Communication is critical, especially for remote workers.
Great communication with your clients is crucial in your freelancing career. Whether you are in the stage of applying for the project, polishing your statement of work or if you’re already working with the client for years, always communicate, communicate, communicate.
As a FreeUp freelancer, clients are expecting you to respond within one business day. But remember: The faster you can respond, the better.
You might be wondering.. Why should I respond to the clients right away?
Builds Your Reputation
Clients view freelancers who respond to their emails or messages quickly as someone who is more trustworthy.
Speedy responses give the client an impression that they are the most important part of your freelance business. It makes the client feel that there is someone on the other end of the line and that you are interested in engaging with your future clients.
This builds their trust in you and your capability to handle their project or their business.
Improves Your Branding
People don’t like to be ignored.
When you show that you are always listening and ready to help a client, this makes them feel safer working with you.
Clients will feel confident knowing that should there be any issues, you are there to listen and help solve the problem.
Increases Your Chances of Getting Hired
Believe it or not, a lot of clients are hiring their freelancers simply because they are the first ones to respond.
Replying quickly to interview invitations or follow up questions is one of the best ways to demonstrate your professionalism to clients.
Responding late (or not responding at all) will give the client the impression that you’re too busy to work on their business or you’re simply ignoring them and no longer interested.
How Do You Communicate With Your Clients?
Keep Everything Professional
Whenever you are sending messages to your clients, keep everything professional.
- Make sure to communicate within business hours
- Use a friendly yet professional greeting
- Address your client by their first name
- Respond in 1 business day
- Keep your responses short and sweet
- Proofread for any spelling or grammar lapses
- Make sure that you are sending your message to the right person
- Personalize your message — simple greetings like “Happy Monday” or “How’s your weekend?” goes a long way
- Sign with your name
Update Them
Emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime.
If you are faced with an issue, always keep your clients informed.
If you don’t have power or internet connection and you can’t attend to your shift or submit your work within the set deadline, keep your clients aware.
Should there be any emergencies, you can reach out to your FreeUp Partner, the FreeUp Support Team or use our LiveChat option.
Avoid Making Promises You Can’t Keep
If you think you can’t deliver what the client needs, don’t claim that you can do it.
It’s always best to underpromise and overdeliver than the other way around.
If you encounter any issues leading to incompletion of work or meeting the deadline, keep your client informed.
Make sure to check the FreeUp Communication Best Practices Policy article too to get more information on how you can communicate with your clients professionally to avoid issues.
Let us know if you have any questions!