A client portal is an electronic gateway through which a business’s clients gain access to files and other information. Client portals are accessed via the internet through a web browser or mobile app, giving 24/7 access to the services, projects and performance of a particular business or client.
Users will typically be required to log into the system with their unique ID, after which they will be able to upload, download and share sensitive or private information relating to the client or business itself. This provides a web-based alternative to the regular phone calls and meetings which will often take place between a firm and its clients in order to maintain a working relationship.
Who uses client portals?
Client portals are a particular favourite for financial and legal firms that require the storageof and access to private information about their clients. Privacy laws – both within the United Kingdom and worldwide – require that any sensitive data being stored and transferred electronically is encrypted for security purposes. This means that email communications and certain public file sharing platforms are inadequate for many businesses, whereas a client portal allows any quick and secure access to confidential information with no legal or ethical issues.
However, client portals like clinked.com are generally used by businesses of all sizes and from a range of industries. This is because they allow businesses to centralise their projects and work processes, thereby improving efficiency and communication – especially if employees or clients work at different times and from a variety of locations. In some cases, a client portal will be used alongside a workflow automation or document management system to further improve the dynamics of the working environment.
What can a client portal do for me?
The centralised nature of a client portal offers a number of advantages to businesses and their clients. First and foremost, client portals can save businesses a great deal of time and money otherwise spent on paper-based communications, travel, overheads and wages – simply by allowing employees and clients to share and access information remotely. This can be particularly time- and cost-effective to businesses that require collaborative input from a number of employees or departments, or frequent back-and-forth communications with the client.
Not only can this save businesses money, but it also gives clients a higher quality of service with the freedom to access their information wherever and whenever they want. This is particularly beneficial for industries or services which require time-sensitive decisions and actions to be made, and also provides clients with a greater level of transparency with regards to their accounts.