For many freelance writers, success doesn’t mean having clients. It means having repeat clients. Sure, we all have one-off gigs, but it’s better to have clients who contact us for all their projects. To do that, we stick out in our clients’ minds – but in a good way. Going the extra mile makes all the difference in a competitive market.
There are reasons some freelance writing clients keep coming back for more. Here are some of the things you’re doing right:
5 Reasons Your Freelance Writing Clients Come Back for More
1. You’re someone your clients can count on
When your clients call you, they know the job will be done right. You meet all your deadlines and never offer excuses. Your “can do” attitude sets you apart from the rest. You’re open to meetings, ask all the right questions and don’t take a hit to the ego when your client wants it his way.
2. You practice good customer service
You understand that writing is a business and your client’s happiness is a major factor in your success. If a job isn’t done to your client’s satisfaction, you see what you can do to rectify the situation. You’re willing to negotiate, especially with those clients offering you steady work. You appreciate your clients and make sure to let them know.
3. You communicate
Your stay in close touch with your clients. You call them to update on a project’s progress and ask any necessary questions. You let them know of potential issues or problems long before they get to the crisis stage. Your client never has to contact you to ask how things are going, because you beat him to the punch.
4. You turn in a superstar effort every single time
Your work is clean, every time. You proofread more than once. You take the time to ask questions before you begin so you have all the answers by the time you turn in the finished product. Your client never has to ask for rewrites or revisions because you anticipate his needs. You know your name is your brand and don’t put your name on anything that’s less than perfect.
5. You follow up
It’s not enough to turn in a project and collect a check. You call your client to see how he liked your work. You ask if there’s anything else you can do, and encourage him to keep you in mind for future projects. He’s so impressed with your professionalism, he will.
Great tips. I find that follow-up is especially important. I also follow-up again in a few weeks/months to see if they have any more work they need done. Editors are busy and you might slip their mind but not if you send check-in emails regularly!
It’s amazing how many don’t understand the meaning of deadlines. I deal with a lot of PR types (and do some myself) and explain a deadline and can’t believe the half-a*** effort they put in some times…I’ll get excuses like “I sent an e-mail…” If it’s not answered relatively promptly, you make a call. If that’s not returned you call again, even if someone promised they would call back.
In my experience, staying in close touch with clients is one of the best things a freelance writer can do to move his/her career forward. Clients do appreciate it.
I’ve come across too many clients who had unfortunate experiences with writers who would disappear for days. They all praised me for communicating with them everyday while I worked in their projects. Of course this helped me get repeat work.