Outlaw Design Blog

Staying In Touch with Clients

Posted on 26. Aug, 2008 by Danny Outlaw in Business

A person cannot be successful in a freelance career without clients; that is a simple fact. However, maintaining communication with a client without causing undue disturbance, thereby driving business away, can be a difficult process. Learning how, when, and how often to contact clients is a task that must be learned and perfected by anyone who wishes to become successful in a freelance career.

Reaching Out to Past Clients

No matter what service is being provided, a freelancer should keep a detailed list of clients. This list should include as much relevant information as possible, such as that’s client’s business focus, the amount and type of work the freelancer previously performed, and even personal notes regarding the client’s personality and interests. Getting to know clients is the key to being certain that your contact with them becomes and remains pleasant for all parties involved.

Contact with past clients should involve a three-pronged approach: email, telephone, and email. The initial email should re-introduce the freelancer, reminding the client of the services performed in the past (particularly those that received the most praise) as well as any other services available or any new developments in the freelancer’s field. This email should be personal yet concise, and should contain a note regarding a planned telephone follow-up. The telephone call should take place on the following business day and should be kept as brief as possible. The freelancer should use this call to remind clients of services. Though the freelancer should plan on only a short conversation, he or she should also be well prepared to answer any questions that may arise in the course of the telephone call. This should then be followed-up with a third email, thanking the client for their time and reminding again of services offered. This process can be repeated once each month until a regular communication pattern is established.

Enticing A Client Response

Reaching out to clients is easy; eliciting a response from said clients requires a bit more care. For a freelancer to be successful with clients, he or she must be able to market their services in such a way that they will stand out from the multitude of offers business owners receive each day. One way is to point out a particular feature of the services offered that is unique and personalize that aspect as to how it would benefit the company. Another way is to propose a discount on services or a free trial.

Past clients are an important commodity; not only do they offer the chance of repeat business, but even those satisfied customers who no longer have the need for a specific freelance service can recommend those services to other business contacts. This is why it is vital to keep communication channels with all clients open.

Tags: Business, Clients, Freelancing