Hello and Welcome to this edition of LawBARD’s Five Things. In this episode, we will discuss Website Providers and five questions that you should ask your potential website providers before you sign any contract.
You may be thinking about launching a new firm website in the coming months – either because your current website isn’t providing the results you want, your firm and its brand have changed, it’s not ADA compliant, or maybe, it’s just old.
Most likely, you will interview a few web design firms, be they local creative agencies or law firm-specific website providers like Justia, Scorpion, or FindLaw.
To ensure you're making an informed decision when picking your site provider, be sure to ask these five crucial questions to potential website providers.
- What is the Full Scope of Services that are Included in the Contract?
- Ask to See References.
- Understand How They Support Site Customization.
- What is Their Approach to SEO?
- What is Their Long-Term Support Plan?
The first question to ask is “What is actually included in the contract”?
Make sure that you understand the comprehensive services offered and which of those services are actually included in the contract that you are discussing. Some website providers/agencies offer a full range of services, including website hosting, design, development, content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile responsive design, video content support and ongoing maintenance. Clarity on the services provided and services not included will help ensure that your website meets all your requirements and that you compare apples to apples. Some of the services discussed may not be part of the quote to keep pricing low. Make sure you understand what you are getting and the total price for the capabilities that you want.
The second question to ask is for the firm to provide references.
Do they have experience in creating websites for law firms? Developing law firm websites pose a few distinct challenges including adhering to state bar advertising guidelines, writing copy for specific practice areas, and ensuring strong SEO. Make sure to request client references from law firms. Talking to previous clients provides valuable insights into their experience with the provider. Make sure you are provided multiple references, and those references are similar to you in terms of the services quoted. Note, you can hire a firm that does not have experience with law firms but most likely, you will have to be more involved in designing the site and providing content.
The third question to ask is in regard to the Customization Level of the Website.
Discuss the extent to which the website can be customized. Law firms often require unique features and branding elements. Ensure the provider can accommodate your specific design preferences, functional needs, and any future modifications. Unfortunately, many website providers often try to install “templated” websites that have the same look and feel to multiple law firms to keep the effort low and profit high. In these situations, making small layout or content changes often costs extra.
The fourth question to ask is “What is the Approach to SEO and Online Visibility”?
SEO is vital for your law firm's online visibility. Inquire about their SEO strategies, keyword research, on-page optimization, and backlinking techniques. Understand how they plan to improve your website's search engine rankings and ensure potential clients can easily find you online. Understand if they plan on using SEM (Search Engine Marketing) in lieu of strong SEO to claim strong website performance. Also understand how they provide SEO services for pages that your firm writes as these need to be in sync in order to drive strong performance.
Lastly, “What is the Long-term Support and Maintenance Plan”?
A website requires continuous updates, security monitoring, and technical support. Discuss the provider's approach to long-term support and maintenance. Clarify the costs involved, response times for issue resolution and content updates, and how they handle potential emergencies.
By asking these key questions, you will ensure that you make an informed decision, and that your law firm's website not only meets your immediate needs but also has the foundation to support your long-term growth and success in the digital landscape.
Good luck and until next time.
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