Client Experience Contest

One of the sites that I really enjoy as a freelance web entrepreneur is FreelanceSwitch. I actually referenced that site quite a bit when I was considering branching off on my own full-time. (Great decision!) Recently they ran a contest where readers submitted suggestions on "creating a word-of-mouth worthy experience for clients." I sometimes submit ideas in these contests, and this time I was a winner!

Here was my tip titled Brand The Experience:

There are a ton of talented freelancers out there who are as skilled as you, if not better. But you are unique and the experience of working with you is part of your brand. When you sit down to create your website, look, branding, etc. include (in writing) the unique ways that you communicate, resolve conflict, offer support, encourage clients, etc. as part of that brand.

One example is rewarding clients for meeting their OWN deadlines. You are expected to meet deadlines set ahead of time because you are getting paid the big bucks. But how often are you waiting on deliverables from your client like feedback and content? Set some deadlines for them and offer rewards for meeting them. Maybe something like a discount, free eNewsletter blast, book related to their industry, or a gift certificate would do the trick.

If you can do the special “extra” things, you will become the freelance version of George from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and your clients will never want to wonder what business might be like without you.

So there it is. I guess I'd better start taking my own advice and brand the experience for my clients!