We asked over 300+ Law firm digital marketing professionals to share the costs associated with website design, maintenance, SEO, and copywriting.
Here’s a breakdown of what they shared:
The average cost to build a Law Firm website (with an agency or freelancer) is $500 – $45,000, including website design and development. Routine site maintenance typically costs $300 – $6000 per month ($2400 to $11,800 per year).
The average cost (with an agency or freelancer) to rank top on Google (SEO) is $500 – $6000 (monthly). Legal copywriting costs range from $25 to $2,500 per page.
Click here to know the cost of a custom offer for your project.
Keep reading to discover more information on website design, maintenance, SEO, and copywriting pricing.
Last Updated: June 30, 2024
How Much Does a Law Firm Website Scratch to SEO Cost in 2024?
A legal website can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $45,000 on average.
This section dives deeper into the breakdown of these costs, exploring the different expenses associated with web design, SEO, copywriting, and maintenance.
We’ll also unveil the price variations between agencies, freelancers, and DIY platforms like WordPress and Wix!
What Determines the Cost of Law Firm Website Design?
The price tag for your law firm’s website design hinges on a variety of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key influences:
Project Size: Do you need a complete website built from the ground up, or just specific elements? Is it a straightforward design or something more intricate and cutting-edge? Generally, a basic website for a small business will be less expensive than a complex, enterprise-level site.
Website Pages: The number of pages on your website directly impacts design costs. More pages typically translate to a higher price tag.
Design Approach: Will you tackle the design yourself (DIY), or outsource it to a freelance web designer, contractor, or agency? Each approach comes with its own cost structure. Learn more in our blog on “Legal Website Design“.
Pricing Model: Will you pay by the hour or for the entire project upfront? Hourly rates offer flexibility, while project-based pricing provides a clearer cost picture.
Budget: Ultimately, how much you’re willing to allocate for web design will influence the options available. This budget will depend on your specific business needs and goals. For example, designing a new website from scratch will cost more than a website refresh or redesign.
Additional Functionalities: Adding features like templates, extensions, plugins, and more will also influence the overall cost. Explore our “50+ Lawyer Website Templates” for more ideas.
Attorney Website Design Costs per Hour?
Web design service costs can vary depending on the designer’s experience and location. On average, expect to pay $30 to $100 per hour for attorney website design.
However, this range can reach $300 per hour for highly-regarded designers in premium locations.
Law Firm Website Design Costs per Project
Project-based web design costs for law firms can vary significantly, ranging from a budget-friendly $1000 to a more substantial $10,000 or more.
The final price hinges on the approach you choose, whether it’s tackling the project yourself (DIY), hiring an in-house web designer, or outsourcing to a freelancer or a professional web design agency. For a deeper dive, read our guide on “Law Firm Website Design Companies“.
DIY Website Design Pricing
For the cost-conscious law firm, building your website yourself might seem like a tempting option. Here, the average cost falls between $0 and $300.
This covers securing a domain name and potentially incorporating additional or custom elements.
However, keep in mind that this route requires significant time investment, technical expertise, and ongoing maintenance to keep your site secure and up-to-date.
3 Types of Legal Web Design Charges
Hiring an In-House Web Designer
In-house designers offer a dedicated resource for your website’s development and ongoing maintenance.
However, this comes at a cost. Expect to pay a monthly salary in the range of $4,000 to $7,500, translating to $50,000 to $91,000 annually.
Outsourcing to Freelancers
Freelancers provide a flexible and potentially cost-effective option compared to in-house designers.
Their rates can vary significantly depending on experience and project complexity, ranging from $500 to over $5,000 per project.
Outsourcing to Web Design Agencies
Web design agencies offer a comprehensive solution, handling everything from design and development to content creation and SEO.
Similar to freelancers, agency fees can range from $500 to over $10,000 per project, depending on the scope and complexity of your website. For specific insights, see our blog on “A Comprehensive Guide to Immigration Lawyer Website Design“.
Additional Legal Website Costs
Beyond the core website design, several ongoing expenses contribute to your law firm’s website presence. Here’s a breakdown of these additional costs:
Domain Name
Many web hosting plans include a free domain name for the first year. However, you can purchase one separately for around $10-$30 annually, depending on the registrar and chosen extension (.com, .law, etc.).
Web Hosting
After securing your domain name, you’ll need hosting to make your website accessible online. Hosting providers like SiteGround or Bluehost offer various plans.
