Why Do Lawyers Need a Website?
There was a time when clients found lawyers through newspaper ads, the Yellow Pages, and mostly through word of mouth. Today, the primary way most clients search for a lawyer is Google. No matter how many years of experience you have and no matter how many clients recommend you, if you don't have a digital presence, you don't exist for many searchers.
Research shows that about 76% of people looking for legal services start with an online search. Of those, 73% choose from the top 3 Google results. A lawyer without a professional website loses most potential clients before the conversation even begins.
What the Website Does for You
- Proves professionalism and credibility before you've spoken with the client
- Filters out unsuitable clients (only those who've read and understand your services reach out)
- Clearly presents your areas of specialization
- Gives the client an option to reach out at any hour
- Generates leads through Google, even while you sleep
What Do Clients Want to See?
When someone searches for a lawyer, they're usually under pressure: dealing with a divorce, a commercial dispute, a lawsuit notification, or planning a major real estate deal. They want to feel they're in good hands. The website needs to answer a few questions running through their mind:
- "Does this lawyer specialize in the area I need?"
- "Do they have experience with cases like mine?"
- "Can I trust them?"
- "How much will it cost me?"
Your website should answer these questions, not make the client guess.
Must-Have Elements for a Lawyer's Website
1. A Personal, Human "About" Page
Many lawyers write their "About" page in a resume style: year of birth, university, license number. That doesn't work. The client wants to get to know a person, not read a CV. Write in first person, explain why you chose this field, what drives you, and what your approach to working with clients is.
2. A Detailed Service Page for Each Practice Area
Don't settle for a list: "Estate, Divorce, Real Estate, Criminal." Create a separate page for each area, explaining what the service includes, when clients should reach out, and what the process looks like. This helps both the client understand what to expect and Google rank you properly.
3. Reviews and Case Studies
Real client reviews (with permission to publish) are gold. In the legal field, a first name only plus case type ("J.K., estate case") is acceptable and sufficient. If you can share anonymous case studies ("We represented a client in a $2M commercial dispute and achieved an 80% settlement in their favor"), that adds significant credibility.
4. Fee Information
Many lawyers are afraid to mention pricing. This is a mistake. Clients who can't find any cost indication simply move on to the next website. You don't have to list a fixed price, but do mention: "Hourly rate starting from $X," "Free initial consultation," or at least "Contact us for a quote."
5. Articles and Professional Content
A blog with professional legal articles is the most powerful tool for organic ranking and building authority. An article explaining "What are my rights when I'm laid off" can bring thousands of monthly visitors, some of whom will become clients.
6. Easy Accessibility and Contact
A prominent phone number on every page (clickable on mobile), a simple contact form, and a WhatsApp button are not luxuries; they are necessities. In the legal field, clients sometimes need to talk right now.
How Much Does a Lawyer's Website Cost?
As with any field, the price varies based on needs and quality. Here are realistic ranges from the market:
DIY (Wix/Squarespace)
- Cost: $40 to $70/month plus your own time
- Suited for: lawyers just starting out with a minimal budget
- Drawbacks: looks generic, requires time investment, limited SEO
Experienced Freelancer
- Cost: $1,400 to $3,300 one-time plus maintenance
- Suited for: lawyers with 2 to 3 years of experience who want to be taken seriously
- Important to check: portfolio, reviews, SEO knowledge
Professional Digital Studio
- Cost: $3,300 to $9,600 plus ongoing support
- Suited for: law firms, partnerships, those who want a comprehensive solution
- Includes: strategy, design, development, SEO, professional copywriting
Consider this: an experienced lawyer's hourly consultation rate is $150 to $400+. A website that brings you 2 new clients per month pays for itself within 30 days.
How to Promote a Lawyer's Website
Building the website is only the beginning. Promotion is what brings you clients.
Google My Business: Free and Effective
Set up your profile on Google Business Profile. When someone searches "divorce lawyer [your city]," the profile appears in the Maps box, above regular search results. Add hours, photos, a description, and ask clients to leave reviews.
Organic SEO: Long-Term Investment
Writing articles that answer questions people search for on Google. "What happens if you die without a will," "how much does an uncontested divorce cost," "how to file an SEC complaint." Every such question is an opportunity to attract a potential client.
Google Ads: Quick Results
A paid Google campaign for specific terms like "car accident lawyer Chicago" can bring leads within days. Cost per click in the legal field ranges from $5 to $25+. It's expensive, but worthwhile when the conversion is a client paying $5,000 to $50,000 per case.
LinkedIn for Business Lawyers
If your field is contracts, M&A, or commercial litigation, LinkedIn is an excellent platform for building a professional network that leads to referrals.
At JOYO Digital, we've built websites and digital pages for a variety of professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and business consultants. Our experience: the websites that bring the most leads are not necessarily the most expensive ones. They are the ones built with an understanding of what the client needs to see before they pick up the phone.