Creating a website is easier than it\u2019s ever been before.\u00a0 Modern websites are CMS tools.\u00a0 CMS stands for content management system.\u00a0 And, it means what it sounds like: you pick your template, you add content \u2014 usually text, pictures and videos.\u00a0 The most popular website creation module online (WordPress) has a free option.\u00a0 Other products are also free, or cheap.<\/p>\n
Ancillary costs related to the ownership of a website are not going to break the bank or your back, either.\u00a0 Domain names can be purchased for about $10\/year, and can be scheduled for automatic renewal.\u00a0 Costs for website hosting (how your website gets published online) are around $10\/month.\u00a0 And, that\u2019s about all you need.<\/p>\n
That all sounds simple, and it is; but, there are some other considerations related to website design, that may (and probably should) lead you down the path of having someone else design yours.<\/p>\n
First, when you\u2019re starting a practice, it makes sense to focus your time on converting your existing network to your new brand and performing the best possible work for your new clients.\u00a0 If you\u2019re experienced in building a website, it\u2019s gonna be a frustrating drag on your time.\u00a0 Assuming you finalize the content quickly enough \u2014 which is always the biggest issue for completing and publishing a law firm website \u2014 your new website will be published in short order, if you\u2019re using a reputable vendor.\u00a0 Second, you\u2019re not likely to have the up-to-date skill set to be able to optimize your website for SEO\/SEM, and you may want a vendor to manage that for you, as well.\u00a0 Third, managing updates to themes and plug-ins can be a pain; and, contracting with a vendor will allow you to offload that responsibility.\u00a0 Fourth, if you\u2019re using a specific theme to build your law firm website, there\u2019s a bunch of other business who will be using the same theme, such that having a vendor code and build a website just for you will differentiate you from the crowd.\u00a0 If you do choose a vendor to work with, just make sure to buy and renew your own domain name, because unscrupulous vendors will attempt to buy it for you, and then to sell it back to you at an exorbitant rate before releasing you from a contract.<\/p>\n
Your website should be the hub of all of your online activity, and to where you funnel all your clients.\u00a0 Make sure you take the time to do it right or hire right, to get the best online home you can.<\/p>\n
. . .<\/p>\n
If you want to start your own law firm, join me for an exclusive workshop, coming up in Boston (August 24-26) and New York (September 7-9).<\/p>\n
For more information, visit the official site:\u00a0www.buildyourownlawfirm.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Social media hashtag:\u00a0#BYOLF<\/a>.<\/p>\n Visit our Sponsors:<\/p>\n