Attorneys need to understand that a website is always a work in progress. Some modifications become necessary to accommodate changing realities, new client requirements or technological advancements. Owners must know the current law firm website design trends to improve their interfaces. A legal website is different from any other business interface. Custom law firm website design, therefore, has emerged as a separate field in the web design industry. It will also be pertinent to note that the objective of all law firms is not the same. The design scheme for an interface targeting more conversions will be much different from the one looking to leave a lasting visual impact. The top trends in the domain for 2019, therefore, must be used only after ascertaining their utility for your law firm.
1. Cinemagraphs Or Hero Images On Homepages
The visual aspect of a website has gained importance over the years as organizations try to hold the attention of visitors through enhanced visual appeal. Many legal interfaces are moving towards the trend of using cinema graphs on their homepages. These are static photographs which contain a subtle motion which constantly plays on a loop. The motion is generally seen in a specific section of the image while the rest of the area remains still. This technique is used to provide an immersive experience and capture the visitor’s attention. Another visual trick that is being employed a lot on homepages is the placement of hero images. A large, full-width picture along with some compelling text is used to path people’s eye. You can expect these visual trends to become more visible as this year progresses.
2. Using Minimalism To Emphasize The Message
The minimalist web design technique is ideal for lawyer websites which strive to project a sober and professional image. The design technique involves removing all unnecessary elements which do not support the website goals. Attorneys are using the strategy to put more emphasis on the message of their interface. Clean layouts with no complex graphics or excessive text create more impact than visually-intense displays. Take a look at the image given below. A serene background image with a single line in the foreground conveying the fact that the firm services businesses and non-profit organizations. The target audience will immediately understand the interface may be suitable for their purposes.
3. Micro Animations To Guide Mobile Users
One of the most popular law firm website design trends that will become more popular this year is micro animations. These brief visual cues act as effective guiding tools especially for visitors who are using mobile devices.
In the above image, you can see that the menu for Practice Areas is expanded. The action did not require any clicking and simply hovering the cursor over the text expanded the menu. This makes navigation convenient and the trick can be used to guide people around an interface and drawing their attention towards key components like CTAs.
4. Live Chat To Boost Conversions
Most attorneys invest in a website to attract more clients. Lawyer interfaces prominently display the contact information and relevant CTAs which can encourage visitors to get in touch with the agency. However, instead of simply relying on contact forms and phone calls to generate leads, law firms are now installing the live chat feature for the purpose. This allows visitors to get assistance in real time without needing to make a phone call. In case, a person is impressed by the help she receives, it also increases the chances of she sharing her contact information with the firm. More and more lawyers will use live chat in 2019 to boost their conversion rate.
5. Making The Design Compliant According To ADA Guidelines
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) directs that all places of public accommodation must be accessible to the disabled. Efforts are going on to make websites also adhere to the guidelines which public places need to follow. Many legal websites are using visual indicators other than colors so that color-blind people can differentiate between sections or links. They are also including labels for form fields so that anyone using screen reader can understand them. More and more lawyer websites will become easy to use for disabled people in the coming days.
Conclusion
These are some of the key law firm website design trends which are expected to become popular in 2019. You must apply a trend on your interface only after ascertaining whether it fits into your website’s objective or not.
About Author:
Hi, I am Sophia, I am a web designer and online marketer at – Conroy Creative Counsel – Best Agency for online marketing for law firms in the USA.