How to manage your clients better as a freelancer

United States
March 20, 2009 3:16pm CST
As a freelancer I've noticed that one of my biggest challenges is managing my clients. I don't want so many that I can't provide them with high quality work but I don't want to not have enough and thus not make enough money. Thus, here is what I have found works: 1. I am specific whenever discussing a project. 2. I maintain regular communication. I let them know how things are progressing and if any unforeseen delays arise. 3. I use a ticketing system instead of email because my email box becomes so messy that I waste valuable time searching for important information. 4. I make sure that I have a contract in place with all the project's important details outlined. I also make sure that a downpayment has cleared before I start any work (usually 30% to 50% of the project's total cost. 5. I keep a database with all of my client's contact information in it. 6. I am always professional whenever talking to my clients. 7. My emails all have a signature line with my contact information in it and a link to my online portfolio. 8. Invoices contain my contact information and what I am billing them for. 9. I have 2 email accounts: 1 for new clients and 1 for clients that I'm doing a project for. Both email accounts are answered in a timely fashion. I hope these things will help someone :D
No responses