HOW TO MAKE YOUR CLIENTS LOVE YOU
Be reliable
Being reliable helps you build trust
with your clients, whether it’s little details like turning up to meetings on
time and answering emails in a timely manner, or bigger things like delivering
quality work on time.
If your clients know they can rely on
you for consistently great work and customer service they’re much more likely
to keep coming back to you rather than shopping around for another freelancer.
Be honest
Sometimes
your clients ask you to do things that you don’t agree with, such as using a
colour or font that they like but that doesn’t fit their branding or won’t
appeal to their target market. But they’ve come to you for your professional
advice and expertise, so you should give it to them rather than just following
orders.
If you
disagree with your client don’t just argue or tell them their idea is terrible
– brutal honesty isn’t going to help the situation. Instead, explain why their
request isn’t right for their business and make sure they know you’ve got their
best interests in mind. Be constructive about it and suggest alternatives that
everyone can be happy with.
Be
enthusiastic
Your clients
really care about their projects and they want to know it’s important to you as
well, so that they’re going to get your best work. Be enthusiastic about
working with them and demonstrate that you want your work together to be
successful.
Obviously,
it really helps if your enthusiasm is genuine so try to pick clients you’ll enjoy
working with and projects that you’ll enjoy working on!
Be
transparent
Being open
about things like your working methods and pricing helps you manage your
clients’ expectations about working with you. If you’re both clear about what’s
included in the scope of work and when work will be delivered, there should be
no nasty surprises if your client later asks for extra work. Answer any
questions your clients have as best as you can, as if you come across as vague
or mysterious they may wonder if you’re trying to hide something, even if
you’re not.
Be grateful
“Thank you”
is a simple and polite phrase but it’s also one of the best ways to let your
clients know that you appreciate them – after all, without clients, you don’t
have a business! At the end of a project thank them for working with you and be
sure to let them know you’d be happy to work together again (assuming that’s
true, of course). Also be sure to thank them if they refer new clients to you.
While
sending gifts to your clients is a lovely gesture and one they’d surely like,
there are simpler yet more important to make your clients love you. Treating
them with honesty and respect all year round is much more valuable than a box
of chocolates and you’ll truly earn their appreciation.
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