How Texting Clients Can Save You Money
Since the dawn of text messaging, lawyers have been asking whether or not they should send text messages back and forth with clients. But a recent tip seems to be paying off, literally, for those attorneys that meet with quite a few clients, and potential clients, per day or per week, and it involves sending those clients text messages.
Fortunately, the tip doesn't require you to exchange endless text messages about the merits (or lack thereof) of a client's case. Rather, if you use an automated text message appointment reminder system, you'll waste less time due to missed client/potential client meetings.
More Than Marketing
While text messages for marketing purposes may be frowned upon, appointment and bill reminders are generally helpful (though still somewhat annoying). Thanks to the modern world we live in, there are several different service providers that can take care of sending automated reminders and can likely integrate with whatever appointment calendaring software/service you already use.
For high-volume practitioners that meet with multiple clients, or potential clients, having an automated appointment reminder system that sends clients automated text messages is just a no-nonsense and pragmatic idea.
Tips for Automated Text Reminders
If you're going to use an automated system to send text reminders for bills and/or appointments, remember to get the client or potential client's consent first. On that same note, make sure that whatever system you select will allow a text recipient to opt out of receiving future texts, and will also notify you if the person opts out so you can call or send an email reminder.
Also, just because the texts are automated, that doesn't mean that replies should be unmonitored. It is particularly helpful if clients can reply to the automated text message appointment reminders with questions about parking or directions, or to reschedule.
Related Resources:
- Can Attorneys Solicit Clients by Text Message? (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Marie Kondo for Lawyers: Tidying up Your Legal Marketing (FindLaw's Strategist)
- What to Do When Law Practice Literally Makes You Sick (FindLaw's Strategist)