Comments on: Client Retention: A Key Ingredient for Freelancing Success

By: Rhonda B

Rhonda B — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:27:49 +0000

What a great article! There’s so many good points and tips. Thanks for sharing!

By: David - the freelance web designer

David - the freelance web designer — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:47:14 +0000

Very true article, developing good relationship with long-term clients really helps keep a good cash flow.

By: Box Model Junkie

Box Model Junkie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:06:20 +0000

I think the first point: “More Time Working, Less Time Finding Clients” is very true. In the end as a freelancer, that’s what it’s all about … more time working.

By: sabizuk

sabizuk — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:43:15 +0000

thank for sharing information..The ideas here are great. I ama big fan of the cms systems but see more clients wanting the custom look that brings in a higher invoice in the end

By: Jae Xavier

Jae Xavier — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:57:35 +0000

My favorite method, especially with first time customers…

Ask better questions.

Designers of all sorts solve problems. Find out the problem so you can take better action. Define the problem accurately by asking better questions so you can produce results the client is looking for. Meet or exceed those results and you got RETENTION!

This is what makes the difference between amateurs and professionals.

Well written article btw.

By: CodeMyConcept

CodeMyConcept — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:16:24 +0000

I have to admit that I personally feel that all the rules you guys have explained above should not only apply to freelancers, most of them should definitely apply to every single business.

Creating, developing and nourishing a meaningful relationship with clients is not only important but a must have. Nowadays trust is something you need to earn and keep with so many competitors out there all you can provide to make the difference is your good work, the fact that they can trust you.

Awesome entry by the way.

By: Vandelay Website Design

Vandelay Website Design — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:50:12 +0000

dp,
I don’t think that taking care of your clients means that you have to neglect yourself.

By: Web Design Norwich

Web Design Norwich — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:05:24 +0000

I am a freelance web designer and found this helpful, Thanks!

By: Mireia

Mireia — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:54:57 +0000

dp,
I don’t think you understood the essence of this well-conducted article, which is about how to establish long-term relationships with your existing clients instead of losing time searching new ones.

It’s not at all about compromising and capitulation. It’s just about trying to find the common ground with your client so you can work together for a long time.

The true creative finds pleasure (and sometimes even pain) in everything he or she does.

But as you mentioned compromising, I never get upset if a client doesn’t like one or two of my designs. I just put them to rest in my folder called ‘unused’ , take time to listen what my client suggests instead, and invest myself into doing it. And the client ends up satisfied. Sometimes they are so down-to-earth, that they simply don’t understand what you did or what you meant. Then it takes just an e-mail or a phone call to explain your concept, then they see the light, and like it right away. It’s not compromising, but communicating.
Mireia

By: Cw_groupthink

Cw_groupthink — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 03:07:59 +0000

With the extremely changing market out there doing anything to keep clients is a must. The ideas here are great. I ama big fan of the cms systems but see more clients wanting the custom look that brings in a higher invoice in the end