Founded by Florida Attorney Peter Boyd. paper streetWe have helped over 1,500 law firms with websites, content and marketing.
Getty
The way people interact online is constantly changing, and law firm websites must change to remain relevant. From time to time, companies need to plan to start over and create a new online image and upgrade their interface with the public.
The process of designing and building a new site is complicated and time consuming. Communicating effectively with your website designer is critical for your company to get the most out of the process and avoid unnecessary delays and endless revisions. There are some things your website designer wants you to understand, but they probably won’t say these things for fear of losing your business. I’m here. (you’re welcome!)
1. Nothing happens if everyone has an opinion.
Take a look at the workspaces around the office. Everyone has their own style, from the choice of colors to the level of clutter they feel comfortable with.People read different books and watch different videos. You can’t get most people to agree on an important question about web design. Trying to find options that will please everyone is doomed to failure. Instead, it limits project decision-makers to help site designers get approval quickly and move forward.
2. The first version is not perfect.
When starting to develop a site concept, designers usually ask which sites they like. They try to make something that fits your vision. However, they can’t read your mind, so they might not get it right on your first try.
Designing a site for someone else is a process of trial and error. Don’t panic or get upset if the first version you see isn’t what you expected. Please be aware that the site is a work in progress.
3. “I don’t like this” is not constructive feedback.
Site designers need to know specifically what they like and dislike about the proposed design. Details matter. Expressing vague likes and dislikes only tells part of the story. Does it look too dark? too many people? Too fancy? too modern? The more precise your opinion is, the easier it is for the designer to meet your expectations.
4. “Kinds of Red” are not actual colors.
Website designers use very specific colors, designated by a six-digit number. They use multiple colors on their site, but usually choose a few theme colors to make their site look professional and cohesive. When communicating with website designers, it’s important to be specific about color. Realize that once you choose a color, it can take some time to change.
5. You can’t get images from Google.
A client may present a favorite image to a designer and want a site built around that image. The problem is that the images they like are copyrighted images copied from other people’s sites online. Website designers can only use images that they have the legal right to use. This usually means that you have paid for the usage.
6. Designers cannot “fix” poor quality images.
If the only copy of your company’s logo is a very low resolution file, that logo cannot be used. Website designers can’t wave a magic wand to improve poor quality images. The lead attorney might love a photo someone took at her event for charity, but if the image is blurry it won’t add well to the website and what her site designers can do to fix the problem There is nothing. Instead, it’s time to hire a photographer or graphic designer to create new images.
7. You cannot email 100 high resolution photos.
Site designers welcome high-quality photos, but those files can be huge. Attempting to mass mail large files can cause delays, server outages, or even disappear into cyberspace. Instead, you should follow the file transfer procedures set by your site designer, such as uploading photos to file sharing sites.
8. Content should be prioritized.
In addition to images, your website should have text that communicates your organization’s values, approach, and credentials. Regardless of who is producing the content, it is important to prioritize that content. Make sure to submit or review content according to the designer’s deadline. A site designer can only do so much without knowing what you mean.
9. Website work never ends.
Websites require regular maintenance and need to be updated with new content on a regular basis. An update procedure should be established and someone should make changes, fix broken links, and update information on a regular basis.
Your website is your most important marketing tool.
Social media, review sites, and other platforms can be great marketing tools. However, they all bring people back to your website. The site should provide an important source of information that is attractive and accessible to potential customers. All the effort it takes to work with a site designer is worth it when you recognize the importance of your goals.
