lmatech2013: redesigning your website? you’ll need these tools
DESCRIPTION
Virginia Bisek Does your firm’s website need an overhaul? Do you have a good idea of the component software pieces involved in successfully managing and launching a redesign? In this 10 minute session we’ll cover the tools you’ll need to effectively manage the redesign of your website and your new content moving forward, after you launch. •Microsoft Word: You’ll need Word for copy development. If you have the 2003 or earlier version, it’s time to upgrade. •Microsoft Excel: You’ll need Excel to create an audit of your website content; Content you have currently, and content you’ll develop moving forward. •Project management software: There are many popular cloud-based PM software tools. I recommend Basecamp from 37signals. Simple, easy way to communicate with all team members during development, allows access and version control for all files, and stores everything in the cloud for 24/7 access. This tool is also a great way to communicate with outside vendors, too, such as your web developer or web designer – and it keeps a history of all discussions. You can’t live without it and it’s very affordable. You can cancel the subscription when your project ends. For most small firms and solo practitioners the monthly cost will probably run you $24. •Open Source CMS, Blog or WYSIWYG software: All three software types listed here are a type of content management system. A content management system allows you to effectively do that — manage your content. You will want a CMS incorporated into your design that allows you to make changes to your website when and where and how you want them. A CMS leaves you in control. •Photoshop Elements: This is Adobe’s smaller version of Photoshop. For $99 you can edit images and photos and optimize them for the Web. You will use this software often. It’s not necessary to get the entire Photoshop package, unless you have an in-house graphic designer.TRANSCRIPT
- 1. You finally convinced the partners to redesign the website. And they want to know what it entails. By tomorrow. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 1
- 2. Yo u 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 2
- 3. No problem. Lets get started. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 3
- 4. What does it mean to build a website? Many of the solo practitioners and bar associations that I work with have two things in common: They need to redesign their website because the existing one is old and cranky. They have no idea how to get started. This makes them cranky. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 4
- 5. Website redesign is not without its challenges. But if you understand the process, keep your ducks in a row, and stay focused you can build a successful website and have fun while youre doing it. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 5
- 6. Redesign is a misnomer. Many of us think that a redesign should be easier, and less expensive, than a new design. But if you are redesigning your website, you are starting from scratch. Therefore, you are designing a new website. This 10 minute LMA presentation will set your expectations about the tasks and tools involved in creating a new website. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 6
- 7. 3 Tasks Youll Do to Get Started Project Questionnaire Ten questions to answer with your team to stay focused and on the right path. Competitor Analysis What are other law firms doing right/wrong to attract clients to their websites? Content Audit Whats on your website now? What should you keep? What should you throw away? 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 7
- 8. STATION BREAK 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 8
- 9. What is Content? Its everything that is encountered by visitors on your website. Its images Its text 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 9
- 10. And Its sound Its duck videos Its also PDFs, links, applications, log in and search boxes, etc. Its everything that your users see and interact with. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 10
- 11. Back to Your Presentation 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 11
- 12. 4 People Youll Need You There must be a point of contact on your end. Im assuming you are the go-to person. Subject Matter Experts This is you. But its also anybody else in your firm responsible for adding content to your website. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 12
- 13. 4 People Youll Need, continued Designer/Web Developer Hire a professional to design and build your website across all devices (i.e., Responsive Design). Copywriter, SEO & Content Strategist This person can keep your content/copy on point and your own project management duties to a minimum. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 13
- 14. 3 Tools Youll Need New versions of MS Word and MS Excel The teams youll hire are using new versions. Its just good business. Cloud-Based Project Management Software Your team needs to have instant access to all documents in production. Whether you choose Google Apps, or MS Office 365 or Basecamp from 37signals youll need this software. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 14
- 15. 3 Tools Youll Need, continued WYSIWYG, CMS or Blog Software Any one of these programs allows you to easily access your website to make changes, edits, additions or deletions that are necessary. To keep your website fresh and updated, you shouldnt have to rely on a developer/designer to make daily or weekly changes to your website. So start off your redesign keeping in mind that you need to incorporate and learn a content management system. Your developer/designer will implement this during production. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 15
- 16. Thats it! If you implement these tools and follow the tasks youll keep your project on point, chaos to a minimum and copy development and design work on track. Meaning it will save you money. Guaranteed. Let me also say that no two legal firms are alike. How you complete these tasks depends very much upon your work load, who is on your team and how you manage your day to day activities off line. 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 16
- 17. I am a Content Strategist & Copywriter. 510.229.8508 www.VirginiaBisek.Com Id be happy to discuss your project in detail. Thank you! 10/27/201 3 Virginia Bisek (c) 2013 - Not for Distribution Without Permission - 510.229.8508 17