When I think of the most successful freelance writers in the project with which I work (Custom-Writing.org), I try to analyze why exactly these writers are so successful. They have a lot of returned clients, and in the numbers are increasing. They sometimes allow themselves a tiny lateness, but their customers are still satisfied. I mean, of course, that they have competence, skills, and knowledge, and their papers are always on topic.
However, there is one distinguishing feature that makes them more successful than other writers who are not less qualified. It’s their communication skills and their way of approaching their customers.
I’m sure that most of you, at some point, dealt with a support team representative of a company. It does not matter whether you were calling about delivery of a product, or emailing to request a solution to a problem with a service or item.
I’ll be back to freelance writing in just a moment, don’t worry! In dealing with customer support representatives, have you noticed that sometimes the interaction suggests a less than personal and caring attitude? You probably feel that you haven’t been treated right, and are personally offended such a demeanor and approach. I’m sure that at least some of you have experienced this. Wouldn’t it be better if you could be confident that your specific issue is being addressed personally and with proper attention?
Absolutely the same principle works in freelance writing. When the client feels that his order is your most important concern, and that until you are finished with it, there will be nothing more vital to you, he or she is going to choose you as the preferred freelancer for any future jobs.
How can you achieve this kind of trust? Of course, the final quality of the paper will speak for itself. However, while you are working on the order, don’t let the customer forget about you (that can sometimes happen, especially if the deadline is fairly long). Ask questions, send drafts, and show that you care how the paper will turn out. Of course, this can be a challenge, because the communication process itself may take a lot of time.
However, the reward – another returned customer – is worth it! Another simpler option is simply to express what I noted earlier; that you care about the customer, the order, and its outcomes. I saw a message once from a writer: “Dear Customer, I feel personally obligated to have this order completed for you by the deadline. I will make sure that the quality corresponds to your expectations. Please stand by for further updates.” If you were the customer, how would you feel? I’m sure you would have been more than satisfied with how things progressed, even if the writer didn’t provide any specific details at that point.
As long as you are not being hypocritical with such statements, it cannot hurt to include a note of personal attention to the customer. Don’t be afraid to cross the line, imagining that you have to remaining professional and “keeping your distance” with the customer. Making a closer bond with the customer, in this specific field of freelance writing, is a must. This is especially true if you are looking at a potential returned customer.
So good luck with your work, and I wish you many satisfied, returned customers.
Guest Post by James Whitaker (Custom-Writing.org)
