How to Increase Client Retention as a Freelancer

reduce client turnover as a freelancer
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Client retention is an essential part of running a successful business.

By retaining clients, businesses are able to maintain a consistent and reliable source of revenue, while also increasing the value they provide to their customers.

Loyal clients are more likely to refer other potential customers, helping drive even greater growth for the business.

Client retention helps businesses build relationships with their customers, which leads to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Finding new clients can be costly and time-consuming. When time is spent constantly rebuilding client relationships, less time is available to spend on other areas of your business. 

As a freelancer, I have had the opportunity to work with over 100 clients on a number of projects.

Some clients have dropped off quickly, others have stuck around for years.

Through my experience, I have learned that there are steps you can take to reduce client turnover and keep clients happy. In this article, I will outline six tips to help you retain your clients for years to come.

reduce client turnover as a freelancer

1. Establish a Clear Line of Communication

Strong communication is essential to any business relationship. By establishing clear lines of communication from the beginning, you can ensure that both you and your client are always on the same page.

This means setting up regular check-ins and being responsive to questions and concerns.

I keep a spreadsheet of my client roster (templates) open at all times and add reminders on my calendar to make sure I am regularly checking in with all of my clients.

This strategy is effective for me given my number of clients at one time. Others elect for more complex management with CRM platforms like Hubspot

Additionally, it is important to be clear about your expectations for the project.

If there are any potential obstacles, be sure to discuss them upfront so that everyone is prepared for them.

By taking proactive steps to communicate effectively, you can help build a strong foundation for a successful business relationship. 

In addition to building a strong foundation from the beginning, understanding the expectations of your client can help you to determine if the client is a good fit.

Part of reducing your client turnover is developing a criteria to use when figuring out if your new lead is a good fit. You can ask yourself, “does this potential client have reasonable goals and expectations with this relationship?”

Do not be afraid to turn down a project if it doesn’t seem like a good fit.

As a freelancer, time is your biggest resource and must be allocated carefully towards projects that match your goals.

Underpromise and Overdeliver

A promise is a commitment that you make to yourself or others. It is a vow to do or not do something.

When you make a promise, you are pledging your word that you will follow through on what you said you would do.

People rely on promises made by others. Promises can be big or small, but they all require trust.

You must be able to trust the person who made the promise to fulfill their end of the bargain.

In order for people to trust you, it is essential that you keep your promises and always deliver on what you promise.

By following through on your commitments, you will earn the respect of others and build strong relationships.

Go Above and Beyond

In any business, it is essential to go above and beyond to meet or exceed your clients’ expectations. This not only shows that you are dedicated to providing a high level of service, but it also helps to build trust and rapport.

When clients know that you are willing to go the extra mile, they are more likely to continue doing business with you.

There are many ways to go above and beyond for your clients. You can start by offering a personal touch, such as remember their names and preferences. You can also offer additional services or discounts, or simply take the time to listen to their concerns and offer solutions.

By going above and beyond, you will be sure to stand out from the competition and build strong relationships with your clients.

Show Genuine Interest

As a business owner, you know that your clients are the lifeblood of your company. Without them, you would have no one to sell your products or services to.

That’s why it’s so important to show a genuine interest in your clients and their businesses.

Get to know them on a personal level, and take an active interest in their success. Showing that you care about your clients and want to see them succeed will go a long way towards building long-lasting relationships.

Don’t be afraid to deploy some thoughtful gift giving. A client gift goes a long way in showing that their business is important to you.

In turn, these relationships will lead to repeat business and referrals, which are essential for any business.

Make an effort to get to know your clients and you’ll be rewarded with loyalty and success.

Be Quick to Respond

In the business world, time is money. That’s why it’s important to respond quickly to client inquiries and requests.

When a client contacts you, they expect a prompt response. If you take too long to get back to them, they may start to wonder if you’re really committed to meeting their needs.

In today’s competitive marketplace, you can’t afford to give clients any reason to doubt your commitment. That’s why it’s essential to respond quickly when they reach out. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate that you’re responsive and attentive, two qualities that clients value highly.

If you want to keep your clients happy, make sure you answer their calls and emails right away.

Always be Professional

No matter what line of work you are in, it is important to always be professional and courteous. This means behaving in a way that is respectful and considerate of others, even when the situation is difficult or challenging.

In the workplace, maintaining a professional demeanor can help to create a positive and productive environment. It can also build trust and respect between colleagues, making it easier to resolve conflicts. Similarly, being polite and respectful when interacting with customers or clients can help to create a good impression and build goodwill. This will assist in reducing client turnover.

Behaving in a professional and courteous manner is always the best course of action, no matter who you are dealing with.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple tips, you will be well on your way to establishing trust and credibility with your clients, which are essential ingredients for any successful business relationship.

Remember, the key is to always keep the lines of communication open, be responsive to your clients’ needs, and go above and beyond to deliver quality service.

By doing so, you will no doubt foster long-lasting relationships with your clients that will benefit both parties for years to come.

For more helpful articles on operations, check out our related articles.

  • Sharon Carpiniello

    Experienced tech journalist and freelancer with over 10 years of experience. Developed expertise in covering tools, new technologies and industry trends.