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5 Ways to Show Clients You’re a Rare Blogging Butterfly

5 Ways to Show Clients You’re a Rare Blogging Butterfly

There’s nothing quite like knowing you’re one-of-a-kind to your freelance blogging clients.

The phrase, “You’re our go-to gal/guy” will send a giddy shiver throughout your body each time you hear it.

But many freelance bloggers won’t hear that even once in their career. High-quality bloggers are a rare species, much like the Karner Blue butterfly I recently befriended.

When I first saw the butterfly, I simply admired it as I watched it flutter in the wind. Even as it landed on me, I didn’t understand the true nature of its beauty.

Then I realized what I was holding. It was a Karner Blue butterfly, an endangered species.

Upon learning this, the encounter shifted from being simply neat to being incredibly significant. I didn’t want to let the little guy fly away.

That’s the kind of experience you want your blogging clients to have. You want them to realize that you’re a rarity — that bloggers like you are hard to find. At that point, they won’t want to let you go.

Check out these ways you can show your true colors and put yourself on your clients’ endangered species list. 

1. Fly high and far

5 Ways to Show Clients You're a Rare Blogging Butterfly

When receiving client testimonials, this is the one thing I hear time and time again:

“Alicia always goes above and beyond what’s asked of her.”

But here’s the thing: I don’t feel like I’m putting any extra time into it. Wouldn’t it be great to set yourself apart from other freelance bloggers without much effort? The answer is yes.

I’m going to let you in on a few tactics I hope you’ll adopt.

Engage in the client’s community.

Contacting your clients only when they’re interested in paying you doesn’t necessarily get you noticed, especially when they have numerous other bloggers on their team. What they will notice is when you show your face outside of your paid work.

Respond to comments on your articles. Share other articles on their site. Follow their brand on Twitter. This is an important element of your client interaction, because it shows that you’re invested in their business. You care about their vision.

(Now, this may not be the proper course of action for every client, so evaluate the type of relationship you want with them first. More often than not, I’d encourage building a relationship this way.)

Take on work that no one else will.

As a freelance blogger, you have complete control over the topics you write (unless your contract states otherwise).

If a client comes to you with a bizarre topic, you might be tempted to say, “I don’t think I’m the right person for this. You’re better off finding someone else on the team who has more experience in this subject.” Your client may simply shrug it off, no penalty against you.

Now imagine you’re the person who says, “Sure thing! I’ll get on researching the project as soon as possible.” Now you’ve set yourself apart from those team members who thought the topic was out of their league.

Give ‘em a little more than they asked for.

When appropriate, give your clients just a little bit more. I don’t mean adding extra words or inserting more pictures or links into your posts. That can have negative consequences (and could make it seem like you can’t follow directions).

But let’s say a client asks you to come up with three topic ideas for the upcoming weeks. Hand over three headlines, and then share two alternative topics in case your client doesn’t like the first three.

Or you might offer your expert opinion about aspects of your client’s blog. It’s kind of like giving free consulting advice, and if your client decides to adopt your suggestion and it works for him, you just won yourself some brownie points. Just make sure you’re not being condescending or rude in the way you frame your offer of help.

Here’s the cool thing, though: None of these “extras” have to cut into your pay. You can always adjust your rates to reflect the time you spend on these tasks.

2. Use your proboscis

Butterflies don’t have mouths. Instead, they have a straw-like appendage called a proboscis they use to suck up nectar.

The nectar? Your client’s feedback.

Your proboscis? Your ability to digest that feedback.

No matter who I’ve asked about this, one thing holds true: Clients are impressed by bloggers who take feedback to heart.

And when a client offers constructive criticism? Good writers and bloggers don’t shrug it off and move onto the next client. They evaluate this criticism and look for ways to take on the challenge.

I want you to try an exercise next time you receive feedback. The first part of the exercise involves taking notes. If you’re talking with a client via phone or Skype, write down his or her suggestions. If you receive an email with constructive criticism, save it.