Consider a separate hosting service for greater control and access to advanced features. Here’s a cost breakdown by hosting type (based on Hostinger averages):
- Shared Hosting: $1-$15 per month (cost-effective for basic websites)
- Dedicated Server Hosting: $80-$500 per month (ideal for high-traffic websites)
- WordPress Managed Hosting: $3-$200 per month (optimized for WordPress websites)
- Cloud Hosting: $10-$200 per month (scalable and reliable option)
- VPS Hosting: $10-$100 per month (virtual private server for increased control)
Several factors influence hosting costs:
- Storage Space: The amount of data your website requires (text, images, videos)
- Bandwidth/Traffic: The volume of visitors accessing your website
- Number of Websites: If hosting multiple websites under one plan
- IP Addresses: Unique identifiers for your website(s)
- Security Features: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate for encryption
- Customer Support Options: Level of technical assistance desired
- Customization: Ability to modify server settings
- Additional Fees: Setup fees, SEO services, extra security measures
Website Builder Subscription
Website builders like Wix offer a user-friendly way to create your website. Subscription costs vary, ranging from free to $500+ annually.
These plans typically include features like plugins, themes, hosting, and an SSL certificate. Remember to factor in potential annual maintenance costs (up to $5,000+) for website builders.
Security Features
Protecting your website, client data, and your firm’s reputation is crucial. Security plugins offer features like malware scanning and login protection.
Costs range from free (included with some web hosts/builders) to $600 annually, depending on the chosen plugin and its functionalities.
SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate establishes trust with visitors by:
- Verifying your website’s identity
- Encrypting communication between your website and visitors
- Allowing secure online payments (e.g., for consultations or retainers)
Many web hosts and builders offer free SSL certificates, while others charge $8-$1,000 annually depending on factors like:
- Certificate Provider: Different providers may have varying pricing structures
- Number of Domains Covered: Securing multiple domains under one certificate
- Validation Process: Levels of verification required by the certificate authority
- Warranty: Coverage offered in case of security breaches
- Certificate Authority: Reputation and trustworthiness of the issuing body
Templates: Variable Costs
Website builder platforms often provide pre-designed templates to jumpstart your website creation. While some platforms like Wix offer free templates, others like Shopify charge one-time fees ranging from $140 to $400 for premium templates.
Website Maintenance cost
Remember, website design is just the first step. To maintain a professional and secure online presence, ongoing website maintenance is crucial.
This can cost anywhere from $300 to $6,000 per month, translating to $3,600 to $60,000 annually.
Understanding Freelancer and Agency Pricing
When working with freelancers or agencies, several factors influence the final cost:
- Their level of experience and expertise.
- The size and complexity of your website.
- The scope of your design needs
Website design is just as important as the main goal of the website: converting visitors into clients. This is where legal SEO and copywriting come in. Below, we will discuss SEO and copywriting costs.
Law Firm’s SEO Pricing Category
Optimizing your law firm’s website for search engines (SEO) is crucial for attracting potential clients searching for legal services.
Understanding the different SEO pricing categories can help you choose the best approach for your budget and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the three main SEO pricing options:
1. Law Firm SEO Cost Per Month
On average, legal SEO services range from $500 to $10,000 per month, according to industry surveys. However, the actual cost can vary depending on the size of your law firm.
Generally, smaller firms can expect to pay less than larger firms with more complex SEO needs.
Detailed Cost Breakdown (Based on Survey Data)
The cost data below was collected by “WebFX” from 500 US-based marketing and sales professionals:
| Monthly Lawyer SEO Cost | Percentage of Marketers |
| Less than $500 | 3.89% |
| $501 – $1,000 | 10.10% |
| $1,001 – $2,500 | 24.61% |
| $2,501 – $5,000 | 34.97% |
| $5,001 – $7,500 | 13.21% |
| $7,501 – $10,000 | 7.77% |
| More than $10,000 | 5.44% |
Understanding Monthly Law Firm’s SEO Packages
It’s important to be cautious of “one-size-fits-all” monthly SEO packages. Many SEO agencies offer these packages, promising a set number of deliverables like articles written or backlinks obtained.
Here’s why these packages might not be ideal for your law firm
Focus on Quantity over Quality
Quantity-focused packages prioritize meeting a specific quota (e.g., backlinks) over building high-quality, relevant backlinks that truly benefit your website.
