Karin Conroy is the Founder and Creative Director of Conroy Creative Counsel, an award-winning recognized leader in creating smart, sophisticated, and strategic websites for law firms. Her clients are proud of the way they look online and their firm reputation is improved because their online presence beautifully displays their experience and expertise. Karin and her team work through a proven online marketing process. This blogpost is reprinted courtesy of LawFuel.
Website design styles change so often, it is difficult to keep up with the trends and new technology. There are a few new trends that have begun playing a major role in law firm websites that we expect to continue to see in law firms that are looking to set themselves apart and present themselves as cutting edge.
Here are five of the biggest web design trends law firms should be noticing:
1. Animation:
More websites are using animation features than ever before. Scroll-triggered animations, for example, are extremely popular, as are animations triggered by clicking menus and links. So long as these animations do not interfere with the performance of the website, they can add a feeling of professionalism and modernity.
2. Performance:
Speaking of performance, web developers in the next year will be more focused than ever on maximizing a website’s performance and efficiency. Law firms should focus on making good use of negative space, responsive designs and collapsible menus, while using easily read fonts and ensuring all their links work properly.
3. Security:
Many browsers are cracking down on website security. On Google Chrome, for example, a website that does not have a security certificate (https) will be labeled in the URL bar as “not secure,” and some sites may be blocked altogether for their lack of security. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for web designers to get their security certificates so their search engine rankings and performance are not negatively affected.
4. Brand Storytelling:
While most people consider brand storytelling to be a content marketing endeavor, it also affects website design. The design of your website should help you tell people why your firm exists, what motivates your team of attorneys to come to work every single day and the kinds of benefits your firm can give to its clients.
5. The Internet of Things:
Digital connectivity across devices is becoming more and more popular, and we expect to see all types of businesses find new, innovative ways to connect people and their devices
Beware of the ‘Do It Yourself’ Mentality
As web design and content marketing become more and more sophisticated and high-tech, it is important that people resist the urge to perform these tasks themselves, unless they have sufficient training in those areas.
You might be able to find a simple website template from WordPress, for example, but you will not be able to develop custom functionality for your firm’s specific needs without the assistance of a skilled designer.
Lawyers often have difficulty writing the content for their site that is unique, different from their typical legal writing, and in line with their brand’s story.
Not only does it take time away from other, more important tasks, but lawyers also do not typically have the kind of training in writing copy that forms a connection with clients while also informing them.
We recommend hiring a content writer who is well versed in the fine balance of marketing, storytelling, and professionalism that builds trust and a connection with the audience.
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of web design and digital marketing, it is important you seek the assistance of a skilled, trustworthy professional. The investment pays dividends in saving time, being more impactful, and resonating with your visitors.