Building A Client Network Through E-Mail
With clients struggling to find the words to express their appreciation for your work, you might be wondering how to grow your network. One of the most effective ways is to have conversations with them via email. This is a great way for you and your client to stay in touch, keep up-to-date, and maintain a nice relationship with each other.
As a freelancer, it's important that you build an online portfolio and create relationships with potential clients from all over the world. The first step in accomplishing this feat is to find your clients on the web. For most people, the only place they will go to find a freelancer to help them is through an online classified bureau such as Craigslist or HotRockets.com. You can also contact your existing clients, but keep in mind that they may not be actively searching for you. If you are fortunate enough to have a list of current and past clients, then it's easy for you to send out an email newsletter with your new services and interesting news about what's going on in the world (with links back to your website).
But, how do you start these conversations? Don't worry, I have a few suggestions to help you get the ball rolling. First of all, make sure that you are contacting potential clients who are interested in your work and know what they need. Don't send out messages to candidates who don't seem like they will be interested in what you offer or who aren't qualified to pay the rate they want. Your email should explain what it is that you do and why the client should hire you versus another freelancer. Some potential clients are afraid that if they are quoted a price for their project, then they will be committed to paying for it at that price (and thus locked into an agreement). The solution to this problem is to offer an estimate for their project.
If you are working with a client who sends out emails, you can create an email client relationship with them by welcoming them into your network, spotlighting their website, and then sending out a simple invitation to meet via email. You can use the prospect's website as a place to highlight the work that they have done or ask them about their current projects. This invitation should include a link back to your own website so that the prospect can learn more about what it is you do and why they need you rather than just being sold on an item or service.
Another way that you can build this network is to join social networks such as Twitter. You can use this online forum to share with your followers your personality, ongoing special offers, and the ability to join you on a new adventure. If you use social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook, you can also check out the different groups your clients belong to and start communicating with them in that manner. Not only will this help build your network, it will give you something to talk about when meeting with clients face-to-face or via Skype.
Once you have begun communicating with a client online, you can continue the conversation by sharing information with them (and telling them about what is going on in your life).
Conclusion:
The advantages of building a network are numerous, from being able to stay in touch with old clients to creating new projects for them. Many freelancers find that they have the ability to work with great clients even when they don't currently have a contract project in place.
If you need help starting a network, then follow these steps :-:::
1. Determine what you can offer your client and why they should hire you over another freelancer. Explain why you are more qualified than other people they have contacted. 2. Invite them into your network by sharing your website or social media accounts 3. Begin to communicate regularly via email and using their website as a hub for additional information 4.
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