Limited Customization
These packages lack customization, potentially neglecting specific SEO needs crucial for your law firm’s success.
Choosing the Right Monthly SEO Package
Effective SEO is data-driven and requires ongoing strategy adjustments. Look for an SEO agency that offers customized plans tailored to your unique needs and target audience.
Focus on finding an SEO agency that offers:
- An SEO plan tailored to your specific legal practice area and target keywords.
- An agency that utilizes data and analytics to track progress and optimize your SEO strategy over time.
- Regular communication and reporting to ensure transparency and address any questions or concerns.
By prioritizing these factors, you can choose a monthly SEO package that delivers the best return on investment for your law firm’s online presence.
2. Lawyer SEO Cost Per Hour
A survey reveals that on average, SEO freelancers charge $20 to $100 per hour. However, the cost can vary depending on the consultant’s experience and the complexity of your SEO needs.
The survey also highlights a correlation between cost and satisfaction – companies paying less than $50 per hour reported lower satisfaction with their SEO provider.
Breakdown of Hourly SEO Costs (Based on Survey Data)
The cost data below was collected by “WebFX” from 500 US-based marketing and sales professionals:
| Hourly Lawyer SEO Cost | Percentage of Marketers |
| Less than $50 per hour | 28.95% |
| $51-$75 per hour | 43.86% |
| $76-$100 per hour | 20.18% |
| $101-$150 per hour | 3.51% |
| $151-$200 per hour | 0.88% |
| More than $200 per hour | 2.63% |
Breakdown of Hourly SEO Costs (Based on Survey Data)
Several factors influence hourly SEO rates for legal services
- Highly experienced consultants with a proven track record typically command higher hourly rates.
- Technical SEO audits or in-depth keyword research may cost more per hour than basic on-page optimization tasks.
You can find SEO freelancers or legal SEO experts in some Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia at potentially lower rates compared to the USA.
While hourly SEO offers flexibility, it’s crucial to consider your long-term goals. For a comprehensive and strategic approach, exploring monthly SEO packages or project-based SEO might be more suitable.
Remember: The cheapest option might not always deliver the best results. Invest in SEO expertise that aligns with your specific legal practice and budget.
3. Attorney SEO Cost Per Project
Considering a one-time SEO project to optimize your law firm’s website? Understanding project-based SEO costs can help you budget effectively.
On average, attorney SEO projects range from $1,000 to $5,000, according to industry surveys. However, the final cost can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of your project.
Breakdown of Attorney SEO Project Costs (Based on Survey Data)
The cost data below was collected by “WebFX” from 500 US-based marketing and sales professionals:
| Lawyer SEO Project Cost | Percentage of Marketers |
| Less than $500 | 4.81% |
| $501 – $1,000 | 10.58% |
| $1,001 – $2,500 | 20.19% |
| $2,501 – $5,000 | 31.73% |
| $5,001 – $7,500 | 18.27% |
| $7,501 – $10,000 | 7.69% |
| More than $10,000 | 5.44% |
One-Time SEO Services Explained
One-time SEO projects are ideal for law firms seeking to address specific SEO needs:
- SEO Audit: A comprehensive analysis of your website’s SEO health, identifying technical issues, content quality, and ranking potential. Think of it as a checkup for your website, similar to a doctor’s visit. An SEO audit typically costs within the range of $300 to $1000.
- Website Optimization: A one-time service to optimize specific aspects of your website for search engines, such as on-page optimization (title tags, meta descriptions, etc.). The cost of website optimization can range from $300 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the work required.
The concept of finding a low-cost SEO provider, while tempting, can be risky. While someone with basic SEO knowledge might offer lower rates, they may lack the expertise to deliver optimal results for your legal practice. Conversely, highly experienced legal SEO consultants like Neil Patel charge premium rates but offer extensive experience and proven results.
Finding the right SEO Expert for your law firm requires a balance between cost and expertise.
Law Firm’s Link Building Packages Price
Building high-quality backlinks is crucial for law firm websites to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract potential clients. However, link building costs can vary significantly.
While some agencies offer monthly packages ranging from $100 to $20,000, focusing on the cost per link provides a clearer picture of long-term investment. .
1. In-House Link Building for Lawyers
Building backlinks in-house offers control and customization for your Lawyer’s SEO strategy.
