From the Project Dashboard:
Return to the Hona dashboard by clicking the Hona icon at the top.
Scroll through the project list or use the search bar to find the person you want to communicate with.
Click on the person's project and go to the "Messages" tab.
Sending Messages
Compose and send a message to your client by typing your message in the text box at the bottom for your page and then clicking on the send icon.
If the client's phone number is not textable, an email will be used as a backup, and they can respond through the Hona client portal.
Keep in mind that there is a 1600 character limit for messages that has been set by our carrier provider.
Using Messaging Templates
Create message templates for common messages shared throughout your company by clicking on the "Plus" icon at the bottom of the page > Insert Message Template > and Selecting New Message Template.
Apply a message through the same message template button and then selecting the message template you would like to use.
File and Media Sharing
Use the "Plus" button next to the message box to send files, videos, and pictures to clients.
If you use Filevine or MyCase, you are able to send files that are stored in the CMS. This is done by selecting the "+" and then choosing the "Attach File from Integration" option. Please note, only files that are a part of the case you are viewing will be available.
Insert Link to Conversation
Using the same "Plus" button you can share a direct link to the conversation for clients having trouble messaging through the client portal. This is most commonly used for clients without a textable phone number.
Additional Information
Access Hona through app.hona.com or the company portal.
Learn how to two-way text message through your case management software by referring to our video on using the Google Chrome extension.
Please note that firms can't send tinyurls or other shortened urls, as our carrier service blocks these. These types of links can be sent via email.
How to set up Two-Way Message Notifications
Step 1: Enabling Two-Way Messaging
Confirm that two-way messaging is enabled before proceeding with notification settings by following the instructions above.
Step 2: Accessing Notification Settings
Navigate to the top right corner and click on the message icon.
Select "Notification Settings."
Step 3: Configuring Two-Way Message Notifications
Scroll down to the "Two-Way Messages" section where you will notice a few different options
In-app - Through app.hona.com in the top right corner or through the Hona Chrome Extension in your Case Management Software.
Email (immediate) - To your email inbox whenever a message is received.
Daily digest - At the end of each day receive an email containing all text messages that you are subscribed to which you haven't read.
Weekly digest - At the end of each week receive an email containing all text messages that you are subscribed to which you haven't read.
Push - Sends notifications to your mobile device. See our support page here for instructions on how to setup the mobile app on your device.
Step 4: Setting Filters for Notifications
Customize notifications based on your role and project involvement.
Select roles for specific notifications. If roles are not visible, refer to the support article on setting up teams and roles.
Choose from options such as "All Projects," "Primary Contact," "Specific Roles," and "Where You Are on the Team" for each notification type.
Step 5: Individual Notification Setup
Every user must set up their own notifications based on their preferences and project involvement.
Ensure that each user configures their notifications for optimal communication.
Step 6: Two-Way Messaging Without a Project
Setting up notifications where a two-way messages come without a designated project (this would be someone who is not currently added into Hona or a contact in your Case Management Software that reached out to you via your Hona phone number).
Note that filters for two-way messages without a project are limited, as these contacts are not integrated into your case management software.
Conclusion
You should now know how to utilize Hona's two-way messaging feature to communicate with your clients. If there are any additional questions, please reach out to your dedicated account rep or to [email protected].