Next, take that feedback into account when you write another post for the same client. If you follow only a fraction of their directions and skip the rest, clients feel frustrated and annoyed. So when you think you’ve incorporated all their feedback, review your notes or email to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.

3. Start building your chrysalis

The beginning of a chrysalis signifies a state of metamorphosis, a dramatic change and growth in a caterpillar’s life. As a freelance blogger, you will grow, too, soon emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

In the stage of building your chrysalis, you have to show that you’re willing to learn and grow.

I have one client who lives by the premise that writers who think their skills have peaked are not worth working with. Assume the majority of your clients feel this way.

Here are a few ways you can show that you’re willing to learn and grow.

  1. Show humility. Admit that you have room to grow. This shows that you’re willing to get better and better. At the same time, though, don’t forget to let your strengths shine.
  2. Ask questions. I’ve never had a client react negatively to my questions. In fact, the one time I didn’t ask questions is when the project blew up in my face. When the situation calls for it, ask for clarity. If a client makes a suggestion you don’t understand, ask if he or she can give examples.
  3. Listen to others. When your client or someone on your team shares a new viewpoint, practice listening and putting those suggestions to the test. This shows that you trust others and are open-minded to new experiences.
  4. Share your own ideas. Sharing your own thoughts puts you in the middle of the conversation, a place where you can offer your own expertise while giving you a chance to hear opposing views.

4. Be timely

As an editor, nothing annoys me more than when writers miss their deadlines or submit a huge chunk of work at the last minute. I can’t imagine how a client must feel in the same situation.

You certainly won’t lose a client by sticking to your deadline—even if you submit your work at the last minute. However, you may earn some brownie points by staggering your work when you have a large workload, or submitting your assignments ahead of the deadline.

I always pretend that my deadline is 24 hours before the project is actually due. And I’m not the only one. Many of my blogger friends have told me they do the same thing. And you know what? It works! And it seems to impress clients every time.

It doesn’t take a huge amount of effort if you’re organized. I always write down due dates on my calendar. Other writers use apps like Pomodoro to track their project progress and to stay on task.

5. Put your signals to the test

Do you know how butterflies communicate? It’s mostly through chemical signals. As a soon-to-be butterfly, put your signals to the test by staying in touch with your clients.

In my experience, clients are more impressed with bloggers who are personable and ask questions. You certainly don’t want to annoy your client to no end, but you don’t want to feel practically non-existent, either.

Stay in touch throughout your project. If you have a huge assignment, consider sending updates on your progress. If you run into instructions or other information you’re unsure about, contact your client for clarity.

Even if there are periods when you’re not receiving work, stay in touch through email or social media. (For extra tips on staying in touch, check out this post on Entrepreneur by Ivan Misner, founder and chairman of BNI.)

Follow the 5 “butterfly blogging” tips above, and your clients will treasure you like the rarity you are.

I certainly don’t have every factor down to impress my clients beyond belief, so I’d like to hear from you.

What do you do to impress your clients? Share your ideas in the comment section.

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Comments

  3. Alicia,

    It’s such a treat to read your post. It’s packed with awesome advice that’s a must for every blogger. There’re many points I can apply.

    I loved it. Thanks 🙂

  4. I love your analogy of the “one-of-a-kind freelance blogger” to the Karner Blue butterfly. The way you tied it all together is probably one of the things that makes you a “one-of-a-kind freelance blogger.” Thanks for the hints and tips; I’m sure that if I follow those, I will soon be a butterfly too!

    I would add just one thing, when your clients reveal personal dates, such as birthdays or anniversaries, especially their children’s birthdays, I add those to my calendar and send a simple greeting. It only takes a few minutes and can add to your esteem with your client.

    Thanks again, Stephen

  6. I love these, Alicia! I do my best to deliver what has been asked of me, but I can definitely do a better job if the client is enthusiastic about giving constructive feedback. It doesn’t have to be long. It can even be neutral – if the feedback can hint what kind of topics the client likes better, or wants to see from me, can really make a huge difference.

