8. Ensuring Repeat Business

There is one sure-fire way of ensuring repeat business: do a good job the first time round. If a client likes your work, they will come back to you for more, and be happy to recommend your services to others. Your aim should be to provide a service that is so valuable, you become indispensable.

As part of this process, it helps to develop a sense of the kinds of pressures your client is working under. One of the best ways of securing future work is to make your client look good in front of their bosses. In practice, this means not fouling up: avoiding simple spelling and grammar mistakes, taking care to look out for corporate buzz words or taboo phrases; and generally making sure your copy will ring all the right bells with its intended audience.

Know your limits!

Finally, be aware that it can sometimes pay to stay away from areas where you are not sure of your abilities. One poorly executed piece of work can be enough for a client to lose confidence in you. If you really fancy trying your hand at a type of job you have never done before, it might be best to make your client fully aware that this is new territory for you and, if they still want to go ahead, agree to do the work at a discount or waive all payment unless they are completely satisfied, so they do not feel they are taking a risk.