What’s the best way to build long-term relationships with clients?

Building long-term relationships with clients is a bit of an art and a bit of science, much like creating a valuable piece of content. Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Understand Their Needs Deeply: Before you can deliver what your client truly wants, you need to dive deep into understanding their business and industry. This doesn’t just help you craft better solutions but also shows clients you genuinely care about their success. This approach comes from the Capture phase of content creation—gather as much information as possible to inform your actions.

2. Set Clear Expectations: From the get-go, be transparent about what clients can expect regarding deliverables, timelines, and costs. People appreciate clarity and straightforwardness.

3. Deliver Consistently: Make sure you’re reliable. Meet deadlines, follow up proactively, and stay on top of project details. Consistency builds trust, a cornerstone of any long-lasting relationship.

4. Communicate Openly: Keep communication lines open. This doesn’t just mean checking in on the status of projects, but also being willing to discuss challenges, celebrate wins, and offer insights. It’s about being there.

5. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback and act on it. This shows that you value your client’s opinions and are committed to improving and adapting to better meet their needs.

6. Solve Problems Proactively: Be the person who sees the obstacle on the road before it becomes a full-blown issue. The ability to foresee and navigate problems strengthens your reputation as a trusted advisor rather than just a vendor.

7. Offer Value Beyond What’s Asked: Periodically, go beyond the call of duty. Share an article that could be insightful, suggest improvements or trends you’ve noticed that could affect their business. It’s the little things that show clients you’re not just thinking about the immediate project, but their broader success.

8. Celebrate Milestones: Recognize achievements, whether they are related to the project or the client’s business growth. A simple congratulatory message, a thoughtful note, or even a small gesture can make a big difference.

9. Reflect Your Values and Interests: Clients often resonate with more than just the services you offer. They’re buying into your story, your values, and how they align with theirs. Be authentic and let this shine through all interactions.

I remember when I first transitioned to freelancing, I had to remind myself that the foundation of any successful client relationship was built on human connections. By treating clients as partners and not merely transactions, you'll do more than retain them—you'll turn them into advocates. Remember to redefine success on your terms, building relationships that are sustainable and mutually beneficial.