Your law firm’s website is often the first impression potential clients get. But many solicitor websites unintentionally sabotage their own success through common errors that are surprisingly easy to fix. In today’s competitive legal market, even small website mistakes can cost you clients, credibility, and revenue.
This guide explores the top law firms website mistakes we see repeatedly — and more importantly, how you can avoid them. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, these insights will help you build a legal website that attracts, engages, and converts.
1. Lack of Clear Value Proposition
When visitors land on your homepage, can they instantly tell:
- What you do?
- Who you help?
- Why you’re better than competitors?
Mistake:
Generic headlines like “Welcome to Our Website” or “We Offer Legal Solutions” fail to communicate value or urgency.
Solution:
Create a strong value proposition that includes:
- Your area of law
- Who you serve (e.g., startups, individuals, corporations)
- A unique selling point (USP)
Example:
“Business Solicitors in London Helping SMEs Resolve Legal Disputes with Confidence.”
2. Poor Mobile Experience
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a law firm website that isn’t mobile-optimised is losing clients.
Mistake:
Unresponsive designs, tiny text, hard-to-click buttons.
Solution:
- Use responsive design frameworks.
- Test site performance on multiple devices.
- Prioritise fast loading times and tap-friendly navigation.
3. No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Many legal websites don’t tell visitors what to do next. Without a clear direction, potential clients may leave the site confused or unsure how to proceed.
This creates friction in the user journey and can significantly lower conversion rates. A well-placed, action-oriented CTA guides users and helps turn interest into inquiries.
Mistake:
Vague CTAs like “Contact Us” buried in the footer or pages ending without next steps.
Solution:
Place prominent, consistent CTAs like:
- “Book Your Free Consultation”
- “Speak with a Solicitor Today”
- “Get a Legal Quote Now”
Use buttons that stand out in colour and contrast.
4. Overuse of Legal Jargon
Your clients aren’t legal experts — that’s why they need you.
Mistake:
Websites filled with complex terms like “fiduciary obligations,” “conveyancing instruments,” or “litigious matters” confuse and alienate visitors.
Solution:
- Use plain English.
- Explain complex terms when needed.
- Aim for clarity, not courtroom eloquence.
5. Thin and Outdated Content
Content is king in SEO and user trust. High-quality, informative content not only helps your site rank higher on search engines but also reassures potential clients that you know your area of law.
When your pages answer common questions and reflect legal expertise, visitors are more likely to stay, explore, and convert. Consistent, well-written content builds authority over time and keeps your firm top of mind.
Mistake:
- Barebones service pages (just a paragraph)
- Blog posts from 2019
- Practice areas without detail
Solution:
- Add at least 500–1000 words per service page.
- Update blog content regularly with relevant legal news or case studies.
- Include client FAQs and internal links.
6. Lack of SEO Fundamentals
Your law firm may offer the best legal services, but if your website can’t be found on Google, it doesn’t matter. Most people start their search for legal help online, and if your site isn’t optimised for search engines, you’ll be invisible to those prospects.
Ranking on page one isn’t just about visibility — it’s about credibility. A strong SEO presence signals professionalism and trust, helping you stand out in a crowded market.
Mistake:
- No keyword targeting
- Missing meta descriptions and title tags
- Poor URL structures
Solution:
- Use on-page SEO: headings (H1-H3), meta tags, alt text
- Target keywords like “divorce lawyer in Manchester” or “commercial lease solicitor UK”
- Improve internal linking and site structure
7. No Google Reviews or Trust Signals
Clients want to see that others trust you.
Mistake:
Websites without testimonials, case studies, or links to Google Reviews lack credibility.
Solution:
- Display client reviews prominently (with permission).
- Link to your Google Business Profile.
- Add badges like “Law Society Accredited” or “Top Rated on Trustpilot”.
8. Slow Website Speed
In 2025, users expect instant results. A delay of even 2 seconds can increase bounce rates dramatically.
