Let’s face it: Not much happens today without some online involvement. If your law firm doesn’t have its own website at this point, you are dangerously behind the curve.

Imagine, for example, a person needs to find out about a law firm in Annapolis, MD that handles personal injury cases. They probably won’t just trust a friend’s recommendation and give the business a call. And they certainly won’t visit the local library to “research” the firm. More likely, they’ll pick up their smartphone and search for the firm on Google.

Similar to any other industry, law firms need new clients to survive and grow. And digital marketing strategies drive a large part of modern service businesses.

If you’ve been on the fence or just plain opposed to the idea until now, here are seven reasons why your law firm needs a well-functioning and attractive website.

1. You Need to Own the Narrative

Of course, the internet can provide tons of benefits to people who need products and services. It helps us find the best deals on holiday gifts and restaurants with last-minute reservations. But, the internet can have harmful elements as well, particularly for a business owner.

If you don’t control the narrative around your law firm’s name, someone else might do it for you. Another person could purchase the domain that correlates with your law firm, and post some derogatory stuff (until you sue them). Beyond buying up domains, others can post inaccurate reviews of your legal services on free platforms.

It’s not worth taking the chance that your online reputation reflects your positive character and case history. You should own your own website and invest in creating a narrative that will attract visitors and new clients to your law firm for years to come.

2. Not Having One is a “Red Flag”

The truth is that a law firm without a website is viewed as highly suspicious by some potential clients. Frankly, just about every business and professional worth their salt today has an online presence. If your law firm doesn’t, what does that say to potential clients about it? To some, it might indicate that you have something to hide.

If a person can’t find your law firm online, they’re more than likely going to skip you and move on to your competitor. You may never know how many potential leads you lose each year to this scenario, but even one is too many.

3. Makes It Easier to Connect With Potential Clients

When people do want to reach out to your law firm about help with a legal issue, how can they get in contact with you? Maybe someone handed them your phone number, but most awareness today happens through an online search.

Even someone who hears about a business through a referral is likely to Google the name first before making contact. It’s natural to want to learn something about a business first and confirm that what you’ve been told is valid.

A law firm website makes it easier to connect with potential clients. Your phone number and address are front and center, as well as on your contact page. You can also provide a form that allows a person to send you a message through email, making it easier to qualify leads and schedule appointments.

4. Helps Your Firm Build Credibility and Trust

When someone needs to hire a lawyer, one of their criteria will be making sure the attorney is qualified to resolve their issue. You can use your law firm’s website to establish credibility and trust with potential clients in a variety of ways.

First, you can tell people that you are qualified and give them the reasons why. List your qualifications, including any credentials, awards, and accolades. Outline your experience in different legal practice areas and give examples of successful case outcomes.

You can also establish credibility and trust by having some testimonials on your website. Have past clients speak about their experiences with your law firm so that a visitor can put themselves in another’s shoes.

5. Gives You 24/7 Availability for Prospects

Unless you plan on never sleeping or having some kind of shift work policy, you can’t be available every time your law firm’s phone rings. But, a website does give you 24/7 availability – to a point.

Potential clients can visit your site to read about your services, watch video content, and become sold on your qualifications. You can even use a chatbot plugin to answer simple questions and schedule consultation appointments.

6. Useful Platform to Establish a Strong Brand

Websites are powerful marketing tools. Various studies show that roughly 70% of people find law firms online when they need some type of legal assistance. So having a strong online presence is the best way to reach your target audience.

In this industry, people are eager for information and guidance. You can reach potential clients who are accident victims, dealing with family law issues, or have some other legal challenges by being a source of online information. Your content can answer frequently asked questions that people have. And, even if they don’t call you immediately, they will remember your law firm’s name when they are ready to take action.

7. Convenient Place to Showcase Your Resources

Finally, your law firm’s website provides a centralized place to look up anything related to your firm. That might include your areas of practice, your office location, your attorney’s bios and backgrounds, your most notable cases, and any FAQs. This can avoid the issue of having to address or answer these questions on a daily basis.

Ready to Create a Stunning and Effective Law Firm Website?

It’s obvious that having a physical office and lawyers at the ready simply isn’t a viable strategy for law firm success. You also need a functional and intuitive law firm website that creates brand awareness and converts visitors into legal clients.

At Too Darn Loud Digital Marketing, our website professionals understand that your law firm’s website is one of its greatest assets. We help law firms create a memorable and effective online presence through attractive, functional, and accessible design. Contact us today to learn more.