Client portals are a secure method for communicating and collaborating with clients. But despite the many benefits that come along with using client portal software, many business owners are hesitant to make the switch.
Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding client portals, cloud storage, and online file sharing. Whether you’ve been considering making client portal software part of your process for a while now or are just starting to wonder if its an option for your company, these myths can make it difficult to decipher between fact and fiction.
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and busted some of the top myths surrounding client portals. Here’s what we found.
Myth #1: Client portals only benefit a few industries.
We hear this myth quite often.
My business won’t benefit from client portals.
We won’t say that client portals are for every business or that every business is ready to add them to their process. Instead, we like to point out the following benefits of cloud storage and customer portal software.
- Client portals save resources – Client portals can save your business time and money. Instead of printing invoices, placing and sealing them in envelopes, and mailing them out, you can simply upload them to a customer’s online portal. The same can be said for any document.
- Your data is secure within a client portal – We hear you. Can’t we just email invoices, contracts, and other documents to save time and money? You could. But email leaves your data vulnerable. When you share documents via a portal, you can rest assured that only the intended party will be able to view them (check out our security features, including role-based permissions and two-factor authentication).
- Productivity increases with client portals – In some industries, we’ve watched the implementation of client portals free up several hours in their work days. The ability to do more in less time can give your company a competitive edge. You can focus more on marketing, adding to your product line, or improving your customer service.
So if your company would like to save resources, secure its data, and increase productivity, customer portals can help you accomplish all of these goals in record time, no matter the industry you’re in.
Myth #2: Customers will reject client portals or won’t understand how to use them.
My customers are too busy.
My customers are too old.
My customers are fine with how things are.
We don’t like to think of customers as excuses. Instead, we like to think of them as the inspiration behind switching to client portals.
My customers deserve faster access to their documents.
My customers deserve a great customer experience with a portal that’s user-friendly.
My customers will appreciate a company that utilizes technology for faster and better results.
It may surprise you to know that 77% of consumers have used a self-service portal in the past while only 12% of Americans say they haven’t been able to find the information they need in self-service portals.
The truth is that not only are your customers ready for client portals, they may even expect them.
Myth #3: Client portals take too much time to set up and build into an existing process.
We can’t speak for all client portals but when it comes to Onehub, you have the ability to create a secure client portal with the exact features you want without reinventing the wheel.
In other words, it’s easier than you think and takes less time than you can imagine.
Once you’ve set up for your free Onehub trial, it only takes a few clicks to get a portal started.
From there, you can upload multiple files at once, all using a simple drag-and-drop method.
After your files have been uploaded, you can organize them according to your current processes, making it easy for employees and customers alike to navigate.
To keep your files secure, you can assign permissions as needed and then track who’s accessed certain files using our activity tracking feature.
You can then customize each portal by adding your company’s logo and brand colors.
If you get started today, your portals could be ready for client use by tomorrow.
Myth #4: Client portals are a security risk.
Imagine a room with a single lock. Within this room are different stacks of papers. Each stack belongs to one client. And when a client needs to access their documents, they can enter the room using a universal key.
If you’re currently sharing documents through email or other outdated methods, this is an analogy for your current security level. You may trust each client to stick with their own stack of papers, but once enough universal keys get out, it becomes easier for those keys to get into the wrong hands.
Now imagine a room lined with lockers. Each client has an assigned locker with a unique lock combination and the room itself is guarded by 24/7 security detail. This setup is a great representation of client portals. Not only is each clients’ documents secure from each other, they’re also more secure from hackers.
When choosing a client portal service, look into their security measures. Not all are equal. At Onehub, our portals include bank-level encryption in transit and at rest so that only those with permission can access your data.
Client Portal Software Myths…Busted!
Have these client portal myths been holding you back from implementing portals into your process? The truth is that client portal software boosts security, is simple to set up, can be used with ease by customers, and can help nearly any business.
If you’re ready to learn more, reach out to one of our team members for a free demo of our client portal services.
