Staying Top-of-Mind Without Being Pushy

Ever sent a follow-up email and then felt a knot in your stomach, worrying you might come across as annoying?

If so, you're not alone.

Many freelancers struggle with the delicate balance of staying on their client's radar without being a nuisance.

But here's the thing – effective follow-up communication can be the key to landing that dream project or turning a one-time client into a loyal customer.

Think about it:

You’ve had an amazing initial conversation with a potential client, but then...

Radio silence.

Without a follow-up, that promising lead could slip through the cracks, choosing someone else who kept them engaged.

Follow-ups are essential because they show your commitment, keep the conversation going, and ultimately, drive business.

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Common Pitfalls

Many freelancers either go overboard or not enough with their follow-ups.

• Some bombard their prospects with messages

• Others don’t follow up at all, hoping the client will remember them.

Both approaches can backfire, leaving you frustrated and without new projects.

What Works

Here are some actionable techniques to master the art of the follow-up:

1. Timing is Everything: Send your first follow-up within 48 hours of your initial conversation. This keeps the discussion fresh in their mind.

2. Add Value: Each follow-up should offer something valuable – a helpful resource, a relevant article, or a thoughtful question about their project needs. This shows you’re invested in their success.

3. Be Personal and Genuine: Personalize your messages. Mention something specific from your previous conversation to remind them of your connection.

4. Casual Conversations: Sometimes, a simple check-in can work wonders. “Hi Lucie, I've got nothing special, but I just wanted to check-in with you. Hear how things are.” Pay attention to what people say and follow up on those details. It shows genuine interest.

5. Use a CRM: Tools like Attio can help you keep track of your follow-ups and the details you learn about your contacts. This ensures you remember important personal and professional information.

6. Multi-Channel Approach: If you’re someone who dives into the DMs of people on X or LinkedIn, continue doing that. A mix of communication channels can keep the interaction dynamic.

7. Regular Check-Ins: Block an hour every day to reach out to people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Consistency is key in building and maintaining relationships.

Here’s a real-life example: Sarah, a graphic designer, struggled with follow-ups until she started including relevant design tips and industry news in her emails.

This approach not only kept her prospects interested but also positioned her as an expert.

Over time, her follow-up strategy helped her secure more repeat clients and referrals.

Your Actionable Task

This week, craft a follow-up email template that you can personalize for each prospect. Include a recent blog post or an industry update that adds value.

Schedule a reminder to send it 48 hours after your initial contact.

Start small, track your results, and tweak your approach based on feedback.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of the follow-up can transform your freelance business.

It’s not just about staying top-of-mind; it’s about building relationships and demonstrating your commitment to potential clients.

Remember, persistence pays off when done thoughtfully.

Best of luck with your follow-ups!

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Philip Wallage — philipwallage.com
I help you go on holiday without a laptop.
How? By turning your skills into products that sell.

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👉 Heads up, fellow human: I hit 'send' when it fits my schedule, even if that's not 9-to-5. No stress if you're off the clock—reply whenever you like, no rush!