| Effective communication with a Web design firm | | | | feedback should be complied into ideas that can be |
| should begin long before you actually hire the | | | | expressed to the designer. |
| designer who will build your site. This is because the | | | | Once you have hired a designer who you feel would |
| most efficient way to hire a Web designer is to | | | | most successfully execute the firm's and have a |
| know what type of design you want for your law | | | | point person in place, you can begin the editing |
| practice. If you know what types of designs you like | | | | process. That means that the point person will bring |
| in advance, then you will have a better idea of | | | | the latest versions of the Website back to the law |
| whether or not the designer can build the site that | | | | firm for feedback. |
| you envision. | | | | When it comes to feedback to the designer, be kind. |
| One of the best ways to brainstorm ideas for Web | | | | Remember to treat the designer with the same |
| design is to start with the competition. Find out how | | | | respect that you would treat other law firm |
| other Websites are targeting the clients you want to | | | | members. A little constructive criticism can go a long |
| attract. When you "shop the competition" you can | | | | way and is the key to keeping your relationship with |
| learn a great deal about how the Internet is used to | | | | the Web designer a positive one. When you critique |
| generate business. If you see a design you like, ask if | | | | the designer's versions, be kind, but also be direct so |
| the designer is capable of building a site similar to it. | | | | you can get the changes you need. |
| While you might think this is the designer's job, not | | | | Once you have completed the revision process, and |
| yours, the process will be much more successful if | | | | have a final Web design, be sure that the point |
| you and the designer are on the same page about | | | | person is thorough by getting feedback from |
| where how you view the final product: a Website | | | | everyone in the law firm. There's no sense in |
| that looks as good as it performs. | | | | accepting a design that decision makers have not |
| You may never have access to the true ROI a law | | | | reviewed. Be sure that the point person has the |
| firm receives on its Website, you can tell from a | | | | authority to accept the final design. |
| user's point of view, how effective the Website is in | | | | Finally, announce your new Website design. Submit |
| creating a compelling online identity. | | | | press releases about the release of your new site. |
| Also, before you hire the designer, it's important to | | | | Redesigning or launching a Website is great news |
| pick a point person to communicate with the | | | | that should be shared with the media so you can get |
| designer, who will eliminate miscommunications | | | | the proper recognition your Website deserves. Don't |
| between the designer and the law firm. This person | | | | forget to change the Web address, if necessary, on |
| should receive feedback from as many people as | | | | law firm business products such as letterhead and |
| possible regarding the desired design of the site. The | | | | business cards. |