Low log-in rates
A portal only helps the clients who use it. Everyone else still rings for news.
Client portal alternative
A client portal alternative: updates without a login.
Client portals only work if clients log in, and most don't. Matterping takes the update to the client instead: a plain-English WhatsApp message the moment their matter moves on, with nothing to download and no password to forget.
Matterping and client portals, side by side.
| Matterping | Typical client portal | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the client sees updates | In WhatsApp, or as a text message | On a website or app they have to open |
| What the client has to do | Nothing. The update arrives. | Remember to log in and check |
| Passwords and downloads | None | Account set up, password, sometimes an app |
| Replying | Reply to the message | Log in and use the portal’s messages |
| When the client hears | The moment a stage is completed | Whenever they next log in |
| Document upload and e-signing | Not included | Often included |
Portals vary. This compares the typical approach, not any particular product.
Push, don't wait to be pulled.
A portal waits for the client to come and look. When they don't, they ring you instead. Matterping pushes the update to them as soon as something happens, which is exactly the moment they'd otherwise start to wonder.
Use both, if you like.
Portals are good at documents, forms and signatures. Matterping is good at making sure clients know what's happening. Plenty of firms will want both, each doing what it's best at.
Why firms look for a client portal alternative.
Support burden
Forgotten passwords and "I can't get in" calls replace the chasing calls you were trying to stop.
Updates nobody sees
An update posted to a portal is only read when the client next logs in. A WhatsApp message is read in minutes.
Questions firms ask
Is Matterping a client portal?
No. Matterping doesn’t ask clients to log in anywhere. It sends updates to the client’s phone as WhatsApp or text messages, and takes their replies back to the matter.
We already have a portal. Is Matterping still useful?
Often, yes. A portal is good for documents and forms. Matterping makes sure the client actually hears about progress, because the update comes to them rather than waiting for them to log in.
Can clients upload documents through Matterping?
No. Matterping is for updates, replies and feedback. Keep using your portal, case management system or secure email for documents and signatures.
Do clients need to install anything?
No. If they have WhatsApp, updates arrive there. If not, they arrive as normal text messages.
Why don’t clients use portals?
Most clients deal with a solicitor once every few years. Remembering a login, finding the email with the link and resetting a password is a lot to ask for a quick update, so many simply pick up the phone instead.
How quickly can we start?
Because there is nothing for clients to sign up to, you can start sending updates on new matters as soon as your first matter type is set up. Book a demo and we’ll set one up with you.
See Matterping with your own matters.
Book a short demo and we'll set up a matter type that matches how your firm works, then send an update to your own phone so you can see exactly what your clients would get.