How to Have an Information Hierarchy for Your Law Website

Photo byMichael Brandt

Creating an information hierarchy for a law firm's website is pivotal. Proper hierarchy ensures that users can quickly find the information they need, enhancing user experience and maximizing the chances of a visitor converting into a client. Below are steps and considerations to help law firms establish a successful information hierarchy for their Orange County websites:

1. Define Your Primary Goals

Before diving into design details, it's essential to identify the site's main objectives. Is it client acquisition? Providing resources on specific laws? Showcasing the firm's achievements? Understanding the primary goal helps in structuring content accordingly.

2. Know Your Audience

Recognize who the site caters to. Are they individuals seeking personal legal counsel? Businesses looking for corporate law services? Once identified, structure your content to answer their primary questions.

3. Main Navigation

Your website's primary navigation is pivotal. This is often located at the top of the website and should include links to the most critical sections. For most law websites, this would encompass Home, About Us, Practice Areas, Attorneys, Testimonials, Blog/Resources, and Contact Us.

4. Use of Headers

Organize content using headers (H1, H2, H3, etc.). Your H1 often describes the page's main content (e.g., "Personal Injury Law"), while subsequent headers break down content into subtopics or specific areas.

5. Prioritize Content 'Above the Fold'

"Above the fold" refers to the law content visible without scrolling. Ensure that critical information, such as the firm's name, primary services, and a call to action (like a phone number), is immediately visible.

6. Highlight Key Practice Areas

Not all visitors will be familiar with legal jargon. Use clear, concise categories to describe your firm's areas of expertise and showcase them prominently on your homepage.

7. Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)

Decide what actions you want visitors to take. Whether it's to fill out a contact form, call for a consultation, or download resources, make these CTAs clear and easily accessible.

8. Visual Hierarchy

Use images, infographics, or icons to draw attention to crucial areas. Visual aids can help break up text-heavy content and guide visitors towards essential sections.

9. Footer Navigation

The footer is another essential navigation point, often including secondary or tertiary information. This could contain links to privacy policies, disclaimers, satellite offices, and social media pages.

10. Utilize Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are navigational aids that show users their path from the law homepage to the current page. This is especially useful for more significant sites with multiple layers of content.

11. Design for Scannability

Most visitors scan websites. Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and bolded text to make content more digestible. This also helps in guiding users through the website's hierarchy effortlessly.

12. Integrate a Search Function

A search bar can be a massive lifesaver for visitors seeking specific information. It bypasses the traditional hierarchy for users who know exactly what they want.

13. Feedback and Iteration

Once your site is live, gather feedback. Analytics tools can show where users spend the most time and where they drop off. Use this data to refine your hierarchy and improve user experience continually.

14. Mobile Responsiveness

Remember, many users will access the site via mobile. Ensure your information hierarchy remains clear and navigable on smaller screens.

Conclusion

An information hierarchy isn't just about ordering content but creating a pathway for visitors, guiding them seamlessly from their initial queries to the information or action they seek. By establishing a clear, user-focused structure, law firms can ensure their websites provide value and stand out in the competitive digital landscape.