How many unread emails do you have in your inbox right now?

Now, in comparison, how many unread text messages do you have on your phone?

If you’re like most people, you read every text…but you likely don’t read every email.

In today's fast-paced and digitally focused world, text messaging has become a powerful tool for any business looking to build relationships and increase conversion rates with potential clients. Law firms are no different.

Today’s tip: incorporate text messaging into your intake process.

Here are four reasons why you should consider using text messaging to communicate with potential clients:

1. High open rates: According to recent studies, text messages have a 98% open rate. Do you know what it is for email? Twenty percent! Potential clients are far more likely to see and read a text from you than an email.
2. Convenience: Text messaging is quick and convenient for most people. The speed means you can follow up fast (and we know how important that is from last week’s tip.
3. Increased response rate: People respond to texts faster (usually within 3 minutes) and more often than email. Gartner reports a 45% response rate to text messages and only a 6% response rate for email. 
4. Time-saving: Are you grateful for that reminder text from the dentist? I know I am. Your existing and potential clients will be grateful for reminders about their next meeting or a form you’d like them to complete. Text reminders are easy to automate (Calendly and Zoom, for example, build them right in), saving time for you and your clients by eliminating the need for phone calls and reducing missed appointments.

Text messaging is a powerful tool for law firms. With high open rates, convenience, and increased response rates, text messaging is an excellent way for your firm to communicate with leads and increase the chances of turning them into clients.

Today’s action item: Start small. Set up automated text reminders for all your meetings. When you’re comfortable doing that, consider how you can use text messages early in your intake process to follow up with all potential clients.