When you work in a client-focused area such as digital marketing or web development, the impression you make on a potential client is everything. When a client is looking for someone to do the job, they’ll have an idea in their heads of who will make the best candidate, and anything that falls short won’t do.
Whether you work for yourself or an agency, the following tips could help you make the right impression to stand a better chance of landing that next client.
Be organized
Organization is a quality that people expect to see in all industries, and if you want to make a good impression from the outset – you’ll need to be prepared. Make sure that you reply to emails promptly, be on time for meetings and have all of the finer details nailed down ahead of your meeting. Calling someone by the wrong name or not being familiar with the brief could land you in some serious hot water that will make you look unprofessional to your potential client.
Know your stuff
Your clients are coming to you because they want to benefit from your expertise, but don’t take for granted that they know nothing about the industry. A clued-up client asking a difficult question could leave you red-faced if you don’t know the answer – so make sure you’re constantly reading up on the latest trends and developments. Devs Journal is a great place to read up on the latest technology news, while you’ll also find a wealth of online resources to help you learn more about the latest digital developments. Keep your finger on the pulse to make sure you’re able to offer potential clients the latest services.
Show that you’re a safe pair of hands
Your previous experience matters to a potential client, who wants to know that you’ve got a good track record of delivering. Having a strong portfolio and some case studies to hand is beneficial, while it helps to demonstrate your credibility through reviews and testimonials. When clients invest money in a service, they want to make sure they’re getting what they pay for, so use your previous experience and achievements to help them see why you’re the best person for the job.
Ask them questions too
While demonstrating that you have the right skills and experience for the job is one thing, clients will also want to see that you have a genuine interest in their work. Do your research beforehand and come up with some insightful questions to ask your client to show to them that their project is important to you and is something that you will work hard for. There are so many great questions you can ask your client to help you really understand their needs, and getting them out there during that first meeting could help you nail the brief should you be accepted.
First impressions matter, and when you’re working with clients – they could make all the difference to your business. Prove that you’re the right person for the job by making the right impression from the outset.
