As you’ve probably learned by now, sorting out how to build your first web site can be daunting. There are so many available options and companies vying for your business. It’s hard to sort through all the techie mumbo-jumbo and make an intelligent choice. So, let’s break it down:
Here are the 10 must haves of an excellent lawyer’s web site:
- Easy way to add/delete content (without having to pay someone);
- An effective “call to action” mechanism to capture potential client information;
- Content pages that convert visitors into prospectivei clients;
- Accurate and current statistical information on site visitors;
- A contact database for clients and prospective clients;
- The ability to blog (or have multiple blogs) housed at a single domain;
- RSS/XML capability;
- Solid web design principles (e.g., sound navigation, usability, information hierarchy, and browser compatibility);
- Site search functionality; and
- Established search engine optimization (“SEO”) protocols (e.g., SEO-friendly URLs, optimized Meta and Title tag).
Our sites accomplish each of these goals. . .therefore, our sites accomplish your goals:
1. Content Management
Our sites are built using wiki technology (powered by ExpressionEngine from EllisLab)! Unlike a static web site, we give you the ability to control your content directly from any computer connected to the Internet. You can add or delete content by doing nothing more than typing. You can revert content to a prior point in time with the click of a button. You can use our custom design tags, or create your own.
The system is simple and easy to use and you can take a test drive before deciding to make a purchase.
2. Call To Action
Our sites are designed with a contact form on every content page. Visitors aren’t asked to fumble around a site looking for a way to get into contact with you.
3. Contact Conversion Information
Contact forms are just half the story! Our sites also provide (and track) from which pages visitors are using your contact from. Each email sent through our contact form includes the exact page from which the message was sent. This allows you to easily track (or tweek) your content pages for conversion rates! There’s no need to guess which pages are generating leads.
4. Web Site Analytics
Each site includes a pre-installed web site analytics package (from SawMill).
5. Direct Marketing
Contact Database: Each site allows you to register prospective and current clients in a contact database. You can then use your site to send email notices and alerts to the groups that you would like to contact.
Mailing Lists: You can create as many mailing lists as your hosting package will allow! Site visitors only need to enter their email address to subscribe to your list and lists are double opt-in. You can use these lists to send out practice area specific information, like newletters, articles, or press releases.
Each site comes with two installed mailing lists: one for site visitors who subscribe and one for your clients. You can use the lists to send out any information you want to those interested in you or your firm!
6. Blogging
You can create as many blogs on your site as your hosting package will allow -- many more than you’ll probably ever need. All of the blogs are hosted on your site, from your primary domain. There’s no need to go to two, three or four locations to update and maintain your blogs: you access all of them from one control panel. Third party blogging sites will soon be a thing of the past! Integrate your web presence into one location, making it easier for you and those looking for you.
Each site comes with two installed blogs: one for your site visitors and one for your just your clients (password protected). Important: You don’t need to use them if you don’t plan on blogging! [We can also install a mobile weblog module that will allow you to send content to your website via email!]
7. RSS Technology
All sites and blogs are RSS enabled! If you’re not familiar with RSS, it is the ability to “feed” your content to people who don’t actually visit your website. Think of it as a user’s ability to construct their own daily newspaper, where they are in charge of the content (and you become one of their reporters).
8. Solid Design Principles
Our templates have been specifically created for lawyers and law firms. They were developed by experts who understand and can avoid the most basic law firm web design flaws.
9. Search Functionality
A web site isn’t working if a user cannot find what he wants. All of our sites include integrated search functionality, for both content and blog pages. Each search term is database logged so that you can come to understand what visitors are thinking when they search for information.
10. Search Engine Optimized
Our sites are easily indexed by search engines through straightforward navigation and an indexed list of available pages. Each page you create has an automatically optimized URL, title and meta tags.
