We often talk about ways to build up your freelance writing client base. Adding new business is good and it’s important, but don’t forget your older clients too.
Here’s something to think about… while you’re looking for more work, what are you doing to keep your existing client happy?
If you have a lot of one off projects, do you wonder why you never see your clients again? It might not be that they only have one project for you, it might mean after working with you once, they decided to look elsewhere for their freelance writing needs.
Sure, you can continue to look for new clients, but don’t you want to know why your former clients aren’t contacting you anymore?
It could be that:
Your words didn’t convert
Your client hired you to perform a duty that went far beyond writing. He wanted your writing to serve a purpose. His goal was to sell, bring in traffic or stimulate a discussion. If your words and your writing didn’t convert to an end result, it’s not worth your client’s while to hire you again. Everyone who hires a writer wants some sort of return on his investment. Good writers don’t simply write. They learn the reason for the writing and help clients achieve their goals. Freelance writers shouldn’t be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary to learn of the client’s intentions and proposed end result.
Someone else had to clean up your work
It’s expected freelance writers will turn in clean work. If a client or editor has to practically rewrite your work, you’re not cost efficient. Freelance writing clients want to pay as little as possible. If they have to pay two people to do the same job, eventually someone will have to go. Proofreading is essential for client work. Nothing but a freelance writer’s best effort should be turned in each and every time.
You’re Flaky
If you continuously miss deadlines or have to keep extending deadlines because of sick relatives or family emergencies your client may see you as somewhat of a flake. It’s very easy to put off work and make excuses when you don’t have to see your client each day. However, anonymity sometimes makes freelancers feel less accountable for their actions. If you can’t be counted on to deliver as promised, it’s no wonder your clients aren’t calling back.
You allow your freelance writing clients to make mistakes
The customer is always right. They pay you and they have the final say in what goes into that project. With that said, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer your expertise as you see fit. If your client is making a decision you feel to be a mistake, offer respectful disagreement. Give your opinion without talking down to the client or making him feel as if he’s wrong if he doesn’t follow your expert advice. Suggestions and advice are expected, that’s why he contacted you as a professional. The worst thing you could ever do is to say “I knew that would be a mistake” after a project fails. Say something in the beginning and get your voice on record. Your client doesn’t have to accept your advice, but don’t be afraid to put it out there.
You have bad communication
You don’t “do” phone, yet your Skype is always off and you don’t respond to your email. You take days to answer clients’ questions and don’t offer periodic progress updates. If this is the case, it’s no wonder you’re losing clients.
Freelance writing clients aren’t idiots. They know you have other obligations. However, they want to feel as if they’re your only clients. They want to feel as if you care about the project and their business. If you’re constantly ignoring them or putting them off they’ll become frustrated and take their business elsewhere.
Your using your client’s project as a platform to air your personal views
Writer’s are passionate people. Sometimes that passion shows through in the wrong way. Though your clients might have hired your for your voice, they might not have necessarily hired your for your views. If you’re in the habit of offering one sided rants on their blog that don’t represent the business in a positive light, or if you’re adding in your political or religious opinions into articles where they have no bearing, the relationship isn’t going to work out. Unless you’re being hired to give your personal opinion, it’s best to write an unbiased view, or at the very least, get your client’s approval before running off on a rant.
There’s no follow up
Do you contact your client when the project is complete or do you just collect a paycheck and go? Maybe clients aren’t contacting you because you didn’t contact them.
Instead of collecting a paycheck and waiting by the phone for a call back, contact your client to see if he has any feedback on your last project together. Ask if you can help with anything else. Send a thank you card after payment is received to say how much you appreciated the project and hope to work together in the future. These things make a difference. Clients who are forgotten will forget about you. Go the extra mile and let them know they mean something for you and they’ll be sure to come back.
“Freelance writers are a dime a dozen…”
So many clients make it clear they can pick and choose from so many other writers. In 2010, more people are freelancing than ever. Clients who aren’t receiving something of value aren’t going to call back, they’re going to find someone else.
What do you do to go that extra mile?
I hate talking on the phone. It’s because I just want to get to the point and get it done. I answer emails and texts at lightning speed, but phone calls feel like a chore. But because I don’t work in their office, my clients often feel like they should talk to me on the phone. Hearing my voice makes them feel better. So you gotta do what you gotta do. During office hours, I answer my phone and talk as long as I have to make them feel confident about my work. It’s a part of job.