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If you are reliant on clients for your business, be you a freelancer or the head of a small or large team, you will want to do all you can to keep them on your side. When they stick around for the long-term, you have a better chance of making a profit, and you won’t need to spend hours each day chasing up new clients.
But here’s the thing. Your clients don’t have to stick with you, especially when there are other people out there running businesses like yours. So, you need to be proactive and do what you can to retain them.
Consider the following, and follow our tips to ensure your clients keep coming back for me.
#1: Do your best work
This is obvious, we know, but if you have ever been tempted to cut corners, you need to be aware of the consequences. The biggest consequence, of course, would be the loss of a client, as they might decide to move on if you don’t do your best work for them.
#2: Involve your clients
Not every client will want to get involved in the work you’re doing for them, but some will. They might want to offer their own ideas, and at the very least, they might want to be updated on how things are going. So, don’t ignore your clients when they try to contact you. Pick up the phone and reply to their emails. Be respectful of their ideas and keep them in the loop throughout the duration of the project you have taken on.
#3: Maintain your reputation
If your client suddenly starts to hear bad things about you, they might decide to take their business elsewhere. We are thinking of poor online reviews, for example, as well as negative mentions in the media. You can maintain your reputation by working hard for your clients, and by keeping your business on the right side of the law. It sounds obvious, we know, but especially when it comes to legal matters, mistakes can be made.
#4: Underpromise and overdeliver
If you make promises you can’t realistically keep, you will probably alienate your client. It’s always better to underpromise and then do what you can to surpass their expectations. You might be able to complete your project days before the deadline, for example, and you could add a few extras when creating something for the client. Going above and beyond, even by just a little, will serve you well, as the client should be impressed by your commitment to them.
#5: Thank them for being your client
Yes, we know they should be thanking you for your good work, but there is nothing wrong with conveying your own thanks. When you let them know you appreciate them for choosing your services, they might be more willing to choose you again. Drop them an email at the end of the project with a thank you message, or send them a card. For regular clients, you might want to give them the occasional gift too, especially during holiday seasons. Check out Challenge Coins Ltd for some unique examples, and look elsewhere online when you have an idea of what your clients might be into.
So, don’t let your clients go! Keep them as long as you are able, as you that constant income flow will help you develop and grow your business.
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