Why Estate Planning Attorneys Need Trusted Websites | Rita Chaires

Episode Summary

In this Episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz speaks with Rita Chaires, Director of Integrated Member Services at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA), about why estate planning firms must treat their website as a trust-building growth engine—not a static brochure.

Rita shares what she sees across law firms nationwide: outdated sites reduce credibility, unclear messaging confuses prospects, and a missing conversion strategy leaves leads on the table. She also explains how AAEPA’s Online Marketing Group (OMG) helps members build websites that generate qualified inquiries, strengthen local visibility, and build client confidence before a consultation even happens. 

Show Notes:

  1. Why an estate planning website is often your first impression (and most important marketing asset)
  2. The biggest website mistakes that reduce trust and lower lead quality
  3. What actually makes a law firm site feel credible and client-focused
  4. How to use lead magnets (worksheets, checklists, calculators) to convert visitors into leads
  5. Why “pretty design” can fail if it’s slow, confusing, or overloaded with “bells and whistles”
  6. Local SEO strategies that help attorneys stand out in nearby cities and communities
  7. The mindset shift: your website isn’t something you “have”—it’s something you use to grow

Connect With the Guest

Rita recommends LinkedIn as the best place to follow her insights on building trusted law firm websites, improving local visibility, and turning online marketing into measurable growth. You can connect withRita Chaires on LinkedIn, where she shares practical advice and real-world examples focused on helping estate planning attorneys build credibility and attract the right clients.