    I am also very strict about my deadlines. I write them down on both paper and computer calendars, just in case.

    I’m also thinking this article can be adapted to clients; being the client most freelancers would love to work for 😀 It’s a two-way relationship after all.

    • I liked your illustration with the butterfly. It made me think of the time that I saw a blue heron in the creek near my home. I knew that such a bird seldom ventured that far from the coastline. I now see that my blogging skills should impress a client in the way that the blue heron impressed me.

    • It is definitely a two way relationship. I haven’t dealt with a whole ton of bad clients, but there are certainly some people out there who don’t quite know how to handle freelancers, which is kind of sad.

  7. A great post and a wonderful example of using a theme or hook, and then building a piece of writing around it. It’s quirky, and draws upon personal experience.

  8. hi alicia,

    thank you for this valuable advice. i invariably forget names if i read them once. however, they stay ingrained in my mind if i read them again and again. i have read your name again and again so that it remains ingrained because i would want to read each and every post written by you.

  9. Thanks Alicia! I recently experienced just about everything you touch on in this post, not knowing, but just practicing common sense, humility, and being engaged in relating with the editor. I have been studying behind the scenes, some of the greats of this modern day ‘being paid to write’ gigs: Danny Iny, Alexis Grant, and of course Sophie. Obvious the message of how best to behave is sinking in. I’m always pleasantly amazed (only on my second accepted guest blog; Writer’s Weekly, and Penny Hoarder) at how personable the editors are. How much time they do give, and instruction thru edits. It’s been a lot of fun learning this new game. And I really think your advice here is great.

    • I agree. I mostly keep a 48 hour deadline where client doesn’t give one. I believe I should be a lil hard on myself. 🙂

  11. Alicia, Thank you for a wonderfully crafted article that was a joy to read. It is simultaneously informative and highly creative with the butterfly comparison.

    This combination (in my opinion) is intoxicating and makes you want to find out what comes next. In some ways, I felt compelled to finish it.

    Absolutely superb!

    Mark

    Ps. I want to thank you again for all of the courtesy and help you have given me with regards to my work. You have been both a teacher and a cheerleader to me.

    Your assistance has encouraged me to move forward and has helped me to override my inner critic.

    If there is anything I can do for you, all you need to do is ask

  12. This is a great post with down-to-earth truth that’s easily overlooked, Alicia. Love the “butterfly blogging,” and although I have drawings and photos of butterflies on my site, you have given me a whole new way to see them now!

  13. Great article, Alicia! As a newbie starting out, this is extremely helpful, and I’m really grateful to learn as many tricks and tips as I can. I think your butterfly experience was pretty awesome, too — kinda jealous! 🙂

  15. Alicia, I love how you pair your vision (be someone’s go-to blogger!) with really practical, concrete tips that are just spot on. And many of your suggestions just sound either like fun (participating in the community) or a great way to stretch yourself as a writer (giving them a little more than they asked for).

    But learning how to accept and apply feedback is most certainly the hardest and most rewarding advice you offer. As an editor for many years, I always appreciated the writer who was willing to take my constructive comments to heart. This, above all, will make you a go-to person for any client. Because it’s hard enough to give less-than-glowing feedback; knowing the reception will be negative or uncooperative makes it even tougher.

  17. Great article. Love the bit about pretending that the due date is 24 hours before the actual due date.

  18. Hey Alicia

    You have a rare ability to combine irresistible imagery with practical advice – absolutely sensational! #HUGSSSS

    As someone who desperately wants to enter the freelance blogging arena, your advice has inspired me to blossom into a one-of-a-kind butterfly (who) is cherished, respected and loved.

    Thank you
    Kitto

  19. Very informative article, thanks! I read all of your blog posts and I always come away with something helpful, like a new building block. I’m a wallflower not a social butterfly, but I’m working on spreading my wings. Thanks again for the tips!

