Keep your law practice web site language simple, the site hype, jargon, gimmick, and error free and it will always produce results and new clients
The only thing more expensive than an expert, is an amateur
COMMON MISTAKES AND BAD DESIGN ERRORS
Avoid Gimmicks and Special Effects
A web site is closer to a magazine in its function than to the latest crash and burn, special effects movie.
Just because something can be done, does not mean it should be shovelled into a web site.
Keep your site simple, gimmick free and it will always be viewable and usable by the widest cross section of viewers.
Pop Ups
Anything that pops up is a nuisance. If it is important, put it where it belongs, right on your web page.
Music or Sound Effects
DO NOT USE SOUND on web sites unless you want to alienate most of your viewers. The one exception of course is videos but only where the visitor controls the playback.
Why blast sounds at someone who may be in an open office, on the phone, surfing late at night or in a library?
You have probably heard that some cities are playing classical music in parks to drive away teen age gangs. Inappropriate or unwanted music on your web site has the same effect.
Forcing your choice of music on some innocent viewer is nothing short of idiotic. What sheer stupidity makes someone impose their "taste" in music on a stranger?
If people want music, they will choose their own.
Outdated Information
Review your site no less then weekly for outdated information and either update it or dump it. If in doubt, dump it. Bad information will undermine the credibility of your entire site.
Excessive Download Times
Pages can be optimized for download speed.
You only have about three seconds to capture or lose your viewer.
Orphan Pages
Make certain all your pages are clearly identified as being part of your site. Include a link to your home page, email contact and a basic navigation bar on every page.
Broken Links 404 Errors
Check your site for broken or moved links regularly. Repair or remove them.
If you need help CanLaw offers a service to automatically check your web site and report all broken links on a regular basis.
Long Scrolling Pages
If the page is more then two or three screens long, it is too long. Break it up.
Spelling & Grammar
Double check your spelling and grammar. Mistakes prove you are an amateur and make your site and company look ignorant. Do not rely on your spell checker. CanLaw can scan your site for spelling errors and broken links and provide you with a list. (fee applies)
Poor Navigational Support
Make it easy for people to find the information on all your pages. Include an on site search engine, table of contents or site map and good navigation bars or aids.
Disabling Right Click
How dare you interfere with your viewer's operation of his/her system?
Removing or restricting the users' controls mis-using Java Script or other features to eliminate tool-bars, back and forward buttons and various other features is both inconsiderate and rude. Never force your gimmicks on your visitors, particularly when your preferences override the user's chosen settings.
Isn't a lawyer building a website a lot like a consumer self- representing in court? You know how well that works
The Top Mistakes Lawyers Make In Their Web Sites. Why lawyer sites fail.
HERE ARE THE TOP WEB SITE DESIGN MISTAKES LAWYERS MAKE. Many lawyer web sites are built to impress other lawyers. They don't pay your bills. Clients do.