The Hona Blog
Explore the Latest Trends, Tips, and Strategies in Legal Tech and Client Communication
Google now shows the new AI-powered “Ask” button in Maps and on Business Profiles. Don't let it give the wrong answers about your law firm.
While Google still shows the Q&A functionality on the backend in your Google Business Profile, it no longer appears for people looking your profile or searching for businesses like yours. Google now shows the new “Ask” button in Maps and on Business Profiles.
According to Google’s product team, “Customers can ask their question directly in Google Maps and get an updated, instant answer based on your answers and relevant reviews.” This Gemini-powered feature has been prioritized in December 2025 and it became more prominent during the summer of 2025.
Google pulls information from:
You can still answer questions about your law firm in your Business Profile. Just know this section is no longer visible to searchers.
According to Google: “Business Profile users can continue to answer existing questions about their business in the Q&A section in their Google Business Profile. Your published questions and answers will continue to power Google’s understanding of the real world and may be shown in Maps.”
Check and update these areas in your Business Profile and on your website to give Google’s AI all of the right information.
Make sure this information in your profile is up-to-date:
Inaccurate information in your profile will mean that Gemini and “Ask Maps” can’t answer correctly.
All of the information on your Business Profile must be the same on your website. Don’t provide Google with conflicting information. In particular, make sure the business name listed on Google is the same one found on your website.
Review your website’s accuracy and clearly label and update pages like:
Remember: AI is only providing the most likely answer to a question, not fact-checking, so you need to give it all the context. Your website is the best place to provide in-depth context about your law firm.
If you maintain a profile on any other review sites, like Yelp, or any directories of law firms, double check that all of your business information is accurate and updated.
Make sure that practice areas, business hours, contact information, staff information, etc. show up the same in every place someone might be searching.
Requesting more reviews! Google pulls information directly from reviews to populate answers in Maps. Legal marketing experts in particular note that Google seems to prioritize the user-generated answers that reviews already provide.
Here’s an example of the impact your reviews have on the answers given by Google’s AI via “Ask Maps.”
Rebecca was in a car accident. A few years ago she had to hire a personal injury lawyer for a slip-and-fall incident. But she remembers that the lawyer she hired then rarely contacted her. She felt isolated and confused, even though the case turned out in her favor. The communication was so bad she never referred that lawyer to anyone and mentioned it in her review.
In searching Google for other personal injury attorneys in her area, Rebecca comes across your firm. She wants to know upfront if your firm has a history of poor communication with clients. She uses the AI-powered “Ask” button to ask about your communication style.
If your firm has hundreds of positive reviews and many former clients mention how great your firm is at staying connected, Google is going to use that information to provide Rebecca’s answer.
So if you don’t have a solid process for requesting reviews, now’s the time to start.
Within its client portal and communication tools, Hona provides automated review requests. Set up these requests to send automatically via text message and the client portal at specific points in your case workflow.
Don’t miss out on valuable content that can revolutionize your law firm.
A Legal CRM not only improves internal operations but also strengthens client relationships by enhancing communication and transparency.
Choosing the right Legal CRM is crucial for law firms. With many options available, it’s important to pick one that streamlines your processes and enhances client relationships. A good CRM should help manage cases, improve communication, and grow with your firm.
A Legal CRM not only improves internal operations but also strengthens client relationships by enhancing communication and transparency.
Real-Time Client Updates: Hona Software’s client portal allows clients to track their case progress and access documents in real time, building trust and reducing inquiries.
Streamlined Communication: With all client interactions in one place, Hona Software ensures nothing is missed. Clients can ask questions and receive updates directly within the portal.
Client Education Tools: Hona’s templates and resources help clients understand the legal process better, leading to more engaged and satisfied clients.
By choosing the right CRM, your law firm can improve efficiency and client satisfaction, paving the way for long-term success.
A Legal CRM combines important functions into one platform, reducing admin work and letting lawyers focus on winning cases.
Legal CRM systems have changed how law firms manage cases, especially as they become more complex. Traditional methods like spreadsheets and physical files are outdated, particularly for firms with many clients and documents. A Legal CRM combines important functions into one platform, reducing admin work and letting lawyers focus on winning cases.
Essential Features of Legal CRM Systems
Centralized Client Communication: A Legal CRM organizes all client messages in one place, making it easy to track conversations and document exchanges. Hona Software includes a messaging system that allows lawyers to respond directly, keeping all communications easily accessible.
By using these features, law firms can manage more clients with less hassle, leading to greater productivity and better client outcomes.
How Hona Software Transforms Your Case Management
Hona Software provides an all-in-one platform for case management, automating tasks and improving client communication. With a user-friendly design and strong features, Hona helps firms reduce inefficiencies and focus on achieving the best results for their clients.
