Find You?: Ensure that search engines like Google can easily find and explore your site. This is important for making sure people can find you when they search online.
Complete Content: Take a look at all your pages to make sure they have all the right words and pictures. Incomplete pages can make your site look unprofessional.
Check on Different Devices: Open your website on different devices, like computers, phones, and tablets, to see if it looks good and works well on all of them.
Speed Test: Test how quickly your pages load. Slow-loading pages can be frustrating and might make people leave your site.
User-Friendly: Pretend you’re a visitor and browse through your website. Make sure it’s easy to use and looks nice.
Safety First: Check that your website is safe and secure for people to use. This is important for protecting their information and trust.
Mobile-Friendly: Ensure that your website works well on phones, as lots of people use their phones to browse the web.

Once you’ve gone through this checklist and made any necessary fixes, you’re ready to share your website with the world. This is when search engines like Google will start recognizing your website, which is a big step in building your online presence.

Should Lawyers Build Their Websites Themselves?

In most cases, it’s a smart move for lawyers to collaborate with experts when it comes to building their website.

Creating a website that’s not only functional but also easy to maintain can be a complex task. Especially if you don’t have a background in web development, trying to do it all by yourself can be quite time-consuming and draining. Honestly, the DIY route often isn’t worth the hassle.

Hiring a professional team who knows the ins and outs of crafting a fantastic law firm website is a wise choice. Not only will you end up with a better final product, but you’ll also save yourself from a lot of stress along the way. It’s like having a trusted partner on your side to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Launch Your Own Law Firm Website

When you’re ready to step up your game in the online world for your law firm, Thelegalwebs.com is the partner you need. We get it; your website should be more than just a pretty face. It should be a dynamic tool that not only looks great but also brings in valuable leads through improved search rankings.

Think of your law firm’s website as your digital ambassador, a reflection of your skills and dedication. Here at Thelegalwebs.com, we’ve teamed up with many law firms to give their online presence a serious boost. Our team knows the ropes, and we’re all about making sure your website doesn’t just sit there – it works hard to deliver real results.

But here’s the exciting part – we offer a free demo to show you exactly how we can transform your website into a lead-generating powerhouse. Don’t miss the chance to have your website working for you. Reach out to Thelegalwebs.com today, and let’s embark on a journey to unlock the full potential of your law firm’s online presence.