Aside from providing quality services to our target clientele, we freelancers must also consider how to retain clients in our contacts and get work from them.
While some say getting a new client is better, convincing new clients to try your services can be challenging. This problem will be delicate if you work hard to retain your current clients since they know how and how well you work. They can easily adjust their expectations to match your output.
If you want to retain your existing clientele while still getting new clients as a freelancer, here’s how you can improve your service:
Deliver Quality Work
If you want clients to request your services again, show that your work is the best.
When you get a task, understand what is needed before work. You must deliver the completed task on time, which is the best quality possible. If you want to clear any misunderstandings or increase your client’s satisfaction rating, regularly update them and show them your progress.
Be Proactive
You can also give yourself an assignment before your client is ready. They may not reach out to you because of their schedule, or they may not need your services. Take the time to let your clients know that you also have other skills they may not know about, but do it subtly. You can do this during your regular discussions, catching their attention.
If you deliberately reveal this information, they may become annoyed and withdraw their tasks from you.
Build Strong Connections
There is nothing wrong with building solid relationships with your clients to boost customer support and loyalty. However, it must be done correctly to ensure our client’s understanding.
When you speak to your client, do some small talk. You can ask them about their day and give them a short update about your day. This will help you connect with your clients and build trust. If your clients like you and your work, they will remember how you treated them and consider you for their following projects. If you have many clients, take notes to help you in the future.
When you speak to your clients to build connections, use phone or video calls aside from emails. This will make your interactions with them more personal. But, keep official discussions and approvals through email or your selected communication channel.
Give Advice or Suggestions
When you find the right client you want to work with for a long time, tell them what other skills you may have to help with their tasks. However, it would be best to ensure you won’t be exploited as you let your clients know how you can assist. If you already know your client, you can offer the information for free. Since the client knows how you work and you let them know in advance what else you can do, they will likely remember you.
You should also provide advice or suggestions when there is an issue with their request, or they want more ideas. Explain the pros and cons so they can decide on their project.
Keep in Touch
You should still drop a message to your clients even after you complete their job request. For example, you can send them greetings during their birthdays or holidays. You can also react to their social media posts if you are friends. Don’t spam your messages because this will only annoy your client. Just keep your activities to a minimum so that your clients will know you are still keeping up with their activities and are ready to take on their requests when they have one.
As freelancers, we are not always guaranteed a steady stream of work. Clients need to be reassured that their trust is well-placed when they hire us to consider us for their future requests. Use the tips above to get started, and when clients see the quality of your work, they will definitely take notice and consider reaching out to you once more.
To taste success in freelancing, another great resource will be my book here.
