KNOWING YOUR
CUSTOMERS –FOR A FREELANCER
It is often believed
that ‘freelancers’ are king of their own domains. They can do whatever they
like and there are no repercussions. This is a wrong notion rooted deeply in
the minds of lots of people who are unaware of the pros and cons of the entire
freelancer’s world. For every business enterprise it is essential to identify
the needs and wants of their potential clients. The products are designed to
match those needs and thus companies succeed in maximizing their profits. Being
a freelancer is quite similar to being a business enterprise with the exception
that you are the ‘worker’ and you are the ‘boss’ both. So if knowing your
customer is essential for a business setup than it is equally important for a freelancer
too.
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| Knowing Your Customers |
Now we are all aware
that there are different kinds of services that freelancers provide ranging
from web designing to content writing. Many promotion activities through social
networks are also carried out largely by freelancers who have a good following
on the social networking platforms. Every freelancer has to develop his or her
own strategy to ensure success in their ventures. And don’t they say
‘identifying a problem is acquiring half of the solution’.
So a freelancer has
to identify the exact needs and wants of his or her customer. If he fails to do
so then the chances of his success are quite slim. To make matters a bit simpler
let us focus on ‘content writing’ for example. It is true that every writer has
a natural tone, style and voice. It is usually difficult for a ‘good writer’ to
alter his or her writing style every now and then; If a freelancer writer
wishes to be popular and in demand by the market he has to learn to adapt to
the different sets of needs that are associated with each client.
Before we
venture deep into this ‘forest’ as to how we can know our customers or why
should we know our clients at all let me reiterate one simple fact; if you want
to be a successful freelancer regardless of the type of services you provide it
is important for you to know and understand your customer.
Freelancers generally
are not sold to a mass audience. Their clients are often limited and thus I am
giving you some useful tips that can help you in your endeavors with respect to
content writing:
1.
Find out what is the purpose of his
hiring you as a freelancer? Is he looking for one time service or intends to be
a permanent buyer.
2. Try to know the nature of his target
audience or where does he wishes to use the content
3. Is he interested in providing a
knowledge base or wishes to promote or sell his or her services?
4. What kind of writing style he prefers
like a personal narrative voice or a neutral tone?
5. Whether he wants to employ you to voice
his own feelings or thoughts or is happy with your own opinions on a particular
topic.
Remember freelancers provide
different services and according to the nature of service required by them the
tips can differ. You must however keep in mind that tree that don’t bend tend
to break! So learn to adapt according to the requirements of your client.
You are so correct and knowing your customer does not just go for freelancers. In every business, you need to know what your customers want.
ReplyDeleteI would think that freelancing has got to be one of the toughest job around there is. Love the tips that you gave. It would really pay to know exactly what your customer wants/needs. It might even make him a repeat customer as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice for all freelance writers.
ReplyDeleteThese are great and important tips that I never took into consideration. Thanks so much!! Will share!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thank you for sharing.. Will definately keep that in mine.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Some things about freelance are being confused... they do not know how hard it actually is - it's not just following what the boss say as you are your own boss and to gain more projects in the future - you need to do your very best each time. Thanks for these tips!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aishakristine.com
freelancing is a job i'd like to have
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...Very interesting post..... Going to pin this to pinterest! I know quite a few ppl who will also find this interesting:)
ReplyDeleteGreat Advice. I will keep this in mind when I start freelancing.
ReplyDeleteI am sure freelancers must love a lot of their freedoms in the work field. But at the same time must sometimes wish for a steady income and other benefits that employment by a company brings.
ReplyDeletei agree. i do content writing and have to flex to what they need as to deadlines.
ReplyDeleteThis is very good and useful information for a freelancer to consider.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post - one day I would love to look into being a freelancer so it's good to know the things I should think about :) x
ReplyDeleteThose are really good questions to consider when doing freelance writing. I tend to write in a personal narrative tone and sometimes forget that others don't want that type of writing.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful tips here. Thank you. When contacted by a company to "review" their product and write about it on my blog I often struggle with "what" to write. This tips will be ever so helpful.
ReplyDeleteKnowing your customers can make or break your career as a freelancer! I know this from experience.
ReplyDeleteAs a freelancer, you do have to know what your client wants in order to give the best service. : )
ReplyDeleteI think finding a way to make a steady, predictable income is so hard when you're starting out as a freelancer. Any tips are helpful and welcome!
ReplyDeleteYour advice applies more widely than to just freelancers. In all relationships (that you care to nurture) you should try to understand the other person's needs, expectations, and be honest about your ability to meet them.
ReplyDeleteAs a freelance writer myself, I totally agree that you have to know your customer. I know so many writers who don't get repeat jobs because they refuse to work for the customer and only want to write about their own interests. It just doesn't work that way if you want to make a living from it.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful tips, thanks for sharing! It's important to know your clients in any business!
ReplyDeleteKnowing you customers is really vital to be successful in my opinion. I know with general businesses it is a little easier than a freelancer because they usually have more exposure, income and a broader customer range. I know for me personally I would only do business with a freelancer that focuses on my niche and needs.
ReplyDeleteThis is an area I don't know much about so really enjoyed your article. It sounds like a tough business but one that can be managed well when you know what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Teresa Moody. I used to be a freelancer (until I found new hobbies) and boy was it work to know what the people I worked with absolutely wanted.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I used to be a freelancer until I found new hobbies. Boy was it work to know exactly what my people wanted.
ReplyDeleteI agree that freelancers have to be able to adapt to the needs of the client. Most people don't realize how much work and effort it takes to freelance and they underestimate the job.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for all freelancers!
ReplyDelete