Mistake:
- Large images not compressed
- Poor hosting
- Bloated themes or plugins
Solution:
- Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights
- Optimise images (WebP format)
- Choose fast, legal-specialised hosting
9. No Secure HTTPS Protocol
Mistake:
Running your site on HTTP instead of HTTPS exposes visitors to security risks.
Solution:
- Install an SSL certificate
- Display trust icons (e.g., padlock)
- Use secure forms for data entry
10. No Analytics or Tracking
How do you know if your site is performing? Without proper tracking, you’re essentially operating blind, with no way to measure what’s working and what’s not.
Analytics tools give you insight into user behavior, popular pages, and conversion paths. This data helps you make smarter decisions, refine your content, and ultimately generate more leads.
Mistake:
No use of Google Analytics, Search Console, or heatmaps.
Solution:
- Set up basic analytics to track:
- Visitor count
- Bounce rate
- Form completions
- Visitor count
- Monitor keyword rankings and make data-driven improvements
11. Generic Stock Photos
Law is personal. Your website shouldn’t feel like a photo gallery of corporate handshakes and smiling actors.
Mistake:
Overuse of unrelated, sterile stock photos.
Solution:
- Use real photos of your office, solicitors, or clients (with consent)
- If using stock, choose authentic and diverse images relevant to your practice
12. No Local SEO
Most solicitors serve a specific region. But many forget to optimise for it.
Mistake:
Not mentioning your location or local services.
Solution:
- Use geo-specific keywords: “family lawyer in Leeds”
- Create location pages if you have multiple offices
- List your firm on Google Business Profile and legal directories
13. Not Showcasing Specialisations
Many firms try to appear as generalists to attract more clients — but that can hurt SEO and conversions.
Mistake:
Lumping all services into one page or failing to highlight niche expertise.
Solution:
- Create separate pages for each legal service
- Highlight expertise with specific case studies or success metrics
14. Broken Links and 404 Erros
These damage user experience and your SEO score.
Mistake:
Old blogs linking to removed content, internal pages leading to “Page Not Found”.
Solution:
- Run monthly audits using tools like Screaming Frog or SEMrush
- Fix or redirect broken links
- Customise your 404 page with helpful links
15. No Accessibility Features
A truly professional website is inclusive. It ensures that all users — regardless of ability — can access information, navigate pages, and take action without barriers.
Ignoring accessibility not only alienates potential clients but can also put your firm at risk of legal complaints. By prioritising accessibility, you demonstrate respect, compliance, and a commitment to serving everyone equally.
Mistake:
No accessibility support for users with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
Solution:
- Use alt tags for all images
- Ensure keyboard navigability
- Use accessible fonts, colours, and contrast
- Follow WCAG guidelines
16. Ignoring Contact Page Best Practices
Your contact page should do more than just list a phone number.
Mistake:
- No contact form
- Missing address, directions, or opening hours
- Not linking it in the main menu
Solution:
- Include multiple contact methods (form, phone, email, live chat)
- Add a map for directions
- Offer appointment scheduling or callback request forms
Conclusion: Fix Your Website, Attract More Clients
If your law firm is making even a few of these website mistakes, you’re likely missing out on leads and damaging your online credibility. But the good news? Every mistake is fixable — and with the right strategy, your website can become your top-performing marketing tool.
Start by auditing your current website with this list, prioritise improvements based on impact, and if needed, work with professionals who understand the legal sector.
By taking a proactive approach to correcting these issues, you not only improve your website’s performance but also enhance the overall client experience — building trust from the very first click. Think of your website as your digital front door: it should reflect the same professionalism, clarity, and competence you deliver in person.
In a market where clients have endless options, an optimised website gives your firm a powerful competitive edge.
Your Firm’s Reputation Starts Online — Are You in Control?
Don’t let simple website mistakes hold your law firm back.
We are here to help you find out what’s working — and what needs urgent fixing.
Book your Free More Clients From Your Website Call Now!
