Tips on talking to clients about anything

Professional designers are known to be masters of communication. Why? Because communication is part and parcel of their trade and territory. For every project they work on, they are known to translate a client’s brief into a unique visual execution.

However, it should be known that even the greatest of communicators have struggled. Whether it is about negotiating a price, clarifying feedback, asking for a referral, or vice versa; they get held up. Now let us have a look at how professionals can talk to clients about certain things without a holdup.

Tips for professionals to ask clients for a review

Professionals usually complete projects nicely and spotlessly. They even hand over the project to clients after completion and clients are thrilled with the work done. This is one of the best times to wrap things up with a smart message and remind them gently about leaving a review.

How to do that? Here are some tips from professionals from a logo design company based in downtown Dubai:

• “Working with you has been an immense pleasure! It is key to note that my future clients should feel confident hiring me for their work. Please take a kind moment and review my work without bias. It would help me build my reputation. Thank you very much.”
• “Working with you on [the certain project] has been fantastic! I would appreciate it if you could write a few words about how you felt about our collaboration. It would be quite helpful!”

At first, professionals may hesitate and also may feel awkward. But when they do it a few times, then they will start feeling more confident and will understand the process seamlessly each time they successfully finish a project.

Tips on asking for referrals

Professionals should be referred to their client’s network and they can ask to do so when asking clients for reviews. They should not be afraid to approach previous clients. In case they had a positive experience then they would gladly share it with others as they will help keep the professionals in the sights of their circle.

The following messages may help professionals obtain the needed reviews:

• If someone from your network requires a creative professional, I’d love it if you can keep me in consideration and share my information and portfolio with them. Thanks in advance!
• Greetings [Client]! Hope you are in good spirits. I would like to reach out to you as I am open to new opportunities at the moment. I remember how fantastic it was working with you on our last project. If you or anyone within your networks requires a designer, I am available and would love to hear back from you.

A professional tip to remember: When reaching out to clients, professionals must personalize their message and reference the work they have done with them. That’ll certainly catch the client’s attention.

Talking to the client about missing a deadline

Let us understand the fact that all kinds of top and best plans often get derailed due to a multitude of factors. The important thing to note is that professionals must communicate as soon as possible, especially when they know that they are going to miss the deadline.

Regardless of whether or not it affects the logo design cost, professionals must let their clients know about any delays that are causing them to miss the deadline. If it is taking them longer than expected, or they need more time, then they must inform their client right away.

Professionals must let clients know about their next steps when their clients will be expecting something new. They should stick with it. Professionals might find that a lot of times clients understand the situation and are flexible but it works as long as they communicate. Here are some examples of messages they should check:

• Good Day [Client], I am writing to you to inform you that I may not be able to send you the deliverable on the date agreed upon. Unfortunately, there are some resource constraints I am facing making the project taking a bit more time. I require a few more days to finish the project. Accordingly, I will update you on [the certain date].”

Here are some professional tips to follow:

• Always be transparent but do not overshare. Clients should not know everything but only the needed facts (they don’t need to know about a domestic matter unless and until it is necessary). Tell them what is happening (like an illness or something) and let them know when they will get the design.
• A solution-oriented mindset is needed. Once the professionals are back on track, they should check in with their clients and see what is needed.