Client Portal
Learn how to set up and customize the client portal to improve client communication and collaboration.
Understanding the Client Portal
The client portal is a dedicated space where your clients can access project information, communicate with your team, and view shared documents. It provides transparency and improves client satisfaction by giving them visibility into project progress.
Project Visibility
Clients can view project status, timelines, milestones, and deliverables. You control exactly what information is visible to them.
Communication
Built-in messaging allows clients to communicate directly with your team, keeping all project-related discussions in one place.
File Sharing
Share documents, designs, and other files with clients securely. Clients can also upload files to share with your team.
Setting Up the Client Portal
Enabling Client Access
How to enable the client portal for your clients
To enable the client portal for a client:
- Go to the Clients section in the dashboard
- Select the client you want to enable access for
- Click on the "Portal Access" tab
- Toggle "Enable Client Portal" to ON
- Add client users who will have access to the portal
- Set initial permissions for the client
- Click "Save Changes"
Once enabled, client users will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to access the portal. They'll need to create a password to log in.
Client Portal Features
Project Dashboard
The project dashboard provides clients with an overview of their projects:
- Project status and progress
- Upcoming milestones and deadlines
- Recent activity and updates
- Team members working on the project
- Quick access to project files and documents
Communication Tools
The client portal includes several communication tools:
- Messaging system for direct communication
- Comment threads on tasks and deliverables
- Notification center for important updates
- @mentions to tag specific team members
- Read receipts to confirm message delivery
File Management
The file management system allows for secure file sharing:
- Upload and download files
- Organize files in folders
- Preview documents, images, and videos
- Version control for file revisions
- File approval workflows
Approvals & Feedback
Streamline the approval process with built-in tools:
- Request approvals for deliverables
- Collect feedback on specific items
- Track approval status
- Document revision requests
- Sign-off on completed work
Best Practices
- Onboarding: Provide clients with a brief tutorial or walkthrough of the portal when they first log in to help them understand how to use it effectively.
- Regular Updates: Encourage your team to keep project information up to date so clients always have access to the latest status.
- Clear Communication: Establish guidelines for communication through the portal, including response times and escalation procedures.
- Selective Sharing: Be thoughtful about what information you share with clients. Too much detail can be overwhelming, while too little can lead to misunderstandings.
- Feedback: Regularly ask clients for feedback on their portal experience and make adjustments as needed.
- Security: Remind clients about security best practices, such as not sharing login credentials and logging out when finished.