Jan 03, 2024

How to Create an Accessible Lawyer Website

Establishing a strong online presence is essential for both law firms and lawyers. Having a well-designed website acts as a marketing asset. It’s not only about promoting services. It is also where clients can find information about your expertise, services, and how to get in touch. A good website is more than an online brochure. It’s the first point of contact in today’s digital world. It is a key component in building professional credibility and client trust.

Creating an accessible website is not as simple as creating a few web pages. The site needs to be easy to navigate and provide valuable information. In this guide, explore how ApricotLaw can help you create an accessible website.

Providing a Better User Experience for Lawyer Websites

It is important to focus on accessibility and informative content. The secret to success is a navigation system that’s easy to understand. Here, we’ll review some key ways to make a lawyer’s website more accessible. All these pieces fit together to help visitors move around the site and find what they need.

Clear and Intuitive Navigation

One of the fundamental principles of an accessible website is clear navigation. Your website’s navigation system serves as a roadmap for visitors. It guides them to the information they seek. Here’s how to ensure your website’s navigation is accessible:

Organized Menu Structure

Start by organizing your website’s menu structure. This includes your legal services, attorney profiles, practice areas, blog, and contact information. Use clear and concise labels for menu items to avoid confusion.

Dropdown Menus

Your website may have many pages or practice areas. Consider using dropdown menus to categorize related content. This helps prevent overcrowded navigation menus and simplifies the user’s journey.

Consistent Layout

Maintain a consistent layout for your navigation menu throughout your website. The menu’s placement should remain consistent across all pages for the user experience.

Breadcrumbs

Put breadcrumb navigation in place to show users the path to reach the current page. This feature aids navigation and allows users to backtrack.

Search Functionality

Include a search bar on your website to enable users to find specific content. Ensure that the search function is robust and returns relevant results.

Optimize for Mobile Responsiveness

Optimizing for mobile responsiveness is essential. This involves functionality, prioritizing accessible design, and adapting content layouts for smaller screens.

Seamless Functionality

Cater to users accessing websites via smartphones and tablets.
Ensure that all features and functionalities work on various devices. This will provide a consistent experience for users regardless of their device.
Test the website across different screen sizes and resolutions. This will identify and rectify any issues related to responsiveness.

Accessible Design

Put responsive design elements in place that adapt to different screen sizes. This will ensure the website looks and functions well on desktop and mobile devices.
Use a mobile-first approach when designing the website. Focus on delivering an optimal experience for mobile users before considering desktop users.
Incorporate navigation elements and buttons that enhance usability on touchscreen devices.

Content Layout Optimization

Adapt the content layout to fit smaller screens. Focus on important information, simplify menus, and optimize images for faster loading times.
Use SEO best practices for mobile devices. This may include optimizing meta tags, headings, and images with relevant keywords.
Put Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) in place to optimize mobile browsing.

Ensure functionality, focus on an accessible design, and optimize content layout. An accessible website can cater to users’ needs while improving its search engine.

Craft Compelling and Informative Content

Content is king when it comes to creating an accessible website. Visitors visit your website for valuable information and insights into your legal expertise. Here’s how to craft compelling and informative content:

Legal Blog

Consider incorporating a legal blog into your website. Write informative articles on relevant legal topics, recent developments, and common client questions. Updating your blog can help establish your authority and keep visitors engaged.

Attorney Profiles

Create detailed attorney profiles highlighting your expertise, experience, education, and notable achievements. Include professional photographs and a personal bio to connect with potential clients.

Case Studies and Testimonials

Showcase successful cases and client testimonials to prove your track record. Real-life examples can help clients understand how your legal services can benefit them.

Clear and Concise Language

Use clear language in your content to make legal information more accessible. Avoid complex legal terms unless necessary, and provide explanations when using them.

Call-to-Action (CTA)

Include clear CTAs throughout your website, prompting visitors to take specific actions. This may include asking about a consultation, your newsletter, or your social media.

Contact and Inquiry Forms

Optimizing the contact and inquiry forms for interaction with potential clients is crucial.

Contact Details

Display contact information on every website page. This will ensure visitors can find it without extensive searching.
Include phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. This will build trust and credibility with prospective clients.

Streamlined Inquiry Process

Design accessible forms that are easy to fill out. Avoid unnecessary fields that may deter potential leads.
Simplify the process by providing clear instructions and using intuitive design elements. This will help guide visitors through the inquiry form.

Many Communication Channels

Offer various communication channels to cater to the diverse preferences of potential clients. This may include phone, email, and live chat.
Integrate social media links to provide an avenue for visitors to connect with the law firm.

Incorporating these strategies can ensure a positive user experience. This approach facilitates interaction and encourages higher conversion rates for potential leads.

Performance and Loading Speed

Performance and loading speed are critical for visitors and improve search engine rankings. A slow website can drive potential clients away. Here’s how to enhance performance:

Image Optimization: Compress images to reduce file sizes while maintaining quality. Large image files can slow down page loading times.
Cut Scripts and Plugins: Limit unnecessary scripts and plugins, as they can add to page load times. Only use those that are essential for functionality or user experience.
Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN will distribute your content across many servers. This reduces the distance between users and your web server. This can improve loading speeds.
Browser Caching: Enable browser caching to store static resources on users’ devices. This reduces the need to re-download resources on later visits.

Enhance User Accessibility

Accessibility is an often overlooked but critical aspect of an accessible website. Ensuring that your website is accessible to users with disabilities is important. It can expand your potential client base. Here’s how to enhance user accessibility:

WCAG Compliance: Familiarize yourself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Strive to make your website compliant with these standards. WCAG outlines specific guidelines for making web content accessible to people with disabilities.
Alternative Text for Images: Provide descriptive alternative text (alt text) for images. It ensures that screen readers can convey the content to impaired users.
Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all elements on your website are easy to use with a keyboard. This is essential for users who rely on keyboard navigation or screen readers.
Readable Fonts and Color Contrast: Use readable fonts and ensure color contrast. This will accommodate users with visual impairments.
Testing with Assistive Technologies: Test your website with assistive technologies. Screen readers and voice recognition software can identify and address accessibility issues.

Get in Touch with a Professional Legal Website Design Company

Collaborate with a professional legal website design company like ApricotLaw. We understand the unique requirements of the legal industry. By leveraging our expertise, your websites will be appealing and optimized for functionality. Call us today, and let us transform your legal website into a powerful client magnet. Get started now to unlock your website’s full potential.

FAQs

How long does it take to develop an accessible website?

The timeline can vary. This is due to the project’s scope, customization, and content development needs. It may take several weeks to several months to complete the development process.

What are some key features that make a lawyer’s website accessible?

Mobile responsiveness, informative content, contact forms, and enhanced accessibility for disabled users.

How important is mobile responsiveness for a lawyer’s website?

It increases users’ access to websites through mobile devices. A mobile-friendly website ensures an optimal viewing experience and enhances usability.

How can I make my website more accessible to users with disabilities?

Follow guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). You can enhance accessibility in many ways. Provide alternative text, enable keyboard navigation, use readable fonts, and test your site. Ensuring accessibility serves a wider audience, and some jurisdictions may order it.