When we think about marketing our independent writing services, it is easy to be busy with the idea of ​​finding new customers. But what about the independent past agents?

Sometimes, former customers are lost in this mixture or are forgotten frankly. Do You Remember to deal with them about the possible new writing vehicles?

Here are some things that you can do to return independent work customers, or use these relationships to reach the new independent writing prospects:

1. Contact with the past two independent clients.

The most important thing to do is contact your previous machines.

See how they do. Perhaps there was a change in their work recently and they can use your help. Perhaps your previous contact with the company is no longer with the company, and for this reason you have not heard of them. Serve to replace them and hope to build a new professional relationship.

Prepare for ex -customers to your network and remind them that you were the independent type that really cares about them and their actions. Unlike finding new brand independents, you are already familiar with them, their needs and markets.

2. Mention your availability.

You cannot be afraid to tell people that you are looking for a new Independent writing functions.

You do not have to be opportunistic or pleading. Just remember that you have an opening in your schedule if they are interested. Do not assume that the people you previously worked with will see these ads on your public site or social media publications.

Even if the former customer does not have an immediate need, you can remind them of the upcoming projects where they can use your help at the bottom of the line, and to book early early.

3. A specific project sole.

Have you written content for a newsletter at this time last year? Call this customer and ask a similar project.

Is there something that happens in the news that suits your old agent of the article of the leadership of thought? Then set up one as a way to link the company to the ongoing events.

Does the former customer have a product or service with the peak of promotional time? (Think about a game company about Christmas or a gym around the new year or lead to the “beach body season”.) Show a project to help them take advantage of the next peak period.

Customers do not care that you need to disturb. But I care about the chances of helping their own business. Go to the conversation with the agents of the independent armed with an idea, and you will increase your chances of going out with the disturbing paid disturbance.

4. Request for referrals.

Reviews are one of the best ways to reach new independent writing functions because they are functions that are not generally announced (this means that you have slim or non -existent competition).

You don’t have to wait in the hope that someone will refer to you. Asking For those referrals.

Contact the former customers and mention that you have some new customer places open now or open in the near future, and ask if they know anyone who may be interested in your services. You can even encourage referrals. For example, 20 % of the following request may be made if they referred someone to become a paid agent in the next two weeks.

It is not necessary, but referral discounts may encourage your former agent to adhere to their new disturbances at the head of referral.

Note: Do no Encouraging independent writers to pay standard referral fees. If someone approaches you, instead of presenting this yourself, and promised to send the work on your way but only for the referral fee, it will be an order. When you are good in what you are doing, you will earn referrals without having to pay for them. Fees are fine as an incentive when you are the person who is mainly required in favor. But there are better ways to catch independent writing customers that do not include sacrificing every sale, or having to raise customer rates to make referral fees.

5. View promotions and discounts for former independent customers.

As a last resort, if people are interested but hesitant, think about offering a single time discount to customers who have not worked with you for a certain period of time.

For example, a 10 % limited sale may be offered to any customer who returns after not working with you for at least six months.

If sales are often made, you may get the opposite effect. Customers can stop demand, waiting for the next discount to get. So this marketing tactic used little.

I find discounts an effective tool, especially for the most recent independent book, but it is not something recommended in most cases. At least, I do not recommend to publicly present these discounts on your site, but as a special negotiation tool to receive a deal when you are in a position more than usual.

How can the writer return their past independent customers? how You He approached former customers about the possibility of new independent writing vehicles? Share your stories or advice in the comments.

Note: This publication was originally published on May 3, 2011. It has been updated and re -published on the date of its current publication.