I recently contemplated whether 1&1's MyWebsite site builder is a good Choice for law firms. My general thought is that while a 1&1 MyWebsite might be one of the more affordable options out there for a law firm website, the example law firm websites I saw in 1&1's site portfolio didn't really put the firms' best feet forward.

Does that mean that you can't build a professional law firm website with 1&1's sitebuilder? Not necessarily. However, for only a few dollars more, you can put together a Wordpress(.org) website that will be even more easy-to-use, flexible, and is likely to perform much better in terms of both search visibility, as well as, motivating prospective clients to contact your firm.

And I don't mean to pick specifically on 1&1 MyWebsite websites either. Other major hosting providers also provide cheap sitebuilders that I usually don't recommend.

Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding about what's available, many small businesses, including law firms, are attracted to these basic sitebuilder applications provided by hosting companies. Which, when you consider what some legal website deisgn firms charge for a new site design, is completely understandable.

Now look, I'm not saying that making a considerable investment into your firm's website design and development is necessarily wrong. The design of your site will have a huge impact on the way the internet users and searchers view your firm. An unprofessional, outdated, or simply poor design can have a very negative impact on your firm's web presence, and may cost you clients.

On the other hand, you better know what you're paying for. I have yet to see a law firm website design that is worth tens of thousands of dollars. And let me tell you, there are firms that still pay that much for a design today.

That's not to say that there aren't websites that may be worth that kind of investment. For example, if part of the site build includes professional photography, videos, live chat, and extensive pages and content, then a firm should expect to make a considerable investment.

Firms should spend some time learning about what's available and shopping around to see what are reasonable prices for site design, development, and of course marketing.

Opting for the most affordable sitebuilder solutions, like 1&1's MyWebsite product, typically isn't the best balance in terms of price, affordability, professionalism, and functionality.