However, it requires significant investment in personnel, content creation, and potentially, link acquisition costs. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual costs:
In-House Link Building Team
Link Building Manager
$40,000 – $80,000 annually. An experienced manager is crucial to oversee and lead the link building operation.
Link Building Assistants (2)
$30,000 annually. Assistants handle prospecting, personalization, and outreach tasks.
Guest Post Writer
$50,000 annually. High-quality content is essential for securing backlinks from reputable websites.
Additional Link Costs
$25,000+ annually. While some SEO tactics like guest posting can earn backlinks, budget for potential link acquisition costs.
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $160,000 per year.
Important Note: This estimate assumes actively building a minimum of 30 links per month (360 links per year).
2. Law Firm Link Building with Agencies: Cost Considerations
Partnering with a link building agency offers expertise and efficiency for your law firm’s SEO strategy. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in terms of agency pricing:
Agency Pricing Variations
The cost of agency link building services depends on several factors:
Major Content Marketing Agencies: Offering comprehensive SEO services, they can charge $15,000 to $30,000 per campaign. The average link cost might range from $400 to $1,500, but link quality is not guaranteed.
Specialist Link Building Agencies: These agencies focus on link building and offer more customized services. Expect costs to range from $3,000 to $15,000+ per month, depending on your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Agency
Not all agencies are created equal. Here’s what to consider when selecting a link-building partner for your law firm:
- Legal Industry Experience: Choose an agency with a proven track record in the legal field. They’ll understand your target audience and competition.
- Content and On-Page SEO Capabilities: Collaboration is key. Look for an agency that can work alongside your content marketing efforts and ensure your website’s on-page SEO is optimized for link-building success.
- Transparency and Communication: Prioritize agencies that provide clear communication and regular reports on your link-building campaign.
3. Freelancers Cost for Law Firm Link Building
Building backlinks can also be done through freelancers, offering an alternative to agencies and in-house teams. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this approach for law firms:
Freelancer Pricing
Freelancer pricing varies depending on experience, location, and the value they place on their time. Here’s a general breakdown:
Experience Level:
- Junior/Entry-Level: $10-$20 per hour
- Mid-Level: $25-$40 per hour
- Senior SEO: $50-$100 per hour
Advantages of Freelancers
Cost-Effectiveness: Freelancers are typically less expensive than hiring an in-house team or a full-service SEO agency.
Project Flexibility: They often work on a project-by-project basis, allowing for flexible engagement based on your needs.
Specialized Expertise: Some freelancers specialize in specific link-building tactics or legal industry knowledge, offering targeted expertise.
SEO Copywriting for Your Law Firm Website
In today’s competitive online landscape, a strong web presence is essential for any law firm. Here’s where SEO copywriting comes in – a strategic approach to crafting website content that not only informs your target audience but also attracts them through search engines.
What is SEO Copywriting and How Much Does it Cost?
SEO copywriting goes beyond simply writing informative legal content. It involves optimizing web pages for search engines while maintaining a user-friendly experience for your visitors. This includes keyword research, content creation, technical SEO optimization, and even publishing the page in some cases.
The cost of SEO copywriting for law firm websites can vary significantly, ranging from $50 to $25,000 per page. Several factors influence this price range, including:
- Page Complexity: Simple blog posts might fall on the lower end, while complex service pages with in-depth legal explanations could cost more.
- Content Length: Longer content with comprehensive explanations and strategic keyword integration typically requires a higher investment.
- Agency Experience: Reputable agencies specializing in legal SEO will understand your target audience and competition, potentially justifying a higher cost.
What Does SEO Copywriting Include?
A comprehensive SEO copywriting service for a law firm website often encompasses several key steps:
- Keyword Research: Identifying relevant search terms your target audience uses to find legal services.
- Content Strategy and Development: Creating engaging content that addresses user needs and incorporates target keywords naturally.
- On-Page Optimization: Optimizing technical aspects of your website (title tags, meta descriptions, etc.) to improve search engine ranking.
- Content Publication: Uploading and publishing the optimized content on your website (offered by some agencies).
Conclusion
Building a strong online presence for your law firm requires a multi-faceted approach. This blog has explored the cost considerations for various aspects, including website design, SEO, SEO copywriting, and link building.
Remember, the most effective strategy considers your firm’s budget, long-term goals, and target audience. By carefully evaluating your options and partnering with the right agencies or professionals, you can create a website that attracts new clients, showcases your expertise, and propels your law firm’s success.
