3 Client Retention Tips for Freelance Writers

In order to succeed as a freelance writer, you’ll need to build up a network of repeat business. Although you should still remain open to taking on one-time clients, clients who provide you with regular business are going to be your real bread and butter. Unfortunately, many writers fail to realize this and inadvertently burn bridges with clients who could help them tremendously. As any seasoned writer will tell you, long-term success is often predicated on the number of repeat clients you’re able to attract. With this in mind, fledgling freelance writers would be wise to heed the following client retention tips.

1. Missing Deadlines Will Sink You

There’s no more effective way to fall out of favor with a client than to miss a deadline. Deadlines play an important role in virtually every career, and this is doubly true in the case of freelance writing. When you take on a job and agree to a client’s terms, you are accepting a responsibility to complete your work by a specific date. Failing to meet your end of the bargain signifies a lack of professionalism and commitment and can effectively torpedo a relationship with even the most understanding client. Since many freelance writers are constantly working against multiple deadlines, it’s important for you to manage your jobs and chart out a schedule than enables you to meet your various due dates. This entails not overbooking yourself – and, in some cases, turning down work.

2. Stay on Top of Your Invoices

When working in a freelance capacity, most of the clients you deal with are going to expect you to keep track of your assignments and hours and write up invoices after completing jobs. Writers who work with multiple clients at once sometimes have trouble staying on top of their invoices and ultimately wind up sending them out late or simply forgetting to send them altogether. Receiving an invoice weeks or months after a job has been completed is guaranteed to annoy clients and raise questions about your professionalism. For this reason, you should make a point of writing up invoices and sending them out within 48 of completing each job. This will ensure that your payment is processed in a timely manner and show your clients that you’re truly on top of things. You can also simplify the process with the help of the Aynax.com free online estimate template.

3. Arguing With a Client is Not Going to Work out for You

When working in any creative field, you’re going to meet people with whom you have creative differences. It’s important to note, however, that there’s a considerable difference between having creative differences with a coworker and with a client. Since clients are essentially your livelihood, arguing with them when they request revisions or offer input you find disagreeable is practically guaranteed to go poorly for you. If you find yourself completely unable to work with a certain client, parting ways may be necessary, but there’s no reason to burn bridges with clients in response to mild disagreements.

In the absence of regular clients, you’re going to have a difficult time getting by as a freelance writer. As such, it’s imperative that you take steps to keep clients coming back. Fortunately, this isn’t nearly as difficult as many writers make it seem. Managing your deadlines, staying on top of your invoices and being consistently respectful in your interactions will go a long way in helping you retain clients and grow your personal brand.