Building Stronger Client Relationships as A Creative Freelancer
- Adilla
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
Client management can be complicated without the proper communication skills and know-how. However, not all realise the importance of managing client relationships beyond the transactional point.
Especially for creative freelancers, as clients are the key to their work, more than just from a profitable perspective.
So, why is it important to establish a good client relationship?
Table of Contents
Why Client Relationships Matter in Creative Project Work
Better Communication and Collaboration
Maintaining client relationships is essential to building trust and better collaboration. Your client needs to be able to trust a partnership. Therefore, easier approval sessions and reducing the likelihood of micromanaging work.
Long-Term Partnerships
Client relationships are not only during but also after the project is done. The relationship doesn’t just have to be transactional, as when it transitions to a trusted partnership, a guarantee of a long-term client relationship is there.
Client management isn’t just about ensuring that the client will continuously invest in the project. It also means building a reputation so that they will work with you again for future projects.
Client Relationships = Freelancer's Valuable Asset
Repeat Business
When trust is established and quality work is delivered, it encourages clients to return for future projects. This is important for creative freelancers, as it gives them secure financial stability, and even for the company that hires them.
And with a repeat client, onboarding them would be less time-consuming.
Referrals and Networking
Clients who are satisfied with the work of these creative freelancers will help in reducing the marketing effort that needs to be made. The organic marketing that happens from word-of-mouth and the experience they have with the freelancers actually converts better than posting your services on a website.
Negotiation Power
When your long-term clients are negotiating with you, it becomes easier since they understand the value of your services. As a result, discussing project scopes and setting rates will be more straightforward.
Client Relationship Features Freelancers Should Look for in PM Tools
Centralised Collaboration and Communication
If you find that your client struggles to explain what they want, especially from a visually heavy project. This can affect getting a proper review and feedback session with your client.
So, to prevent miscommunication, our TESSR Review feature doesn’t just provide a space for communication. It helps give a more contextual comment where clients can highlight, circle, and send a voice note to ease the process of feedback sessions.
File Storage and Asset Management
A feature that tends to be overlooked when looking for project management software. A proper documentation system is needed to ensure adequate storage for all project files for ease of, well, documentation.
We also suggest putting a specific place to document your wins and achievements, including positive feedback from your clients, for future reference.
Key Takeaways
Client relationships should be built not just from a transactional view but to have a long-term client as the main goal.
Knowing the importance of managing your client directs the focus of how you communicate with your client.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I ask a client for feedback?
To know how often you should ask your client for feedback depends on how long your project is. A recommended time frame would be every time there is a significant milestone or halfway through the project to do an in-depth relationship survey.
Also, be careful not to ask so often that it would cause survey fatigue.
What if a client gives a negative review?
When a client gives a negative review:
Respond promptly and professionally
Apologise for the negative experience
Offer a solution to resolve the issue.
It’s essential for long-term client relationships to address the concerns early and take responsibility appropriately.
How do I handle clients who want constant revisions without paying more?
To handle clients who want constant revisions without paying more, establish a clear limitation of revisions and document proof of how changes and processes would happen within a project timeline and goals.
With a detailed scope of work, this prevents such revisions and scope creep in the future that could delay the deadline of the project.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies like parodies of animated shows and plots for board games. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Now an advocate for mental health and effective project management for the creative industry. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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