The question posted on LinkedIn was: Why do Attorneys choose to pay large monthly (renting) fees for their websites? Some good comments covering options from doing it yourself attorneys to an Findlaw rep defending the renting proposition. Let’s break it down.
- The attorney using the low cost hosting with a cheap template used Joomla, but she completely overlooked a sitemap. Sitemaps were announced and recommended by Google, Yahoo and MSN all the way back in November of 2006; on site optimization 101.
- The lawyer with the DUI Directory has a solid site, but seems like he desires to spend more effort and time on marketing than most lawyers I’ve met. Even so, he recommends ongoing SEO by a pro.
- The Findlaw rep made a compelling argument, but when you want to quit them they send a document called a EUI to get the website. This is the first line from that form. An EUI is a copy of the cancelled website converted to a standard web friendly format. If they were really spreading the developing costs, why must is be converted to web friendly when you cancel?
The real reason law firms choose to “rent a website” is because there’s no money down. All of us will more readily buy things when no actual money passes hands in the transaction; not just law firms. Also, most don’t want to spend their time on this. They want to practice law. Renting is easy.
Let’s remember your website is the first impression many will have of your firm. It should convey the quality your firm has to offer. When hiring an SEO provide, ask them what will happen to your ranking should you choose not to renew your service agreement. If they are using “white hat” SEO strategies, the effects will linger; at least until the competition knocks you down. Getting to the top is one thing, defending your ranking is another.
To the originator of this question who stated “Full disclosure is unfortunately, often not a common practice.. with salespeople that have quotas.” I appreciate your recgonizing just how unique I am.
