With the increasing availability of freelance work, it’s tempting to apply for numerous jobs to earn money. However, the real appeal lies in retaining your current freelance clients. By doing so, you can secure a steady stream of revenue in the long run, making it a more financially rewarding strategy.
But what actions can you take to retain these clients and keep them satisfied with your work? Down below are ten ways you can apply to your freelance work that can help you boost client retention:
1. Deliver top-notch service consistently, the cornerstone of client satisfaction and retention. Your clients should feel secure and confident in the quality of your work every time.
The first thing that can help you retain freelance clients is the quality of your work. Always be consistent with the quality of your work; if you need clarification, don’t be afraid to clarify things with your client. This will allow you to meet their requirements and improve the quality of your work.
2. Always be available during your designated work hours. This shows your clients that they are respected and prioritised, enhancing their satisfaction with your service.
A professional freelancer must be easy to contact so clients can reach out to them when they have tasks they want the freelancer to do. However, you need to schedule your office hours and pick the proper communication channels to have time to rest and look into the assignment before responding.
3. Resolve any issues
Like any other professional, freelancers must be prepared to resolve issues promptly during their work. This reassures clients of your commitment and value to their business, strengthening the client-freelancer relationship.
4. Finish your work on time
This goes without saying, clients don’t want to be asked to wait for their request to be completed if they have a clear deadline. Failure to meet these deadlines will increase the chances of these clients leaving you for other freelancers. If you want them to stay with you, you must complete your tasks on time. Should there be any delays, let them know in advance so they can check what can be done to complete the task.
5. Do regular follow-ups with clients
Clients also want to be updated regularly about the tasks they request from you and ask about their well-being, even if they are not commissioning you for anything. This lets you keep close relationships with these clients and lets them know that you are ready to provide your service if they need it.
6. Respect your clients
As a freelancer, you should always remember that these clients are the ones who make your business. If you do not respect them, they will not treat you with respect and see you as a dispensable service. When they reach out to you, always treat them with respect, no matter how crazy their request may be. Once they have a feel for your services, they will slowly open up to you and discuss their requests more.
7. Cross-sell
Another great way you can retain freelance clients is by cross-selling your services. Let your clients know if you have other skills you don’t usually promote. This can be done through a separate email or when they contact you to ask about your services. Cross-selling can be beneficial for clients as it helps them discover additional services they may need, and for you, it can lead to more work and a stronger client relationship.
8. Offer discounts
You can also keep your current clients interested in requesting your services by offering discounts when they ask again. You can even provide free services if they are long-time clients. However, it’s important to offer discounts strategically, such as for repeat business or larger projects, to maintain the perceived value of your services.
9. Seek for feedback
If you want to keep your existing clients, you should not be afraid always to seek their feedback. When you take on a project, reach out to your clients to give them updates and even ask them if they have comments about your current progress. When clients see that you are attentive to their needs, they will know they are partnering with someone they can rely on for their projects.
10. Be honest
It’s crucial to be honest when dealing with your clients. Even if you have to deliver bad news, your clients will appreciate your honesty. When all parties are aware of each other’s situation, working together and finding a standard solution will be easier. Honesty is the foundation of trust and credibility in any relationship, and it’s especially important in client relationships to foster long-term partnerships.
Whether you are new to freelancing or a long-time freelancer, you know how unpredictable the clientele looking for freelancers is. You can never tell when the next client comes along, so it is crucial that you work hard to retain your current clients, as they can open opportunities for you to continue doing what you love and earn at the same time. Use the tips above to help you improve your freelance services, and you’ll surely see a difference in how your clients view your service.
To taste success in freelancing like I did, check out what I have to offer in my guide to your freelancing journey!
