Two things are essential: 1. Under-promise and over-deliver. 2. Be humane. I understand it's primarily about the money, but being attentive and caring can transform a client relationship into friendship. I have a client with whom I've worked for three years, and our connection goes beyond mere client status. We engage in video calls, exchange gifts, and more. She even sent gifts when I had my baby and my wife's birthday. She even donates to my church. Although not all clients allow you to forge such close bonds, with attentiveness, you may encounter a few who are more than just clients—they're angels. Life is more than transactions. We can all make it a better place.
As a freelance writer, the best advice I received was to think beyond writing. I take the initiative to research the client's target markets, brand voice, and overall content strategy. This lets me suggest improvements like SEO keywords, adding value beyond the copy itself. This proactive approach fosters a collaborative spirit, strengthens client relationships, and helps achieve their content goals.
Defining and managing expectations is the most important way to establish a successful partnership with new clients. It's about being clear and upfront from the get-go, ensuring both you (and your client) are on the same page. Be clear about the scope of work, mode and frequency of communications, timelines, process for feedback and revisions, payment terms, and success metrics. Laying a foundation of transparency starts the relationship off on the right foot — one of trust.
Be a partner, not just an order-taker. Freelance writers have immense value to bring to each client beyond punching letters on a keyboard. One way to establish yourself as an expert is to have input on client projects and guide them toward the best solutions. Rather than taking a content brief and running with it, ask questions and offer suggestions to improve the brief. Learn the strategy behind the brief so you can connect your work to their end goals. Providing this extra layer of insight will show the client why you're the best choice and will help you not only earn their repeat business but also their referrals.
One piece of advice I’ve received is to set clear expectations from the start about deliverables, deadlines, and communication preferences. Keeping a regular, transparent dialogue open helps prevent misunderstandings and builds a foundation of trust, which is crucial for long-term client relationships.
Chief Marketing Officer at Scott & Yanling Media Inc.
Answered 2 years ago
The best tip I've ever gotten about working with clients is to always talk things out clearly and set up expectations right at the beginning. It's like making sure the path is clear before starting to walk on it; this way, both you and the client know exactly what's going on. This means talking about what needs to be done, when it should be finished, and how much it will cost before jumping into the work. Doing this helps avoid any surprises later. This method really helps build trust and stops misunderstandings before they start. It turns out, that being clear and upfront is the secret to working well together. It's a simple idea, but it's made a huge difference in keeping good, lasting relationships with clients.
Always set clear expectations with the client from the get-go and manage these expectations through a set of milestones. The best approach is to under promise and over deliver.