Discover the benefits of using a Legal CRM for law firms. Improve client communication, automate tasks, and manage cases effectively with Hona Software's tailored solution.
In today’s busy legal world, law firms must handle more cases while providing great client service. Old methods like spreadsheets and emails aren't enough anymore. This is where a Legal Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system becomes essential.
A Legal CRM helps law firms manage cases, automate tasks, and improve client communication. No matter your focus—personal injury, family law, or mass torts—a Legal CRM can keep you organized and enhance your results.
Law firms handle many cases and clients at once, which can be overwhelming. A CRM helps by automating daily tasks.
Hona Software offers a tailored Legal CRM solution for law firms. By centralizing case management and improving communication, Hona helps law firms concentrate on delivering great results for their clients.
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This funding will enable Hona to further develop its platform and expand its customer base. Hona addresses communication gaps in the legal industry by automating client updates.
Lehi, Utah - June 17, 2024— Hona, the leading innovator in client engagement software for law firms, announced today that it raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Costanoa Ventures with participation from Ludlow Ventures, Soma Capital and Y Combinator. Hona modernizes communication between law firms across personal injury, immigration, criminal defense and bankruptcy practices and their clients by automating manual client communication and data collection. The funds enable Hona to further enhance platform capabilities and expand its customer base.
Lack of communication is among the top disciplinary complaints filed against attorneys in the U.S. The legal process is complicated and lengthy with significant gaps between case milestones that can leave clients frustrated and unsure about next steps. Nearly half of the negative reviews on Google for law firms explicitly mention poor communication. Hona addresses the inefficiencies and communication gaps with a suite of tools designed to streamline communication, including a step-by-step visual case tracking system. By automating updates, data collection and client communication, Hona empowers law firms to increase client satisfaction and referrals.
Since its launch, Hona has helped more than 500 law firms and their 300,000 clients across the country track their cases. In April 2024 alone, Hona facilitated more than one million texts from law firms, underscoring its effectiveness in keeping clients informed and engaged. On average, law firms leveraging Hona see 5-star reviews increase by up to 20% in the first month of use.
"It’s not just clients who feel the impact of poor communication during legal proceedings; law firms do too. Frequent calls for case updates, legal explanations and administrative questions are time-consuming and divert resources away from resolving cases," said Manny Griffiths, Co-Founder and CEO of Hona. "Our tools already save legal teams an average of 30 hours per month on redundant updates.”
Hona connects to a law firm’s system of record, or case management software, to provide automated updates to clients. Clients access a custom portal that includes a visual case tracker as legal staff progresses a case through their system. It features simple guides that map out next steps with educational videos that break down legal jargon and processes to keep clients better informed and manage expectations.
To offer additional support to legal staff and save time, attorneys have the option to leverage Hona's AI Chatbot, “Lia” to quickly address client queries with relevant, legal-specific assistance and educational resources.
"Hona is transforming the standard of communication in the legal industry,” said Amy Cheetham, Partner at Costanoa Ventures. “In an era where instant communication is expected, Hona bridges the gap between lawyers and their clients, providing real-time information and fostering trust throughout the process.”
The company was founded in 2021 after Hona’s CEO and Co-Founder Manny Griffiths experienced a maze of complications and poor legal communication over the course of two years when supporting his wife after a car accident.
For more information about Hona, please visit https://www.hona.com/.
About Hona: Hona is a leading software solution for law firms, dedicated to revolutionizing client communication by automating updates, data collection and communication processes. With a commitment to connection and efficiency, Hona empowers law firms to deliver exceptional service and growth while reducing administrative labor. Learn more at https://www.hona.com/.
About Costanoa Ventures: Founded in 2012, Costanoa Ventures partners with technical and product founders as early as company formation, with a focus on apps and infrastructure in data, dev and fintech. Costanoa is a long-term partner to entrepreneurs who want hands-on help in their earliest company stages on all things go-to-market and talent. For more information, please visit www.costanoa.vc.
Enhance client trust by offering transparent answers. In this article, we'll walk you through writing answers that will bring clarity to your clients and ultimately save you time.
In the bustling world of online information, users crave quick answers and seamless navigation. Picture this: you land on a website, eager to find specific information, only to be lost in a labyrinth of confusing pages. Frustrating, isn't it? Now, imagine stumbling upon a site with a well-crafted FAQ section that effortlessly guides you to the information you seek. This contrast illustrates the power of an impactful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, user experience has become paramount. According to recent studies by Statista, 88% of online shoppers say that detailed product content is crucial in their purchasing decision. It's not just about having information; it's about presenting it in a user-friendly manner. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of creating an effective FAQ section, backed by data and insights to help your website stand out in the crowded digital arena.
