I’m sure that, as a freelancer, you’ve reached a point where you’re always tired of looking for new clients. It’s exhausting to spend a lot of time and money getting new clients, only to have the contract end after a few weeks and have to look for your next gig on freelancing websites. Sometimes, you have to take jobs with clients who aren’t the best so that you can pay the rent.
You genuinely desire a clear plan for what to do—one that will give you a steady source of income and the chance to work with clients you like. It sounds too good to be true, right? It is too good to be true, but if you follow these rules, it can be your truth.
How can freelancers keep their best clients?
Be an asset.
To keep your ideal client, the most important thing you can do is do great work. They won’t consider keeping you on if you don’t meet your client’s needs. Instead, they will gladly remove you as soon as possible because you have become a burden.
So, you should first consider how to be an asset instead of a liability. Provide such value that your absence will create a vacuum with your client.
Adopt a business mindset.
When you start as a freelancer, you might think you always have to “hustle” for new jobs. This is because you don’t treat freelancing like a business. Every business has a plan to make sure they have a steady stream of paying customers to stay in business.
If you thought of freelancing as a business, you’d know that you need a plan to keep clients and have a steady source of income.
Keep in good contact with your clients.
As a freelancer, you might forget that your client is a person because it’s a common belief that you don’t always work with the same client for a long time. Your primary focus becomes your deliverables. It will be good for your business if you can make your clients remember you. Try to keep in touch every once in a while to make an impression.
Be professional in your dealings.
It is essential to relate to your client as a professional. Avoid excuses that would hinder the job from getting done as much as possible. And in cases where it is unavoidable, communicate promptly and effectively. Make the process of working with you seamless for your client.
Keep in touch.
Don’t think you have nothing else to offer your client once the project is done. If you did that, you would miss other chances to work for your client. Once the project is done, you should send follow-up emails, but be careful not to appear too strong.
Ask about their health and show that you care about the company. Most importantly, let the client know you can still work and explain how. If you’ve gained new skills, don’t leave that out. You might be a content writer who has gained SEO skills and is ready to get to work. Your client might have been planning to start optimising his website for search engine rankings, and because you’ve been efficient, he’s more than happy to hire you again.
Go the extra mile to figure out what a client wants.
Every CEO or business owner always looks for ways to make more money. Show your client that you’re a forward thinker by pointing out possible points of improvement in their business and stating clearly how you can come in to solve that problem and drive sales.
It’s easier to show up as a freelancer, finish your project, and move on, but it would be more profitable to put yourself out there and offer something of great value. That way, you’ll make a lasting impression on your client and lay the foundation for future collaborations.
Don’t forget that you don’t have to keep working for clients you don’t like. There’s nothing worse than putting a plan in place to ensure you have long-term relationships with clients who aren’t a good fit for you. Instead, find clients who share your goals as a freelancer and with whom you get along well, and watch your career grow.
What tips have helped you keep your best customers? Share with me in the comments section.
Bye for now,
Alexis.
