They say, do not judge a book by its cover, but your client’s first impression about your law firm comes from your website. A good website should be easy to navigate, fast-loading, and with a design that gives new clients confidence in your legal services.
To get a custom law firm website design, you will need to hire a reputable designer. With a high demand for websites, there are many to choose from, which can make the process feel overwhelming.
It doesn’t matter how urgently you need the website, do not rush the decision of choosing a web designer. A bad website design will negatively affect your SEO and may lead to website downtime and lost revenue.
To ensure you hire the right web designer for your law firm, keep the following tips in mind.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Website Designer
1. What Do You Want?
The first step to hiring the right website design is knowing what you want. It is easier for the designer to perfect your website when they have a clear idea of your expectations. If you are not yet decided on the theme and color, you will waste a lot of time and probably get frustrated with the final product.
To make things even easier, you could give your designer other website designs to act as an inspiration.
2. Qualifications and Experience
No matter how clear your goals and expectations are, you cannot get quality from unqualified web designers. Ask to see their qualifications, certifications, and proof of experience with law firm websites.
You can go further and ask for recommendations from their previous clients. If they are willing to show you previous work and connect you with their past clients, you can trust them with your work.
3. Who Will Be Hosting the Website?
You should be given the option to choose who will host your website. Beware of website designers who insist on hosting the website. They might have convincing reasons why they should host the website for you, but none will outweigh the security you will get by choosing a hosting service independent of the designing company.
This discussion should be made during the first consultation to avoid horror scenarios of the website designer holding your website hostage.
4. Your Budget
Your budget will influence the website designer you work with, and this will reflect on the quality of the website you get. A good website is an investment. Do not wake up one day and decide to hire a website designer. Plan and save for the investment.
Be clear with your budget from the word go. To avoid frustrations and back-and-forth meetings, and ensure your budget matches your expectations.
5. Will They Update Your Website?
A website requires regular updates and maintenance. That being the case, seek to know upfront the kind of services covered by the contract. Will they carry out updates and maintenance? Do they charge for the updates, and at what rates?
If you prefer a website designer who will carry on with maintenance, the answers to the questions above will help you make your choice.
Hire the Right Law Firm Website Designer
The list above contains top things you should consider before hiring a website designer. Do not be afraid to ask for clarifications. A good designer will be patient with your questions and offer simple and straightforward answers.
The website represents the future brand of your law firm. You must get what you want and work with the best. If your gut feeling is not at par with the designer, skip and contact the others until you get what you are looking for.
