In our experience, most lawyers are not happy with their websites. Many law firms don't have the resources to hire a professional web designer, as well as the time necessary to devote to the project. As a result, many firms end up with something cobbled together by someone's nephew. It's not uncommon for law firms to have a website made years (or even decades) ago that sits neglected in some forgotten corner of the Internet.

With the demographic of people shifting to depend more and more on the Internet, an updated website is something every business needs today. An effective web presence doesn't have to be complicated or fancy. In fact, the best law firm websites are very simple. Where many law firms go wrong is thinking that the basics aren’t enough so here are some common problems with easy solutions.

Mistake 1: Lack of a Clear Message

A lot of law firms don't know what the purpose is of their website. Consequently, their site serves no purpose; it’s an ambivalent shrug of a web presence.

The reason your firm needs a website is because people today don’t pick up the yellow pages. Instead, they pick up their smartphone and ask “how do I file a Social Security Disability Claim. They will click on a few of the top results and visit those sites for, at most, a few minutes. During those minutes you want to communicate why you are the lawyer to handle their case.

A website should have a simple message distilled down to three sentences.

1. The problem that the potential client faces.
2. The reason why your firm is the solution to that problem.
3. A value proposition, something they will receive when they contact you.

Example:

Are you seeking Social Security Benefits?
We've helped thousands of claimants get the benefits they deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation and find out if you qualify.

Your message should be bold and prominent at the top of the page because it's likely a visitor won't read anything else.

Mistake 2: Weak Pictures

A lot of non-professional designers make the mistake of using too many pictures in their pages. Law firms should definitely have pictures on their website as visitors won't read your text. Instead, they will look at pictures. However, it’s important for the firm to ask themselves what is the point of this image? If there is no answer to that question, then the image shouldn’t be used.

Ideally, firms should hire a professional photographer. An alternative to a professional photographer is to use stock photos from services like iStock or Fotolia. Stock photos are a superior alternative to using a cellphone pic someone took in the office.

One large, prominent and professional looking photograph is a great way to communicate confidence, authority and trust.

Mistake 3: Clashing Colors

Color is powerful. It conveys emotion often in a way of which we aren't fully conscious. Improper color doesn't just look messy or unprofessional, it can also make prospective clients feel uneasy. Many law firms believe that color is a great way to liven up any design so they should all be used at once. This is a big mistake.

The proper use of color is actually very complicated. Complimentary colors do not always look good next to each other. Colored text is usually hard to read, especially colored text against a colored background. Most non-professionally designed sites would be improved by being in black and white.

Mistake 4: Busy Background Images

Many websites use images as the background. Other than making your site load slower, background images are busy, get in the way, and often lack any contextual meaning. Using a solid color background, will make a website appear more professional and leave room for meaningful images to be placed throughout.

Mistake 5: Confusing layout

While covering Mistake 1, we discussed how many people today use search engines, such as Google and Bing, as their phone book. If they're looking at your site they want to find your contact info, address, and hours almost immediately. This is the most important information of the page because this is how you will convert visitors into clients.

Surely, lawyers understand this point. However, it’s not always communicated in their websites where this information is located. At times this information is buried under pictures, endless descriptions of services, bios, and company history, among others. Every word is an obstacle between your firm and a client.

In summary, communicating with your clients through the web doesn't have to be expensive or fancy. Stick with simple, user friendly and clear and you'll be successful.