I've spent 20+ years in digital marketing, chasing the elusive unicorn of client retention. Stellar performance? Clients still walked. Breadth of services? Nope! Then it hit me. The answer was hiding in plain sight - Communication. Clear, consultative, and frequent communication has been the magic ingredient in every long-lasting client relationship I've fostered. Now, I know what you're thinking - easier said than done! Especially with the diverse client personalities we encounter. But fear not! Here's my battle-tested toolkit for conquering client communication: ?? Embrace Accountability: Own Your Mistakes Undoubtedly, there will be times when things go wrong. A budget gets overspent, an ad gets paused, or an error creeps in. Here's the key: proactive communication. Reach out immediately, explain the situation, and take ownership. Don't try to brush it under the rug. Transparency and a commitment to learning from mistakes build trust and demonstrate your commitment to their success. Remember, clients value an agency that takes responsibility. ?? Be Their Strategic Partner, Not Just a Task Completer We sometimes forget why clients hire us – we're the experts. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and focus solely on completing tasks. But remember, your role goes beyond ticking boxes. Be the transformational partner they expect! They didn't hire you just to build campaigns or research keywords. They hired you to devise a winning strategy that drives results. Ask yourself: "What unique value do I bring that they couldn't do themselves?" Communicate this value proposition in everything you do. If the answer is unclear, revisit the plan. You're their strategic partner, not just a task completer. ?? Build Relationships: They're People Too! It's easy to put clients on a pedestal and forget they're, well, people. They appreciate getting to know the team beyond the marketing jargon. Take time to learn about each other and build genuine connections whenever possible. Some of my brightest collaborations have come from client relationships. Chat about their business goals, their challenges, and even their favorite hobbies! Building rapport fosters trust, strengthens communication, and makes working together even more rewarding. What are your secrets for client retention? Share your thoughts below! #clientretention #communication #digitalmarketing
All of this!!! ?? I think the reason many agencies struggle with communication is because the margin to put people like you with all the experience isn’t there and as a result there is a gap. This has to be part of the criteria for career growth.
Great advice! I’ve spent 4 years in the industry & had the same questions. Here’s to applying your advice & hope to foster long term & valuable clients relationship.
Well said Diane! Thank you!!!
Yo!!!
Marketing and Business Development
9 个月I have been in this industry for more than 6 years and would agree to the three steps. Client Relationship: - Building a friendly relationship is crucial. - Ensures clients feel comfortable sharing their expectations and required changes. - Requires consistent and open communication. Client Retention Challenge: - The key challenge in retention is the team's approach. - Treating the client as a friend and person first is essential. - Lack of this approach significantly increases the risk of losing the client.