Why Do Law Firms Need Responsive Website Design?

Well, for starters, more and more Americans are ditching the desktop computer for their smartphone or tablet. Remember the days way long ago when you had to walk into the other room to fire up the desktop computer, then waited, then you got an error message and had to restart, then fired it up again, then waited...then waited...then... you forgot what you needed to search for, turned off the computer, and went back to what you were doing? Then you remembered what it was that you needed to search for?

Mobile Devices are Easier

Today most of us carry smartphones and tablets wherever we go. Mobile devices are just easier to access and use to access the Internet when we need to, at any time day or night, wherever we are. In fact, according to a recent Comscore study, smartphones and tablets combined now account for 80 percent of all online traffic, up from 60 percent a year ago. This trend will most certainly continue.

Mobile is Safe: Legal Search Engine Queries can be of a Personal and Private Nature

When we consider search engine queries with legal intent, it can be safely assumed that online traffic is much higher on mobile devices vs. desktop computers, since such searches can be of a personal and private nature (i.e., divorce, bankruptcy, criminal, etc.). Desktop monitors are large, allowing anyone behind you to see what you are viewing. Work computers track Internet usage, and could be risky doing legal-related research regarding a personal/legal matter while on the job.

DID YOU KNOW? 27% of mobile websites are misconfigured, losing an average of 68% of smartphone traffic. ~Small Business Trends

Mobile Websites Generate New Business -- if Done Correctly

Since responsive design serves the same HTML code on the same URL regardless of the user’s device (desktop, tablet, mobile, non-visual browser), allowing the website to form, or "respond" to ALL devices, user experience is dramatically improved, having a positive impact on conversion rates (prospective clients contact your firm). Have you ever had to scroll with your finger, sliding back and forth, zooming in, zooming out, then out of frustration you click back to the search engine to find another option? Well, your prospective clients get frustrated too. This is why Google's position is to improve rankings of mobile websites in their search results, and it's why we transitioned to responsive designs early on for our clients back in 2011.

What Does Google Have to Say? And Why Do We Care?

First, Google owns about 70% of the U.S. search engine market share (84% if you just factor in mobile devices). That means if you want online visibility to connect with new clients and grow your Northern California Law Firm, it is essential to keep up with Google's changes and recommendations (which can be a full-time job!).  Google has officially come out and stated that responsive design is their "go forward" recommendation to webmasters/web designers. When Google talks, we all listen! Google is in the business of delivering the best possible user experience both with content and design. And that means if your site does not form to all devices, you need to make a change.

On April 21, 2015, Google officially rolled out the mobile friendly update as a search-ranking factor. While this is just one factor out of many, it is an important one and will become increasingly critical to address if your goal is to compete online for new clients.

Why Does Google Recommend Responsive Design Over Other Mobile Design Methods?

There are 3 different configurations for creating a mobile website. While each would be considered "mobile friendly", responsive design is Google's official recommendation moving forward. That means at some point, law firms who have "mobile friendly" websites today might have to migrate to responsive websites in the future. Law firms who change now will have a competitive advantage.

Law firms that do not embrace this new responsive world can expect to miss out on client development opportunities now and certainly in the future. By our knowledge of the Northern California legal market, we can say with confidence that a large number of firms are not addressing mobile use effectively. This represents a great opportunity for those willing to make the switch now.

Schedule a Free 30 Minute Consultation With an Experienced Legal Marketing Consultant at Your Office

If you are considering improving your law firm's website marketing to expand your client development, then schedule a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced legal marketing and client development consultant. We know the Northern California marketplace, and we are professionals who will provide recommendations that align with your goals and budget. Our solutions are affordable and effective.

We can show you exactly what you can do to increase business for your firm. Call (707) 200-7740 or enter your zip code below and click "Schedule Now" to set a day and time that works best for you.