In a world where working from home is the norm and meeting clients via your laptop is standard, your company should be aware of secure client portal software that can be used to build a collaborative workspace 24-7. Stay tuned for five examples of how such software may be able to help your business.
What Is a Client Portal?
A client portal is a private website or web application that securely stores your company’s digital files, documents, services, and information. The portal can be accessed by anyone from anywhere with the click of a button (typically along with a username and password). Client portals, sometimes referred to as customer portals, make it easy for you and your employees to connect with clients from all over the world – all from the privacy of your home or office.
Client portals are being used by small businesses, large firms, the healthcare industry, and even entire counties – Baltimore County in Maryland recently launched a data portal to make data available to their main client – the public. There are many advantages to client portals, but below is a list of five ways your business can benefit from a client portal service today.
Product collaboration
Streamlining communication is particularly important when collaborating on projects or discussing new processes. Cloud-based collaborative workspaces connect employees and clients effortlessly, allowing for instant communication by posting messages and assigning tasks within personalized virtual spaces.
Who has time to reach out to a client each and every time there is a small question or change? With client portals, communication is much more efficient. Instead of your client having to make space in their schedule for “real-time” conversation or answering constant emails, they can answer all your questions quickly and on their schedule within their client portal.
In addition, collaboration doesn’t have to be stifled within four walls. With client portals, both employees and clients can review documents, add comments, and upload new files from anywhere at any time.
Product delivery
Delivering products is instantaneous with client portal software.Onehub offers drag and drop options and, similar to a computer, folder-based organization so that clients and employees can find products quickly and confidently.
There’s no need to schedule an awkward video chat that cuts in and out or book a flight to present a product in person. At the same time, you won’t have to compromise your professionalism or transparency. You’ll have complete control over the final delivery and can quickly receive feedback from the client.
Onboarding new clients
With client portal software, it’s just as easy to work with clients from across town as it is with clients across the globe. Geography no longer limits who you can conduct business with. Whether you’re sending a proposal or the final contract, your new client will appreciate the efficiency and ease client portals offer, especially during the on-boarding process.
Once your new client is official, client portals allow for document approvals, invoice collaboration, and even billing services. Client portals are a safe and simple way to streamline many, if not all, of your business processes, including onboarding.
Secure file sharing between team members
Because client portals have two-way sharing capabilities, sharing files between team members becomes instantaneous from a desktop or mobile device. In addition, file sharing becomes more secure as sharing documents through email is full of risks.
Data breaches are real, yet a 2019 Data Risk Report found that companies still keep thousands of files unprotected. Software options like Onehub have bank-level encryption for your sensitive files coupled with an easy-to-use role-based permission system, which allows for added security with file sharing and collaborating.
Customization and branding
With client portal software like Onehub, you can create a branded experience (without difficult visual manipulations or coding) for your clients that builds trust and recognition. Don’t forget that studies show consistent branding can also grow revenue.
By adding your logo and brand colors to your workspaces with just a few clicks, you can offer a professional experience that clients won’t forget.
Embracing Client Portal Software
Adjusting to a paperless work environment and collaborating virtually may take some time, but both your employees and clients will enjoy the benefits client portal software can bring to the virtual table.
Client portal software can give your business more flexibility to collaborate on projects and more opportunities to communicate with clients in a secure manner. In the end, client portals will create less strain on your company while adding an element of efficiency that you and your clients will appreciate during your working relationship.
If you’re ready to see how your business can benefit from client portal software, reach out to Onehub for a complimentary demo.
