Building a law firm’s website is no simple task. When it comes to designing a site, many firms wonder if the cost is worth the investment. While that can only be determined by an individual firm, it is certainly true that a well-designed website can bring in more business. There are many factors that can determine the cost of building a website, so costs vary between designers. Read on to learn what these factors are and how they can affect your bottom line.
Design Rates
Not all designers are created equal — and not all designers charge equally. Some charge by the hour, some by the page and others may charge a simple, flat rate. Designer fees are also determined by the amount of customization on each page, making it difficult to determine a price without delving into specifics.
Customization
While basic templates are available for attorneys, these sites are not particularly attractive to potential clients. Because millions of people rely on the internet for information, basic may not be the best option when looking to develop a website. In order to attract potential clients, customization is key. This may include video, photos and custom page layouts which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on quality.
Law Firm Size
The size of your firm is a major determining factor in the cost of your website. A website for a firm with just a few attorneys will cost far less than a site built for dozens of attorneys and several practice groups.
New or Existing Site
A brand new site with content from scratch will always cost more than redesigning an existing site. If you don’t have existing visual or written content, consider writing material that can be used in your site’s design. If writing is not an option for you, considering hiring a content writer to craft high-quality material. You want to engage your audience and deliver a strong call to action and high-quality content is the best way to do that.
While a custom website can easily run several thousand dollars, many firms find that the benefit far outweighs the cost. Of course, there’s always the option to build a site yourself, but the opportunity cost is quite high. Time spent building your site is time you can’t spend servicing your clients, so with that in mind, you can decide what the priority is. Not only that, but without extensive experience in web design and marketing, a do-it-yourself site may not be up to par. Your website has only moments to make a striking first impression — you want to make sure it won’t fall flat.
A talented and experienced web designer can truly deliver an incredible amount of value to your firm. If you’re looking to deliver value to your clients and generate quality leads, contact the legal marketing experts at Market My Market to find out how.