Build Long Term Relationships with Freelance Writing Clients
There are two ways that you can look at the work and people you deal with in your freelance writing career. You can strive to find projects, or you can strive to find clients. Do you know the difference? Do you know which one is better? Simply put, your goal should be to find clients. The difference is that a client comes back to you time after time. While there is nothing wrong with a one time project, it will not help you to sustain your freelance writing income in the long run.
Here are several things that you can do to help build long term relationships with freelance writing clients:
1. Instead of only working with small time webmasters, seek out larger, more established companies as well. They are often times the clients who need your help on a regular basis. This does not mean that you should turn down small clients, but you need to consider what they can offer you over the long haul.
2. While a professional relationship is important, you will want to get personal as well. Call your clients on the phone from time to time, or email them to talk about something unrelated to work. For instance, do you know that one of your clients is a big football fan? If so, send them a quick note after their favorite team wins a big game. This can go a long way in building a long term relationship on both a personal and professional level.
3. Always remember that your freelance writing clients are in charge. Sure, you are doing work for them, but in the end they have the final say on every detail. They can decide to quit working with you for any reason or no reason at all. Never give a client any unnecessary reason to stop calling you. For example, you may think that being rude to a secretary or assistant is no big deal, but if your main contact finds out, it could be the end of your relationship.
These three tips will help you to cultivate long term relationships with all of your freelance writing clients. While some clients are not looking for long term help, this is something that you should always have in mind. The more work that a client sends your way, the busier you will be and the more money you will earn.
