One of the most overlooked yet vital hats for freelance web designers is a salesperson.
And in the sales world, one golden rule stands out: Persistence pays off.
The Power of Persistence
Last year, I did a lot of outreach.
One story stands out.
In Feb 2022, I signed a $5k monthly retainer client.
The awesome thing is he wanted to pay 3 months upfront (without me asking).
But what’s more amazing is this client ghosted me when I first reached out to him...
I followed up 3 times with no reply.
Then in my FINAL (4th) follow-up, I recorded a Loom video with my suggestions.
Guess what happened?
He ghosted me… 😂
Then he eventually replied and asked me to send a proposal.
I did, and now he's been a paying client for 19+ months.
Many takeaways here, but the main one:
FOLLOW-UP with your leads.
Too many freelancers don't even follow-up or they give up after one attempt.
Don’t be one of them.
So, what's the lesson here?
It’s simple: Never underestimate the power of following up.
Determining the Right Frequency
Now, you might ask: "How often should I follow up?"
The answer: As many times as it takes until you receive a definitive response. This might be a straightforward "no" or an enthusiastic nod of interest.
Key Takeaways:
Don’t assume silence means rejection: Many factors could be behind a lack of response. They might be busy or might have missed your email.
Diversify your follow-up techniques: If one method isn't working, try another. For instance, if emails go unanswered, consider sending a video message or even a LinkedIn DM.
Always add value in your follow-ups: Instead of sending a generic "just checking in" message, offer something of value. Share an article, offer a new perspective, or highlight recent work relevant to their industry.
In Conclusion: Embrace Persistence
Persistence is an underrated trait that pays dividends.
It differentiates the amateurs from the pros.
As a freelance web designer, remember that every silent lead is a potential goldmine waiting to be tapped.
So, when in doubt, always make that extra effort to follow up.
Your future success might hinge on that one, extra nudge.
To your freelancing success.
- Kyle