Client portals and apps are becoming more commonplace for small businesses and multi-location brands. Client portals and apps offer a superior mobile experience for their users, provide businesses a strong avenue for data tracking and help customers remain more connected to the business.
If you're on the fence about creating a client portal or app for your small business or multi-location brand, this blog is all about their benefits and why you should.
Client portals act as centralized communication hubs. They allow businesses to share important documents, messages and updates with clients in one secure location. No more sifting through endless emails or playing phone tag. Clients can log in and access what they need, when they need it, fostering efficiency and convenience.
For multi-location brands, client portals and apps can connect customers across multiple locations. They allow businesses to share location-specific documents, messages and updates.
Customers can set their preferred location and choose to be notified about sales, upcoming bookings or their rewards balance within secure messaging centers.
Customers expect instant access to information, and client portals can provide 24/7 availability. Clients can check their accounts, view invoices, book a class, see different locations’ hours or monitor project progress at any time. This accessibility builds trust and empowers clients, enhancing their overall experience with your business.
It also helps your small business or multi-location brand reply to inquiries faster and smarter.
Customers who have downloaded your business’s app or who have created a portal are committed to your business. Armed with the knowledge of which customers are most attached and involved with your business can help prioritize requests and respond to pressing concerns.
Client portals facilitate faster response times to client inquiries and issues. You can address concerns promptly, demonstrate your commitment to excellent customer service and strengthen client relationships.
If there are similar requests or concerns coming from one particular store location, your brand’s corporate office can respond efficiently and make sure other locations aren’t experiencing the same issues.
Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive client data. Client portals offer a secure environment for sharing confidential information. Data encryption, secure login processes and need-to-know access controls ensure that only authorized users can view sensitive documents.
Customers of multi-location brands can enjoy their information safely stored across multiple locations so that, when they visit, they have a seamless experience.
Client portals and apps reduce administrative overhead. Automating routine tasks like sending invoices, sharing reports and updating project statuses frees up your team's time to focus on high-value activities, ultimately saving costs and increasing productivity.
Transparency is key in building trust with your clients. Client portals and apps provide transparency by allowing clients to track project milestones, monitor expenses and access historical data. This fosters accountability and demonstrates your business’s commitment to open communication.
Offering a client portal or app sets your business apart from competitors who might still rely on traditional communication methods and their mobile site alone. It showcases your business’s commitment to innovation and your willingness to adapt to meet your clients' evolving needs.
Additionally, app downloads give your brand an added layer of social-proofing since new clients and customers can see app downloads, ratings and reviews. Even if you don’t have an app, clients and customers prefer using personalized portals to communicate, shop and book with businesses.
Client portals can provide valuable insights into client behavior. By analyzing client interactions within the portal, your business can identify trends, preferences and areas for improvement.
This data-driven opportunity can guide your business decisions and marketing strategies. Customers who regularly use your business’s client portal or app are committed and connected to your business. Using the data gathered from the portal or app, you can specifically target them with tailored marketing content to help continued retention and revenue.
Client portals are scalable and adaptable to your business's needs. As your client base grows, you can easily expand your portal or app’s functionality to accommodate more clients and offer additional services.
You can even offer in-app or in-portal only benefits to prompt more traffic, sales and brand loyalty.
Going digital with client interactions reduces paper usage, contributing to a greener, more sustainable business model. This can resonate positively with eco-conscious clients and save your business valuable resources on office supplies and vendor fees.
Small businesses and multi-location brands that implement client portals and apps can enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations and gain a competitive edge.
Embracing this technology not only benefits your clients but also boosts your business's efficiency and profitability.
Don't wait; start exploring the possibilities and benefits of client portals today and watch your business thrive in the digital age.
RevLocal’s Marketing Platform connects our customers to their business’s digital marketing success like never before. Check out our Marketing Platform for inspiration as you create your own.
RevLocal specializes in creating personalized digital marketing solutions for small businesses and multi-location brands that withstand rapidly changing landscapes. Contact us for a free consultation on any of our services.
Taylor Rice, Blog Contributor
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