5 Ways to Win Over Your Clients by Going the Extra Mile

Freelance translators work in a competitive environment. Keeping existing clients takes hard work and dedication, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

In that spirit, here we consider five ways in which you can win over your current clients by going the extra mile. 

#1 Provide something for nothing

Everyone likes to get something for free now and then, so why not provide your clients with an add-on service completely free of charge once in a while?

It could be anything from proofreading to desktop publishing of the translated version of their copy. The thoughtful provision of such a service free of charge will be sure to win over the client’s loyalty. And remember – you may impress them sufficiently that next time they will offer to pay you to provide the service again. 

#2 Correct the original

If you notice errors in the spelling or grammar of the client’s original document, consider sending them a corrected version, alongside the translated text. Particularly relevant for items such as website copy, doing this will show your commitment to your client’s professional image – in both languages!

#3 Deliver early

Beating the delivery deadline you have set for your client always impresses, provided of course that you don’t rush the job and produce sloppy copy in order to deliver early! Instead, overestimate the time that the job will take, then look to beat the deadline and provide the client with their copy a day early. 

#4 Discount an invoice

When it comes to money, every little helps, so win over clients by offering a small discount on one of their invoices (assuming you can afford to), perhaps as a ‘loyalty bonus’ or seasonal offer. The client will be pleasantly surprised and won over by your generosity. 

#5 Be flexible

It may sound an obvious strategy, but flexibility can go a long way to winning clients’ loyalty. If a client comes to you with an urgent job at 4 pm on a Friday, don’t automatically tell then to wait until next week for their copy.

Consider whether you could fit the translation into the evening of the weekend, in order to meet the client’s urgent deadline. Make it clear that your doing so is a one-off favour though, and not something to be expected every time! 

What are your favourite methods for winning over your clients? Share your strategies via the comments box.