When you start freelancing, you might feel like your clients are like employers. But this mindset can cause issues, as it overlooks the real nature of your client relationships.
Clients aren’t bound to you beyond the specific terms agreed upon for each project. Therefore, it’s crucial to forge a strong relationship with your clients, possibly even more than an employee would with an employer.
Why is this so important? In simple terms, the strength of your client relationships directly affects your ability to grow your business and secure steady work. So, how can you build strong client relationships? Here are seven (quite simple!) things you can do.
Building Strong Client Relationships By…
Clearly outlining the range and size of your projects
The initial move for building solid client relations is to have a clear agreement with your about the tasks they want to complete. Both sides should be on the same page about the following:
- The goals of the project
- The techniques to be employed to achieve those goals
- The deadline for project completion
- The criteria for measuring success
- The schedule, method, and manner of payment for the project
Ensuring you have a contract (or at least a Memorandum of Agreement)
Before starting any assignment, whether it’s a one-off job or a longer project, all freelance writers should secure a signed contract.
This contract safeguards both your interests and your client’s. It lays the groundwork for a healthy working relationship by defining the responsibilities of each party.
When writing a freelance contract, clearly outline all the tasks you’ll be providing for your client. Specify a firm project deadline and any additional entitlements the client might have (e.g., rewrites). Include your fee and payment terms in the contract.
During negotiations, explore if there are any additional services the client might need. For example, a client who hires you for web page rewrites might also need someone to update their social media regularly, allowing you to propose a more extended contract. For further reading, check out The Dos and Don’ts of a Freelance Writing Contract.
Staying organized
Unlike 9-to-5 workers, freelancers manage relationships with multiple clients, each with unique deadlines, needs, and paperwork. This can be overwhelming, especially if organization isn’t your strength.
Freelancing software can help you manage client relationships efficiently. With such software, you can view all client information on your laptop screen. This simplifies project management, accounting, time tracking, meeting scheduling, and invoicing. Many freelance writers excel at writing but struggle with business management.
Online tools like Asana, Trello, and a shared password locker keep your work organized, improving client relationships and leading to more regular assignments. Check out this list of billing software for freelancers.
Being straightforward and learning when to say “Yes” … and “No”
To strengthen your relationship with your client, be eager and ready to tackle problems the client is facing. If the client requests something beyond the initial project scope and you can handle it with ease, say “yes” and adjust your price accordingly. Providing extra services can facilitate you in standing out from competitors.
However, if the client asks for more than you can reasonably manage, be prepared to say “no” to extra requests. This might be tough, especially if you’re new to freelancing. Remember scope creep?
Agreeing to more than you can handle will negatively impact both you and your clients. You’ll end up stressed and inefficient, while your clients will be unhappy with your performance and missing what you couldn’t deliver. Avoid this lose-lose situation by knowing when to say yes and when to say no.
Deliver your work on time
This might seem obvious, but the key to building client relationships is delivering your work on time! When you’re just starting as a freelance writer, it can be hard to gauge how long a project will take. However, your client will often provide a deadline.
It’s extremely important to honor this deadline!
Clients pay you to complete tasks that are part of a larger project. Delivering late can cost the client time, money, and reputation.
But what if you aren’t given a deadline?
One of my new clients hasn’t given me a timetable.
They have me pitch my ideas, and the editor reviews and selects one or two.
Then, I provide an outline and wait for the editor’s approval, after which they just say to send it over when it’s done.
No timeline, no date, nothing.
This is tricky for me because I have a lot to handle daily, and without structure, the work doesn’t get done.
So, I have to be diligent in creating personal deadlines for this client.
I tell myself, “On Tuesday, I will write the introduction; on Thursday, the subtopics; and on Friday, the conclusion.”
I then set a time to edit the post before submitting the article on Monday.
Even better, when you are asked to provide the turnaround time, give yourself some buffer and submit early. Under-promise and over-deliver!
If you find it difficult to manage your time without guidance, you may struggle as a freelance writer. Read these tips to effective time management.
Go the extra mile to show your value
There are many ways to show your value without boasting. By delivering content on time (or early, if you give yourself buffer), you show clients you are dependable, which, in turn, builds trust. Trust is crucial for creating strong client relationships and securing ongoing work. Over time, they will rely on you and keep giving you more tasks.
Clients pay you to ease their workload, so when you produce high-quality content and deliver promptly, you make their lives less stressful. Thus, you add value to their business. Simple ways to exceed client expectations include:
- Sharing their piece on social media
- Taking the time to source keywords for their piece
- Employing HARO to receive quotations from professionals
- Using credible sources
- Providing a video
Add a freebie
If you’re being paid for content, don’t give it away for free. Instead, identify gaps in their online presence and offer assistance. For example, if you write a blog post and notice their site lacks regular content, suggest post ideas to boost their site traffic. This not only helps you secure more work from the client but also shows you know your niche and are willing to support them and their business. You’re giving them something extra for free, but you are not undervaluing yourself.
The Bottom Line
Building and maintaining strong client relationships is crucial for the longevity of your freelance business. Focus on ways to build these relationships by:
- Clearly understanding client projects and objectives
- Maintaining open, honest communication
- Providing exceptional service when possible
- Acknowledging your own limitations when necessary
- Maintaining a friendly, professional attitude and demeanor toward clients
Nurture your relationships with clients, and watch your business grow.
Also read: 20 Powerful Tips to Get New Clients on Board