If you are a new or established copywriter and would like to learn how to build client relationships as a copywriter, this post should help.
Freelance copywriters need consistent clients to maintain a steady stream of work.
There is no magic number for how many clients a copywriter needs to be successful, but they must maintain a positive relationship with all of them.
This article talks about client relationships, what they are, why they are important, and how to cultivate them effectively.
Copywriters who excel at client relationships can open up a world of writing opportunities. Join us today to improve your professional relationship skills.
What Are Client Relationships?
A client relationship is the connection between a copywriter and their clients.
Professional and courteous client relationships allow both parties to get the most out of each other. Because freelancers typically work remotely, strong client relationship skills are critical for completing effective work that meets the needs of clients.
There are many advantages to learning professional relationship skills as a copywriter. If you have a good relationship with your clients, they will be more likely to recommend your services to others.
They are also more likely to contact you again for future projects. Working with clients you like makes copywriting a more enjoyable career path.
Copywriters who maintain positive client relationships can anticipate the following outcomes:
- Better-paying projects
- Established brand
- Enhanced copywriting skills
- An enjoyable work-life balance
The benefits of good client relationships are obvious, but many copywriters struggle to take the first steps.
Whether you’ve been a copywriter for a few weeks, months, or years, you can always improve your relationship management skills.
What exactly are Client Relationship Skills?
Active listening, clear communication, empathy, customer service, and professionalism are all essential client relationship skills.
Copywriters who exhibit all of these characteristics can form trusting relationships with clients, allowing both parties to thrive.
New copywriters can improve their skills by taking the time to write what they mean and fully understand their clients’ needs.
What is the Key to Managing a Successful Client Relationship?
Consistent communication with clients is essential for managing a successful client relationship.
Learning and sharing personal information about clients, such as the names of their children or pets, recent vacations, and favorite hobbies, strengthens the writer-client relationship.
Copywriters with multiple clients may want to keep a brief record of their client’s information to provide personalized and charismatic communication.
Why is Building Client Relationships Important?
Building client relationships is important because it is a necessary skill for a successful copywriting career.
Gaining a client’s trust through high-quality writing and effective communication leads to more work in the future. Similarly, understanding a client’s point of view and desires helps copywriters improve their professional skills.
Now, let’s look at how you can build relationships with your clients in practical steps.
How To Build And Maintain Client Relationships
Client relationships work similarly to other types of relationships. As freelancers, copywriters must be able to make their clients feel at ease and confident in their abilities.
Following these core principles can help you better understand your clients and vice versa.
Communicate Clearly
Open, honest, and clear communication is the most important component of any healthy relationship. As a copywriter, you should be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
If you are unsure about your communication abilities, some steps can help.
- Give Yourself Time: Don’t respond to an email or message right away with the first response that comes to mind. To improve your communication skills, think about what you want to say and how you want your client to feel.
- Edit Your Words: Always write your correspondence before sending it. You can re-read it or even read it aloud to make sure you haven’t missed anything or written something incorrectly. Reading aloud allows you to see your words with fresh eyes, just as your clients will.
- Consider Language: Successful copywriters recognize that their language choices and writing style influence how clients and readers perceive them. When communicating with clients, consider their language – or even emoji – preferences and reflect their style to build a bond.
Empathise
By showing empathy, copywriters demonstrate to clients that they understand the needs of the company. Empathizing with a client means trying to understand a situation from their point of view.
You don’t have to be a mind reader to please your clients, but there are steps you can take to see the project through their eyes.
- Ask Questions: One simple way to better understand your client is to ask them about their company’s vision, their project goals, and what they consider successful writing. Having these answers makes it easier to meet or adjust their expectations as needed.
- Listen Well: Copywriters who can actively listen while working with clients get the most out of their contracts. Take in what clients are saying without assuming their meaning, and make sure you completely understand what they are saying.
- Don’t Judge: Judging a client’s opinions, ideas, or work style is counterproductive to building strong relationships. Copywriters should avoid working with unprofessional clients who make them uncomfortable, but judgment does not help build empathy or trust with clients.
Be Professional
Successful client relationships are built on being professional when communicating and working. Some clients may become friends over time, which is a benefit of the job, but copywriters should not try to convert their clients into friends.
Instead, consider how you can convey professionalism to your clients in a charismatic manner.
- Be Polite: ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ are two pillars of professionalism that copywriters should always use when communicating. If you receive advice or feedback from a client, thank them for taking the time to type up their thoughts. This goes a long way toward developing an effective work relationship.
- Be Honest: Positive relationships are built on trust, and honesty is essential for developing trust with your client. Communicating clearly and honestly with your clients about project pricing and deadlines lays the groundwork for a successful client relationship.
- Offer Advice: Clients may bring multiple ideas to the table, some of which are superior to others. As a professional copywriter, your advice helps clients in developing their best ideas. Demonstrating your skill and industry knowledge makes you appear more trustworthy and authoritative to the client, demonstrating your true value.
Developing Relationships with Difficult Clients
Freelancers from all fields understand the frustrations of working with difficult clients. However, try empathizing with your clients before dismissing them as difficult.
Clients who are difficult to work with may have previously had bad experiences with copywriters.
Many people simply don’t understand how much a copywriter costs or is worth.
There are still ways to try to build and maintain client relationships with these people.
- Prove Your Worth: Proving your worth can persuade clients who are concerned about prices or hesitant to hire freelancers. To gain the trust of clients, deliver high-quality work on time, and demonstrate your professional abilities by using your industry knowledge.
- Remember Your Manners: If you’re dealing with a rude or impatient client, it’s critical to avoid descending to their level. If you continue to be polite and understanding, you have the best chance of improving the relationship. Even if things do not go as planned, maintaining your composure helps you appear professional.
- Know When to Walk Away: Unfortunately, not every difficult client will be willing to work with you. As a freelancer, you must advocate for yourself and your work. You must understand when to politely end the professional relationship so that you can both find more suitable partners.
Discover how to handle difficult copywriting clients.
Final Thoughts
Client relationships are central to a freelance copywriter’s work. They are the foundation of a successful copywriter’s career, providing consistent income and expanded industry connections.
Remember to communicate with your clients on a regular and professional basis to build and maintain client relationships.
Hi, my name is Maku Seun. I am a direct-response marketer and copywriter. I help business owners grow their businesses by creating high-converting sales pages and writing sales letters, emails, and website copy for their products and services. If you need any help with your copywriting needs, Contact me here let’s talk!