The other day, someone asked about software to communicate with clients. And how to share project-related things with them.
In my book…
It’s a good idea to make communication as easy as possible
After all, it’s a key part of the excellent service you offer your clients.
So… “K” asked:
“Do you use software so a client logs into your portal to do everything related to your work with them such as offer feedback, see your messages and contract, share files, and pay you?”
I thought you might like to see what I replied. Although, it’s pretty rough-and-ready and not edited.
Here you go:
Instead of a client portal with messages, I use Discord. I have a private server for myself that I can add people to as needed.
For one client, I set up a server so we can communicate.
It it’s much better having channels and threads to organise different streams of work, questions etc than a single-threaded system like Messenger (for example).
Discord is very easy to set up. But there are other systems that’ll make your communication very manageable.
Sharing files. From you to them, just use Google drive or whatever other system you use (e.g. Dropbox).
From them, it doesn’t matter too much. Hopefully they have something like Google Drive with their business assets they can easily share.
These links can be shared via Discord (or whatever) so you can easily find them again.
Payment just email an invoice. I use a system that does this for me (I won’t recommend because it’s specific to my country… but I can ask for payment in whatever currency).
It also allows clients to pay directly via bank transfer or they can choose credit card.
If you work via Upwork (or other job site) this whole process is taken care of for you.
I have one retainer client through there and I just add milestones and they fund them. Upwork then pays me (but egad!… does it ever feel like ages before you see the payment in your account).
Yeah… bit of a brain-dump there.
But the key point of all this:
A flexible messaging system can make communication with clients SO much easier and faster
And as legend direct marketer, Dan Kennedy, says: “money loves speed!”
It’s fine to tell your clients: “this is how I work”.
The kind of clients you probably want, will look to you to take the lead. And make their lives easier. Rather than getting wound up in confusing back-and-forward emails and whatnot.
Discord isn’t perfect.
But it’s a million times better for my ongoing client relationships and more complex projects… than a single-threaded Messenger group… or Upwork’s brain-dead messaging system.
For more info on Discord, go here:
https://discord.com
That’s all, folks!
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Chris Milham