Consistent software updates and upgrades have made it easier than ever to run businesses. Today, we’re seeing a similar trend in the legal industry, where law firms rely on law practice management (LPM) systems to run their businesses. With management systems’ continual growth and improvement, it’s no wonder software sales are at an all-time high.
But iIf you’re selling law practice management systems to law firms and looking to grow your business, you’re definitely not alone. No matter the size of the firm, law practice management software is necessary. This trusty software manages the busy work often assigned to multiple employees. Legal technology handles time and expense tracking, trust accounting (IOLTA), client billing, case management, and document management
Moreover, legal practice management systems improve law firms’ workflows and functionality, so they manage more cases and serve clients better. As software and management systems have progressed in the modern age, time-consuming tasks like recurring payments and client management are streamlined through this process, becoming a valuable resource for busy firms.
In this article, we will explain the benefits of implementing payment management systems into your software. Legal professionals in law firms need these additions in their practices and offices, and it is relatively easy to update or upgrade your billing software to match the times. If you’re already selling or using billable systems as a feature in your app or law practice management program, here are some steps to improve the system’s functionality.
TL;DR
- If you’re selling law practice management (LPM) software that simplifies workflows in law firms, consider adding a payment processing system to your platform.
- Building quality relationships with your customers is one of the best ways to retain clientele. You should know what your customers are looking for before asking them to buy the best law practice management software.
- Law firms need management systems to handle their complex billing issues, client communications, and portals. The key to successful marketing is knowing the product and establishing a relationship with your ideal clientele.
Understand your market
Any successful seller or marketer knows that the first thing you have to do before you can sell these legal practice management systems is identify your target market. Knowing that you’ll sell these systems to a law office is not enough, you need to know whether the law firm is small, large, or you’re selling to a legal practitioner.
While a quick Google search will alert you to the law firms in your area, delving into the benefits of legal practice management systems provides a different outlook for your pitch.
For instance, you can drill down on different law firm sizes and assess the specific needs of solo practitioners versus larger law firms. Depending on your software and ICP, the insights you gain here can inform your product development and marketing decisions.
Enhance your software’s capabilities
As you’re selling your software, whether face-to-face or electronically, you’re bound to run into problems and places needing improvement. Law firms and legal professionals know what they need regarding the law practice management software they want to purchase. They likely already have someone doing the job that your software provides. That is why you should be open to continuously improving your software’s features.
You and the software developers on your team should always be on the lookout for bugs and any updates for your legal technology. But improvements go much deeper than that. Because we are in a modern age of technology, many law firms are already equipped with some kind of management software, whether for billing or client communication. That is why your software should offer elements and benefits that other technologies lack.
We suggest implementing advanced technology systems like AI and machine learning to optimize your software. That way, your platform can provide more intelligent and automated solutions, and help firms enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of legal practices.
Prioritize user experience
Sales and marketing tactics can convert prospects into customers, but if you want to keep those users for the long-haul, your practice management software must be easy to use and be able to get the job done.
That’s why enhancing the user experience should always be a priority. Law firms are often dealing with high volumes of cases and sensitive client information. As such, they require solutions that streamline their workflows and ensure data security.
To that end, see to it that your practice management software can adapt to a variety of legal workflows. Doing so ensures that the legal pros using your software can stay on top of their cases easily and focus more on client service and less on administrative tasks
Integrate payment processing features
If you’re selling law practice management software that simplifies workflows in law firms, consider adding a payment processing system to your platform. Integrating payment processing allows users of your software to easily take payments for their legal services.
Integrated payments add value to your software offerings. But the greater benefit is to your business model: Integrating payments unlocks a powerful, recurring revenue share (payments-led growth), which transforms your software from a single revenue source into a financial platform. This is where Stax Connect excels.
Our platform enables law practice management software providers to seamlessly add payment processing into their solution, so end-users can accept payments with ease.
With Stax Connect, you can enable software users to accept everything from credit and debit card payments to ACH and eChecks.