  20. Alicia,
    I love the idea of setting your deadline a day ahead! Also, I love all of the butterfly science you included (chrysalis and proboscis)…I am a bit of a science nerd, which is I am a tad-bit jealous your Karner Blue butterfly experience. LOL

  21. Wow! Simply Wow! I love the way you’ve incorporated the butterfly analogy throughout your post. And great tips too. Good job Alicia. 🙂

  22. Thanks for this Alicia,

    Definitely some great points to consider. For myself, I’ve found points two and three to be particularly true.
    Remaining humble and open to suggestions are the surest ways to improve your writing.

    My knee-jerk reaction to the first email of constructive criticism i received wasn’t great. I wanted to decry the client as a fool, but it turns out he was completely right.
    In taking what he said on board I improved the piece, learned a little something and took one step closer to developing the thick skin any writer needs.
    I now actually look forward to the feedback as it helps me to develop my own abilities whilst fulfilling the client’s needs.

    You’ve hit the nail right on the head with staying humble and taking feedback on board.

    Thanks for the great advice Alicia!

  23. Great tips, Alicia!

    I have one client so far. They produce an inflight magazine (among other things). I carefully research their previous issues to come up with ideas to fit their ‘themed’ issues and/or come up with new ideas.
    No complaints so far. 🙂

    I’m looking forward to branching into new clients next year. My goal is to reach to one article a week.

  24. I’ve heard more than one freelancer say–sad but true–that all you have to do is meet the deadlines and stick to the other parameters, and respond quickly to client communications–and that very basic and obvious stuff alone will distinguish you from 50-80% of the common pack.

  25. Alicia, when I read your pitch for this post in Sophie’s Pitchfest 5, I knew you were going to hit it out of the park. 🙂 Nicely done!

    I love the butterfly analogy, and I generally *don’t* like posts of this type. I think the rarity of these types of creatures fit perfectly with how some people view their “go-to” writers.

    From the FITS series on my website, I know that I have learned a lot about the many different approaches freelance writers take, and I also know who I am more likely to recommend for projects I don’t want to take on myself.

    To address your ending question, I generally go above and beyond the call of duty to impress my clients. I’ll add code to the post to help their readers Tweet the post, for example. I’ll also load it into their dashboard, categorize the post, tag it, etc. so that they don’t have to. I know that Greg from Dear Blogger loves it when I do that! Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I receive “bonuses” so often!

      • Thanks. I find that it’s easier to do “little” things like that once in a while, so that when it comes time to ask for a raise (or inform the client of a rate raise), the client is more receptive!

        It’s wonderful when clients look at you *with stars in their eyes* when you go the extra mile, too! 🙂

  26. Alicia, I love the butterfly metaphor.

    You ask: “What do you do to impress your clients?”…I think being innovative like you were in this article: making unusual comparisons to the world around us – including interesting parallels to things seemingly unrelated – always impresses people.

  27. Hello Alicia,
    Great post you have there. I love the analogy of the butterfly. I also believe that writers should always leave an impression in the mind of their clients. Every writer should have a peculiar “value added service” they can offer clients. We are all special in our own way.
    One more thing when the butterfly in you manifests then you can ask and receive a beautiful testimonial from the client. 🙂

  28. Fantastic points, Alicia! Thank you for writing this up. When I first started blogging, I knew I needed to go “above and beyond” but was a bit intimidated about how to do that. But I’ve found the best way is to pay attention to the fundamentals – giving updates, being timely, etc. – that you touched on in your post. It’s amazing how many bloggers forget the simple stuff; if you don’t, there’s no ned to write like Hemingway to stand out from the pack! – Corey

  30. Being professional, courteous, and considerate will take us very far in any type of work. Accepting the feedback graciously and applying it is a tough, but necessary one – we, the creatives, are very sensitive and vain souls and we need a lot of TLC to prevent the constant attacks of self-doubt:)

    I really enjoyed reading your article, Alicia!