Three Ways to Win Clients Over
Winning over clients is a good thing no matter how you look at it. The better your relationship with a client the more chance there is that you will work together long term. Unfortunately, winning over clients is not always as easy as it seems. This is particularly true if you are in the early stages of your relationship. That being said, there are ways that freelance writers can win over clients without going overboard.
1. Be prompt. No matter what you want to be prompt. You never want to miss a deadline, or leave a client hanging on for too long. If you receive an email from a client it is important answer it as soon as possible. It is not difficult to be prompt at all times. In fact, once you get into the groove it will become second nature. For me, missing a deadline is not an option.
2. Competitive pricing. This is an area that can be difficult to deal with because every client has different expectations when it comes to pricing. For instance, I have some clients who do not think twice about paying $.25/word for web content. But on the other hand I receive regular emails from potential buyers asking me to work for $.05/word or less. To go along with this they don’t have any problem adding that this is a “great rate” for what they need. By offering competitive pricing you will be able to win clients over and keep them happy month in and month out. But remember, your rates are your rates. You need to stick to your guns at some point and realize the difference between satisfying your clients and harming your chance at earning a solid income.
3. Do you respect your clients? If not, you are going to find it hard to strike up a long term relationship. No matter what comes up and what position you are in you need to show the proper amount of respect. Remember, when you respect your clients they will do the same in return.
As a freelance writer you want to form long term relationships with clients. By implementing the three tips above you should be able to win over clients and make them realize that you are an important piece of their success.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Hey Chris,
I was wondering, i know its a little off topic but where do you as a writer draw the line in making money as far as writing goes? Do your ethics come into play? Would you for example take money to write an essay for a kid in college? Or where do you draw the line?
December 17th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Tom - Thanks for the comment. Ethics are obviously very important. Personally I do not work on papers for students. I will help with editing, etc. But I would never write a paper for somebody else to turn in. This is definitely something that is work discussing. I may turn this into a post in the near future!
December 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Thanks Chris, I noticed that you endorse an essay writing service on your featured sites that is directed for college kids to pay money to have someone else write their homework - so wasn’t sure if you wrote for them or not.
In general do you consider someone who writes essays for college kids really “a writer” ? Do you think endorsing that type of writing might be as bad as actually writing it as it gives writers a bad name in general?
December 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Tom - Yes, they are listed as a featured site and they are a paying sponsor of my blog. It is not my place to say who is and is not a “real writer.” There are many companies that help college students with essays; I choose not to write for them though.
And no, I do not think including their link is wrong. They paid for the spot, and I know many writers who may be interested in that type of work.
December 18th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Chris,
Thanks for stressing the importance of not missing deadlines. It amazes me that anyone would do that, especially if they’re trying to build a client base.
If a client asks a for a deadline you can’t meet, then either negotiate a new one you can meet, or simply decline the project. Better that than miss the deadline and get a bad reputation.