Instead, try to keep your rates as you have set them but instead offer extra value for a client’s money. Some potential clients may question your rates or hope for a discount, but you don’t need to short-change yourself in order to build your client base. This does not mean grovelling to clients or accepting unfair labour practices, but it does mean that you’ll need to remember that though you are a freelancer you do work for others, and at the end of the day it’s whether or not those others are satisfied that will build or ruin your reputation. Paying attention to your reputation means paying attention to how clients view you and constantly communicating with them to provide better services and fulfil more of their needs. In the pre-Internet days “cold calling” potential clients was also viewed as a valid marketing technique, though these days you might find more efficient methods.Īs a freelance worker your reputation may well be the only thing that wins or loses you jobs. Developing a website, ‘blog and newsletter are all ways to market yourself, as are placing ads, writing letters to the editor about issues in your industry, donating services to good causes and sending postcards or letters of introduction to potential clients. No one can hire you unless they know about you, so a large part of freelance work is marketing yourself. These are all tricks of the trade to help build and maintain a healthy client base. As you build, remember to market yourself, pay attention to your reputation, add value to your services, cooperate with others and reach out to former employers. Always remember that to do freelance work is a privilege, not a right, and it is one that requires you to build a client base around quality work and customer service. As a freelancer, there is no client who must stick with you unless you fulfil their requirements and there is no client who will seek you out to give you your first chance in the business. This is a good starter list, and should get you on the path of more quality client attraction quickly.Building a solid freelance client base is no small task. Follow up on those potential customers and find out why they didn’t turn into sales. Follow Up – Those who check out your product or service but do not convert can be a clue as to what you are doing wrong.Add other programs (like SEO) as you see and validate more of that data/analytics. Give different campaigns a test run before you commit to a larger one. However, you can usually get started for just a small sum. Consider PPC (Pay Per Click) Advertising – This is something that works for some, but not others.Share information about your industry and you will have the chance to meet others that might become customers. Attend Community Group Meetings – Groups such as Veteran’s organizations and charitable organizations such as the Kiwanis and Lions Club are always looking for community members to speak at meetings.Get out there and put yourself in front of people that may become your customers. Sponsor Events – One of the best ways to make local connections is participating in community events.Think outside the box and consider profiles on Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr as well as Facebook. Social Networking – Social networking is more than just building a Facebook page for your business, you have to get in there and really communicate with those who take the time to find you on the social networks.Additionally, more people than ever turn to the internet instead of calling for information. Rework your Website – Did you create that website months or years ago and just let it sit stagnant? You will get more hits on the web if you offer new content regularly.Everyone has friends, neighbors or co-workers they may be willing to tell about your company. Ask for Referrals – Look at your current customer base as a way to attract new customers.These new customers may be interested in your other items/services too. Do not reach too far out of your comfort zone, but offering something a little different will bring different people into your world. Launch a New Product or Service – Offering something new is a great way to put your name in front of new people.These eight ideas are a great way to get started and will help you improve your bottom line. There are many ways you can expand your reach or turn those who find your business into paying customers. Building your client base is important and the best way to add that income boost you desire. No matter what type of small business you own, increasing your income is the goal.
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