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Whether you're working as a freelance developer or running an agency, it may seem daunting to look for clients, especially if you want to focus on offering your services to law practitioners. There is a high demand for web development expertise among law firms as they invest more in using new technology to promote their services. Many of them are willing enough to pay good money to set up websites that allow them to connect with their audience.
The legal sector is one niche you wouldn't want to overlook if you're building a good reputation for yourself and broadening your visibility in an increasingly tight market. It's all a matter of knowing how you can stand out and get the attention of firms that need to double down on their web presence. The guide below should give the low-down on how you can start working with law practices that require your expertise.
1. Understand the market
You can never go far when you lack a thorough understanding of what sets the market for law firm web development services apart from other sectors. There's a greater emphasis on legal compliance as far as gathering client information is concerned, so expect law firms to ask whether your services match their security compliance needs.
Other than that, you should also know that some law firms will want to use their websites to market their services. You may have to guide effective content marketing practices that align with the unique requirements of the legal field. At any rate, taking the time to understand this market will help take out the guesswork in coming up with a unique value proposition.
2. Learn what features are usually needed
Part of understanding the legal market is knowing what features are essential for today's practitioners. Recently, more firms are investing time and resources in incorporating AI chatbots into their websites. These tools allow for easier navigation as well as enable visitors to easily book consultations and receive quick responses for every query they might have.
Moreover, a firm may also ask you to create a page featuring the profiles of paralegals, associates, and partners which link to their professional LinkedIn profiles. More importantly, you should be able to help the firm develop an effective client intake and data collection process that converts visitors in just as few steps as possible.
3. Offer search-optimized content
Whether you key in phrases like personal injury attorney or divorce lawyer on Google Search, you will instantly receive a long list of firms that correspond to the term. Solo practitioners and firms aim to cut through the noise and have their websites reach the top five results for relevant queries.
As you sell your web development services to a legal institution, consider how you can help them accomplish a higher rank in the search engine results pages. On top of web development, you should also be capable of using AI tools for keyword research, search engine optimization, and content creation that aligns with the firm's field of specialty.
4. Take time to build networks in the legal world
Crucial to any web development service is the need to increase visibility towards one's target audience. There might be a handful of web developers out there with experience in working for the legal industry but that shouldn't keep you from building networks with potential clients and partners who could vouch for your skills and experience.
Aim to introduce your services to attorneys and legal directors on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. If you have to, consider joining conventions and other events where key players in the legal technology market can connect with top firms eager to build valuable linkages.
Endnote
As a web developer wanting to break into the legal market, your success will depend largely on how well you connect with the people who need your services the most. Consider these tips and start signing lucrative contracts with attorneys.