Effective FAQ sections begin with a deep understanding of your audience's needs. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen Norman Group, 20% of users' time is spent reading FAQs on a website. Analyze customer inquiries, feedback, and support tickets to pinpoint recurring themes. This will enable you to address common pain points and create content that resonates with your audience.
Did you know that 79% of users skim through online content rather than reading it thoroughly? (Source: Nielsen Norman Group) This underscores the importance of crafting answers that are not only accurate but also easily digestible. Use straightforward language, break down complex information into simple segments, and utilize bullet points for clarity. Consider the FAQ section as a quick-reference guide, allowing users to find information swiftly.
User satisfaction is closely tied to the ease of finding information. Studies by the Baymard Institute reveal that 29% of users struggle to find information on e-commerce websites. To combat this, organize your FAQ section logically. Create categories and subcategories to streamline the navigation process. Employing a search functionality can further enhance the user experience, enabling users to access information efficiently.
Imagine relying on outdated information. It's not only frustrating but can also erode trust. According to HubSpot, 80% of consumers lose trust in a brand if the information provided is not accurate. Regularly review and update your FAQ section to ensure the information remains relevant. Incorporate a system for user feedback, allowing your audience to highlight any discrepancies or suggest additional questions.
The digital landscape is dynamic, and user behavior evolves. Leverage analytics tools to monitor user interactions with your FAQ section. Track which questions are most frequently accessed and identify any drop-off points. This data-driven approach, supported by Google Analytics or similar tools, empowers you to iterate and enhance the FAQ section continually.
In the fast-paced digital realm, an impactful FAQ section is a valuable asset that can significantly contribute to user satisfaction and engagement. By identifying user pain points, crafting clear answers, organizing information strategically, keeping content up-to-date, and monitoring analytics, you can create a FAQ section that not only addresses user queries but also enhances the overall user experience on your website. As the statistics suggest, investing time and effort into this often-overlooked component can lead to increased user trust, loyalty, and ultimately, business success.
Take a dive into the legal tech of the future. Learn about what software tools that would make a good fit for your firm, and how these solutions are shaping the legal industry.
The landscape of personal injury law is undergoing a profound transformation, with technology playing a pivotal role. Imagine a world where the pursuit of justice is not just about courtroom drama but is also fueled by cutting-edge advancements. Welcome to the future of personal injury law, where technology is reshaping the industry, making it more efficient, accessible, and client-focused.
As we embark on this journey, let's explore the key technology trends that are set to redefine how personal injury cases are handled. Buckle up as we delve into the world of legal client portals, client experience software, and the data-driven future that awaits.
In a recent survey by the American Bar Association, 72% of clients expressed a desire for more transparent communication with their attorneys. Enter the era of legal client portals – secure online platforms that facilitate seamless communication between lawyers and clients. These portals allow clients to access case updates, share documents, and communicate with their legal team at their convenience.
According to a report by Clio, a leading legal practice management software, firms that implement client portals experience a 34% increase in client satisfaction. The future of personal injury law is all about fostering transparent, collaborative relationships between lawyers and clients, and legal client portals are at the forefront of this revolution.
In the age of instant gratification, clients expect a smooth, hassle-free experience when dealing with legal matters. Client experience software is emerging as a game-changer, streamlining various aspects of the legal process. From automated appointment scheduling to interactive case updates, these software solutions enhance client satisfaction and engagement.
Statistics from the Legal Trends Report indicate that law firms embracing technology to improve client experience see a 54% increase in client referrals. The future of personal injury law is not just about winning cases; it's about providing a seamless and client-centric journey, and client experience software is a powerful tool in achieving this goal.
Data is the new gold, and the legal industry is no exception. The future of personal injury law is becoming increasingly data-driven, with firms leveraging analytics to make informed decisions. From predicting case outcomes to identifying trends in settlement negotiations, data analytics is revolutionizing how lawyers approach their practice.
According to a study by McKinsey, law firms that use data analytics are 23 times more likely to win cases early in the litigation process. As we embrace the future, personal injury attorneys equipped with data-driven insights will navigate cases with precision, efficiency, and a higher likelihood of success.
The future of personal injury law is unfolding before our eyes, driven by technology that enhances transparency, elevates client experience, and harnesses the power of data. As we step into this digital era, legal client portals and client experience software are not just tools; they are beacons guiding the industry toward a more client-centric, efficient, and impactful future. The attorneys who embrace these trends will not only navigate the complexities of personal injury law more effectively but will also provide their clients with an experience that transcends the traditional legal journey. The future is here – and it's powered by technology.
