How successful client management may help you
Being a passionate and talented writer, illustrator, photographer, or designer is not enough to be a successful freelancer.Business sense and the capacity for self-promotion, for instance, are necessary for success as a freelancer. However, one particular ability — client management — can make or destroy even the finest freelancers.
How do I manage my clients?
Client relationship management is actually referred to as client management. In this situation, a freelancer, a firm, and a set of rules and guidelines known as client relationship management (CRM) govern interactions with both current and potential clients. It has been proven that proactive client relationship management increases repeat business from customers and overall sales.
It might eventually result in favourable client recommendations and a stellar reputation in your industry. Client management can also help you raise your prices because, according to a Salesforce survey, 67% of clients are willing to pay extra for excellent service.
Now that you’re persuaded that client management is crucial to your development as a freelancer, let’s look at a few strategies for implementing it.
Be Professional Being professional when speaking with your clients ought to go without saying. Being respectful and courteous while chatting or writing to your clients is essential to maintaining a professional relationship.It also entails giving prompt responses, being trustworthy, and keeping your word.
Be friendly
Although you should “keep it professional” when dealing with your clients, this does not exclude you from being approachable. Find out as much as you can about their history and passions, such as where they attended college.The likelihood that they will return to you when they need another assignment increases if you inquire about their interests or make comments about common ones.
After Assignment Submission, Follow Up
Don’t simply send off an assignment and walk away from it. Make sure to check in with them afterward to see if the project met their expectations and if there are any areas where you can do better the next time. This is particularly true for new clients, but it’s also a good idea to continue this practise with all of your existing clients.
Express your gratitude
Simply sending a thank-you card to your clients might go a long way toward earning their loyalty as a freelancer. Consider sending significant clients a modest present at the end of the year, such as a $5 Starbucks gift card or a basket of cookies, if you have the funds to do so. They won’t forget you if you act in this way, for sure.
Keep Your Distance
A certain client hasn’t contacted you in a while. Check in now to see if there are any projects you might be able to assist them with.Offer them a suggestion for an article or a plan for a different endeavour. Clients can become busy at times, so checking in occasionally is a great way to let them know you are still available and interested in working with them.
React to criticism
Predicting your customer’s demands is one of the most crucial elements of client management.Understanding their preferences is necessary for this. The easiest approach to achieve that is to pay close attention to and closely follow their feedback.
Request client evaluations
Ask your clients to rate you if you are doing projects on a marketplace like Fiverr.In addition to raising your profile over time, this will also demonstrate to your clients that you respect their feedback and are motivated to advance.
Build Trusting Relationships Over Time
You can more readily establish lasting customer relationships by making an effort to improve your client management skills. As a result, you will need to invest less time and money in marketing your services to potential customers.You don’t have to put a lot of work into client management. You can create a long-lasting relationship with everyone who hires you if you simply treat them like you would want to be treated.