With nearly 57 million Americans working as freelancers, it's crucial for designers to stand out from the crowd and nurture strong relationships with their clients. The design industry is extremely competitive, and as a freelancer, it's important to have a set of clientele that you can rely on for consistent work. That's why it's important to be proactive in maintaining positive client relationships.
To succeed as a design freelancer, you need to build strong relationships with your clients so they keep coming back to you for work. Here are ten tips to help improve client relationships:
Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions
Asking questions shows that you're interested in your client's project and want to fully understand their vision. It also demonstrates that you're willing to take the time to get to know them and their needs. If you're not sure about something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Designers have to wear many hats, and it's impossible to be an expert in everything. Asking questions also shows that you're humble and willing to learn.
Set Boundaries
It's important to set boundaries with clients from the start of a project. This can make things easier through the design process and prevent any misunderstandings. Establish what you're comfortable with and what your rates are. Let your clients know what to expect in terms of communication, deadlines, and design revisions. If they know what to expect upfront, they're less likely to be upset if something goes wrong.
Listen to Feedback
When it comes to working with clients as a freelancer, try to take their feedback into consideration. However, designers don't always have to act on every suggestion. Use your intuition and professional judgment when deciding which changes to make. If you make a change that the client doesn't like, be open to discussing why you made that decision and finding a solution that works for everyone involved.
Don't Overlook Small Touches
The little things can make a significant impact on client relationships. Something as simple as keeping in touch after a project is completed or sending a handwritten thank-you note can show that you care about your clients and appreciate their business. Taking the time to show your appreciation will make clients feel valued and more likely to work with you again in the future.
Honest Communication
If there's a problem with a project, it's important to communicate honestly with your client. Trying to hide problems will only make them worse and could damage your relationship. Be upfront about any challenges you're facing and work together to find a solution. Your clients will appreciate your honesty and transparency.
Practice Patience and Generosity
Design projects can be stressful, and it's easy to get caught up in the details. However, it's important to be patient and generous with your clients. If they're not happy with a design, try to see things from their perspective and be open to making changes. It's also important to be generous with your time, especially if a client is new to the design process. They may not know all of the ins and outs, so it's important to be patient and walk them through the process.
Always Use a Contract
A contract is an important tool for protecting both you and your client. It establishes clear expectations for both parties and can help prevent misunderstandings. Be sure to go over the contract with your clients, so they understand what's expected of them and vice versa. Many freelance designers utilize services like LegalZoom for legal advice and help to draft contracts.
Reiterate Timelines
When working as a design freelancer, it's important to be clear about deadlines. Make sure your clients understand when they need to provide feedback or approval, so there are no delays in the project. It's great to be proactive and communicate effectively to help establish trust with your clients. Some designers choose to use time tracking and management tools like Toggl or Trello to ensure all deadlines are met.
Strive to Exceed Expectations
It's always a good idea to go above and beyond for your clients. If you can exceed their expectations, they'll be more likely to recommend you to others and work with you again in the future. As a freelancer, it's important to be proactive and think of ways to make your clients' experience the best it can be. This can be something as simple as providing extra design options or offering discounts on future projects.
Don't be Afraid to Say No
There will be times when you simply can't take on a project or when a client is asking for too much. In these cases, it's important to say no. Be polite but firm, and explain why you're not able to take on the project. This will help maintain healthy boundaries with your clients and protect your time and resources. Designers who are afraid to say no often end up taking on too much work and burning themselves out.
Saying no doesn't have to be difficult. While it may feel challenging, there are ample benefits to staying true to yourself as a freelancer and your boundaries. When designers start to work outside of their comfort zone or set requirements, they can feel burnt out or unsatisfied in their professional career role. By following these tips, you can establish healthy boundaries with your clients and build strong relationships that will last for years to come.
If you want to stay up to date with the latest trends in the design industry or refresh your skill set, consider signing up for a live online graphic design bootcamp. These courses are immersive and designed to teach all of the skills needed to succeed in a freelance design career. They also provide an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio to show potential employers your unique skills.
To sign up for classes, try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to get started!