5 Simple Ways To Get Repeat Business
Posted November 15, 2007 in Business, How-To 8 Comments »
Everytime you get a new client you probably want to prove him or her you can do the job, you want repeat business. And if you don’t have that feeling you’ll get business from a client again in the future, then there are some things you may need to work on.
#1- Be Committed
Being committed doesn’t mean that you have to leave everything else and cater to the needs of one client and forget about the others. It means showing the client that although your work has been appreciated by them and you delivered on time and everything is to their liking, you would like to offer a little more. Not necessarily go out of your way, but do what needs to be done, what you agreed on in the first place, in order to get repeat business from that client.
#2- How Long Does It Take To Get A Reply?
One of the main reason freelancers lose business is because of the late response. Don’t limit yourself to checking your email once a day (if you prefer to give email addresses rather than phone numbers), but if you do, make sure your client knows.
Personally If I want to hire someone, I want to see how quick I’ll get a response. If you are freelancing full-time, you should be able to dedicate some time everyday to reply to e-mails and return phone calls.
#3- Provide Quality, Not Just Quantity
Sure they wanted one website designed, but you went ahead and gave them three just to show that “hey I can do more!”. But do you realize the client ONLY NEEDED ONE? So provide quality rather than quantity. If you spent 5 hours creating three sites that were not required, guess what, you just wasted 5 hours and probably a client as well. Stick to what’s in the contract, it’s in the contract for a reason, the extra work you did just to prove you can do more won’t make you more money.
#4- There is Always Room For Improvement
So, you do kick-ass work, you’re good at what you do, but that doesn’t make you the best there is, because there is always someone that can do better than you. So thrive to make yourself better, sharpen your skills everyday, that’s what makes you money.
#5- Following Up
One of the most important, and often over-looked, way of getting repeat business is to simply follow-up with previous clients. If you provide service to a client, cash the check, and forget about him or her, you surely won’t get business from that client again. Take a minute to send an e-mail, a post-card or give a call to a previous client, tell him you really enjoyed working for him, was a fun project, and that you’re always available for him. Build a relationship with your clients, get to know them, they’ll be more likely to send business your way.
We all like attention, clients are no different. A quick e-mail or phone call can go a long way.
Ritu
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If you like what Ritu writes, check out Work N Play, a blog about blogging, technology and a lot of other things. ;)
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About the author: Ritu is a freelance writer who has been involved in social media for several years. At the moment he is working on a variety of projects, but is always open to new ideas. Contact him at email(at)ritubpant(dot)com or follow @ritubpant on twitter.
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8 Comments
Aaron - Personal Development Partners
November 15th, 2007 at 7:31 pmThe follow up is critical. People want to feel important, and one of the best ways to make someone feel important is to ask them after the fact how it all went. You don’t necessarily ask for more business, you just give a quick call to make sure they are happy.
That type of customer services creates new business every time!
Zakman
November 15th, 2007 at 7:38 pmSome top-of-the-line points there, Ritu!
I can especially relate to #5, about following up, because that’s how one can get a feedback about one’s work, and learn and improve.
After all, wasn’t it Bill Gates who said, “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”
Grace Smith
November 16th, 2007 at 5:46 amNice list of reminders ritu! I think we are all agreed No.5 is just so important. Simply do not let a client just walk away after a completed project! You have to follow up, send newsletters or emails (postcards i have found is particularly productive and successful) let them know what’s happening in your business and how these changes/services could benefit them.
Ritu you are so on the money on this one – the key to repeat business (and a happy client) is all about relationship building. Get to know your clients, let them get to know you, not only do you pave the way for further projects together but you also show you value them and their business.
Melissa Donovan
November 16th, 2007 at 7:05 pmGreat advice! I think the bit about constantly improving yourself and sharpening your skills is an especially good reminder. That’s why I keep the Chicago Manual of Style right on my desk. I’m always turning to my reference materials to ensure that my writing services are top notch in terms of professionalism.
I look forward to reading more from this gem of a blog.
-Melissa Donovan
Writing for Writers
angie
November 24th, 2007 at 5:24 amhi,
this is angie from china, i would like to translate this blog into chinese in order to let more people who cannot read english know you and this. Is that okay? thanks.
yours
angie kim
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