There is a lot more involved in being a successful freelancer than being a talented and passionate writer, illustrator, photographer or designer.
It is also critical for freelancers to have business acumen as well as self-promotion skills, for example. Despite their best efforts, the ability to manage clients can make or break even the most talented freelancers.
What’s Client Management?
It should be noted that the term client management is actually shorthand for client relationship management. The client relationship management system outlines the ways in which a company, or in this case, a freelancer, interacts with its existing clients and its potential customers. It has been demonstrated that proactive client relationship management boosts overall sales and generates repeat business.
As a result, your clients may refer you more frequently and your reputation will increase. The ability to manage your clients can also help you charge a higher price for your services. A study found that more than 60 percent of customers are willing to pay more for a great experience.
In light of the fact that you’ve decided that client management is an integral part of your freelance career, let’s look at three ways you can use it.
Professionalism
You should always communicate with your clients in a professional manner, as this goes without saying. The best way to maintain a professional relationship with your clients is to communicate in a respectful and polite manner, whether you are speaking with them or writing to them.
Additionally, it means to respond to requests in a timely manner, to be honest, and to follow through with your commitments.
Personalize
Maintaining professionalism with your clients doesn’t mean you can’t be personable. The best thing you can do is to find out as much as you can about their background, interests, such as where they went to college
Making them feel connected to you by asking about their hobbies or commenting on shared interests makes them more likely to come back to you if they need another project.
Assignment Follow-Up
It is not enough to just hit send on an assignment and then forget about it. Follow up with them to determine if the project met their expectations and if there are any improvements that can be made. As a matter of fact, this is especially important for new clients, however you should maintain this habit with all your clients.
Show Appreciation
You can make yourself your clients’ favorite freelancer by sending them something as simple as a Thank You card. A $5 Starbucks gift card or a cookie basket are good choices if you have the budget to send an important client a small gift at the end of the year. Doing this will definitely make them remember you.
Keep In Touch
Is there a certain client who hasn’t contacted you in a while? The time has come for you to check-in with the team and see if there are any projects you could assist them with.
If you have an article idea or an idea for another project, feel free to pitch it to them. Checking in every once in a while is a great way to remind clients that you are available and eager to work with them again.
Responding to Feedback
Anticipating your clients’ needs is one of the most important aspects of client relationship management.
To do this, you need to know what they like and what they don’t like. This can be accomplished by paying close attention to their feedback and following it closely
Ask Clients for Ratings
If you are completing projects on a marketplace like Fiverr, be sure to ask your clients to rate you.
By doing so, you will not only boost your profile over time, but also show your clients that you value their feedback and are eager to improve.
Build Long-term Relationships
Developing long-term client relationships becomes easier when you are aware of how to manage clients well. Your marketing budget will be reduced and you will spend less time and money on client acquisition.
It’s not necessary for you to put a lot of effort into managing your clients. You will be well on your way to developing a long-lasting relationship with your clients if you treat them as you would like to be treated.
