Typography might seem like a minor detail in website design, but for legal professionals, it can make the difference between a visitor staying to read your content or clicking away within seconds. Poor typography doesn't just hurt readability—it damages your professional credibility and reduces your website's ability to convert visitors into clients.
When potential clients visit your legal website, they're often dealing with complex legal issues and need information they can easily understand. If your typography makes reading difficult, you're creating unnecessary barriers between your expertise and the people who need your help.
Why Typography Matters for Legal Websites
Your website content represents your professional brand. Just as you wouldn't submit a poorly formatted legal document to court, your website shouldn't present information in a way that's hard to read or unprofessional.
Good typography serves several crucial functions:
• Builds trust and credibility with potential clients
• Improves user experience and keeps visitors engaged longer
• Enhances your google ranking through better user engagement metrics
• Increases conversion rates by making your call to action strategy more effective
• Supports accessibility for clients with different reading abilities
Essential Typography Elements for Legal Websites
Font Selection
Choose fonts that reflect professionalism whilst maintaining excellent readability. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or modern web fonts work well for body text, whilst serif fonts can add authority to headings.
Font Size and Line Height
Your body text should be at least 16 pixels in size. Many legal websites still use 12 or 14-pixel text, which strains readers' eyes and creates a poor user experience. Line height should be approximately 1.5 times your font size to ensure comfortable reading.
Contrast and Colour
Ensure sufficient contrast between your text and background colours. Dark text on light backgrounds typically works best for extensive reading. Avoid low-contrast combinations that make text difficult to read.
Improving Website Typography for Better Lead Generation
When you focus on improving website typography, you're not just making text prettier—you're creating a more effective lead generation website. Here's how typography directly impacts your ability to generate leads:
Scannable Content Structure
Most website visitors scan content rather than reading every word. Use:
- Clear headings and subheadings
- Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences maximum)
- Bullet points and numbered lists
- Strategic white space to break up content
Hierarchy and Navigation
Well-structured typography creates a clear information hierarchy that guides readers through your content logically. This helps visitors find the information they need quickly, increasing the likelihood they'll contact your firm.
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Typography's Role in SEO-Optimised Websites
Search engines favour websites that provide excellent user experiences. When your typography improves readability, visitors spend more time on your site, engage with more content, and are less likely to immediately return to search results. These positive user signals can boost your google ranking improvement.
Proper heading structure (H1, H2, H3 tags) also helps search engines understand your content organisation, making your SEO-optimised website more effective at attracting potential clients.
Common Typography Mistakes Legal Websites Make
Overusing Legal Jargon
Whilst technical accuracy is important, your website content should be accessible to clients who aren't legal experts. Use clear, simple language supported by readable typography.
Inconsistent Formatting
Inconsistent fonts, sizes, and spacing create a unprofessional appearance that undermines trust. Maintain consistency throughout your site.
Poor Mobile Typography
Many legal websites fail to optimise typography for mobile devices. With most web browsing happening on phones and tablets, your typography must work across all screen sizes.
Implementing Professional Typography
If you're considering a website upgrade, typography should be a key focus. Professional website development involves careful attention to typographic details that many website builders overlook.
A user-friendly website with excellent typography doesn't happen by accident. It requires strategic planning and ongoing website management to ensure your content remains readable and effective.
Making Typography Work for Your Practice
Effective typography supports your overall marketing goals. When combined with strategic website content and clear calls to action, good typography helps create high-conversion websites that turn visitors into clients.
Consider how your current website typography reflects your practice's professionalism. Does it make potential clients feel confident in your abilities? Does it make complex legal information accessible? If not, it might be time for improvements.
Typography is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your website's performance. Unlike major redesigns or new features, typography improvements can be implemented relatively quickly whilst delivering immediate benefits to user experience and professional credibility.
Investing in professional typography isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating a website that works harder to grow your legal practice. When potential clients can easily read and understand your content, they're much more likely to become actual clients.
Call one of our team or book an appointment at a time that works for you to discuss how improved typography can transform your legal website into a powerful client conversion tool.