Empower them to create online payment pages for single and recurring invoices so they can streamline billing. And if clients want to save on credit card fees, Stax Connect can provide compliant surcharging capabilities for earned fee payments (e.g., invoices paid from operating accounts). Crucially, Stax ensures strict separation between earned fees and client funds held in IOLTA/trust accounts, which cannot be surcharged.
Strengthen customer support
While many people think that a flashy product retains customers, it’s the customer support and personalized sales pitch that reels a customer in. A recent study conducted by McKinsey found that 76% of buyers who received a personalized sales pitch felt valued by the supplier and were more likely to buy the product.
On the other hand, 95% of dissatisfied customers tell others about their bad experiences with companies. That’s why, when you research legal tech, you should prioritize detailed case studies and testimonials from reputable firms. Providing excellent customer support with your clients allows you to retain high-paying and satisfied customers, as well as establish a name for yourself within the professional legal community.
Here are some tips for providing exceptional customer support:
- Proper training: All of your sales representatives should be trained in customer support.
- Provide resources: Whether through seminars, books, or real-life experience, your team should have access to customer support resources.
- Ensure competence: A general understanding of the product, client, and needs goes a long way.
- Implement HEARD: Hear, empathize, apologize, resolve, and diagnose.
Expand your marketing efforts
Don’t limit your marketing avenues to just one marketing channel. Implement a multi-channel marketing strategy, using online databases, social media, events, and other resources to sell your software. Consider implementing whitepapers or blogs in your marketing strategy,
You should also consider implementing SEO to boost your visibility. Research the proper keywords and hashtags when creating content.
Leverage partnerships and integrations
Partnering with legal professionals, law offices, or another software solutions company that has a pre-established relationship with your ideal clients is a great way of networking. These relationships are critical for validating new features and securing powerful testimonials/case studies that prove your software’s real-world utility. Teaming up with legal tech providers also provides insight into what legal professionals are looking for regarding technology.
These relationships will not only grow your credibility and name, but the integrations can also enhance software utility and appeal because your software will likely be more well-rounded and shaped by the people to whom you’re selling the product.
Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes
Technology is always growing and improving. Stay up-to-date on current trends in the legal industry and regularly update your software to reflect them.
Use wisdom, and always keep your client’s needs in mind when updating your law practice management software. It’s always best to simplify and streamline your law practice management system. If you do not believe an update will accomplish that goal, there is no need to upgrade.
Final words
Selling law practice management software is as complicated as you make it. While the software sales industry is competitive, it’s also easy to break into. Law offices need management systems to handle billable hours, time tracking, and client communications. Crucially, the system must handle payments while meeting the strict ethical rules of trust (IOLTA) accounting.
Stax Connect is the payment solution that specializes in compliant fund separation and integrates with leading LPM platforms, ensuring your users remain compliant while maximizing payment efficiency.
We hope you found several helpful and actionable steps to apply to your legal practice management software to improve its functionality, streamline its service, and manage law office client communications.
FAQs about law practice management software
Q: What does law practice management software do?
Law practice management software helps law firms manage their day-to-day operations. This type of software typically includes features for case management, client records, scheduling and calendaring, task management, time tracking, billing and invoicing, document storage, and communication tools. It streamlines administrative tasks and helps lawyers and their staff organize cases and client information efficiently.
Q: How much does legal software cost?
Most providers offer several pricing tiers, typically ranging from $20 to $100 per user per month. Some platforms may also charge additional fees for premium features, data storage, or additional integration.
Q: What are the top features to look for in legal practice management software?
Every law firms’ needs are different, every legal practice management software should have the ability to manage:
- Trust accounting (IOLTA) and client ledger management
- Cloud-based problems
- Client Intake
- Document assembly
- Client portals
- Timekeeping
- Document management
- Case management
- Mobile capabilities
Q: How can small law firms benefit from software?
Law practice management (LPM) software is more cost-effective than hiring one or several people to do the job the software is programmed for. The software’s streamlined approach increases others’ workflows and handles complex issues any law firm might run into.
