Write Great Client Updates
🎯 Objective
Ensure your client updates address client priorities, use clear language and structure, and offer actionable insights. This approach can lead to greater client satisfaction, stronger engagement, and ultimately, better client relationships.
⚙️ Solution:
1. Focus on What They Care About Not What You Care About
The Mistake: Client updates often focus on what’s important to the firm, not necessarily to the client.
The Fix: Use ChatGPT to simulate your ideal client’s questions and concerns. This will help you create updates that address client interests directly.
Sample Prompt:
Imagine you are a client of our law firm, concerned about [e.g., the impact of a new statute on your business]. What are your biggest questions and concerns about this topic?”
Tip: Review the AI’s response to identify the key topics and phrases that resonate most with clients.
2. Using More Headers and Bullet Points
The Mistake: Dense text without clear headers or bullet points can make updates overwhelming and hard to read.
The Fix: Use ChatGPT to break up text and recommend clearer headers, bullet points, or numbered lists.
Sample Prompt:
“Can you suggest headers and bullet points to organize this update on [specific topic]? The goal is to make it skimmable and easy for clients to navigate.”
3. Get Feedback On Your Draft From Your Ideal Reader
The Mistake: Sending updates without testing them with a reader’s perspective often leads to assumptions about client understanding.
The Fix: Use ChatGPT to simulate reader feedback and prioritize concerns.
Sample Prompts:
“Read this update as if you’re the client. What questions do you have?”
“Prioritize the questions you’d have as a client receiving this update, in order of importance.”
4. Start with the One Key Takeaway
The Mistake: Many updates "bury the lede" opening with background information instead of leading with the main point.
The Fix: Start with the one takeaway. Ask ChatGPT to identify and highlight the primary message.
Sample Prompt:
“Review this email draft. What is the ONE takeaway we want the client to remember if they only read the first sentence?”
Pro Tip: Place the takeaway as the opening line or the header to make it immediately visible.
5. Write In Clear Readable Style
The Mistake: Legal updates can sometimes be overly technical, using complex language that may overwhelm clients.
The Fix: Ask ChatGPT to rephrase at a 10th-grade reading level to ensure accessibility.
Sample Prompt:
“Rewrite this text at a 10th-grade reading level while keeping it professional and accurate.”
6. Writing a Short Compelling Subject Line
The Mistake: Long or unclear subject lines or headlines may deter clients from opening your emails.
The Fix: Ask ChatGPT for concise and engaging subject lines. Use around 6–7 words for clarity and effectiveness.
Sample Prompts:
“Suggest a short, engaging subject line (6-7 words max) that would encourage a client to click to read more about [topic].”
“Imagine you’re the client. What subject line would make you most likely to open this email?”
7. Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
The Mistake: Without a clear next step, clients might feel uncertain about what to do with the information provided.
The Fix: Give clients a few actionable steps at the end of each update, whether it’s setting up a call, reading a related article, or downloading a client-friendly resource.
Sample Prompt:
“Suggest three clear, actionable steps a client can take after reading this update, such as setting up a call, visiting our website for an article, or downloading an information sheet.”
Tip: Make sure the CTA options reflect your firm’s brand and that any downloadable materials include your firm’s logo.
🚀 Take it to the Next Level:
Segment for Different Clients: Tailor updates based on client segments or industries by using ChatGPT to adapt language, examples, and CTAs for each audience.
Simulate a Client Reading Process: Ask ChatGPT to read the content as if skimming, to help you identify areas where key points may need emphasis.
Ask for Alternative Formats: For more client engagement, ask ChatGPT to suggest a condensed “executive summary” or a “FAQ-style” format for certain updates.
⚠️ Keep in mind:
Verify All Content: Always review and fact-check any AI-generated or AI-edited content to ensure accuracy and adherence to legal standards.
Match Your Firm’s Style: Ensure the language, tone, and structure align with your firm’s branding and client expectations.
Be Mindful of Privacy: Avoid sharing any confidential information with AI tools and keep client details anonymous in AI prompts.
đź’ˇFREE LawSnap Consult
If you'd like more personalized guidance, our one-on-one and customized group training sessions can help you master these tools even faster.
Last updated
Was this helpful?