What I’m listening to: Get Out Of Your Own Way by U2
It’s Monday. Time to market.
To me, every day is a good day to market. I built a pretty nice business out of that daily marketing. Now that I’m in my final years of freelance writing, I’m coasting a bit, but only because I’ve built those relationships and made those connections and nurtured them from that day to this.
But you’re not me, are you? While I can preach all day about how it’s best to market every day, you should do what appeals to you. If marketing every day is too much, then pick a day. Just make sure you market on that day and not make another excuse.
So let’s keep it small and simple for now.
This marketing strategy, along with all the others you’ll see this year, come with the usual caveat: use what works, modify if need be, don’t force what doesn’t appeal.
Today’s Marketing Move:
Reintroduce yourself to an existing contact.
Admit it — you thought it was going to be tougher than that, didn’t you? It’s not. Staying in touch never is, but it’s the most common mistake we freelance writers make.
Remember that nice customer you had about a year ago? What are they doing now? Why not find out?
Send an email or make a phone call. See what they’re doing and let them know what you’re doing. Re-establish your connection and ask if they need your services. It’s also a great time to evaluate their impression of you or your product/services. Ask if they’re still satisfied and if not, how you can make it right for them.
But Lori, it’s been over a year! I haven’t talked with that client since the last project, which ended on a mediocre note. Should I still get in touch?
Of course. The only time it isn’t kosher to get in touch is when you know that client doesn’t fit or it ended badly and you’re glad for the lack of stress in your life.
Here are a few ways to reach out:
- A hello on social media
- A quick email wishing them a happy 2018 (it’s not too late)
- A written card thanking them again for trusting their projects to you last year
- A phone call to see how things are going
- A quick note to suggest you write something regarding that timely topic that relates to their business
You get the idea. Make it friendly and light.
Writers, how have you reconnected with past clients?
How many could you reach out to right now?
6 responses to “Marketing Monday: Getting Reacquainted”
I use Google alerts so I see when some contacts are in the news. Sometimes I’ll email to congratulate them on an achievement or a story I see about them.
That’s another great method, Joy. Keeps you in their sights and top of mind when that next job arrives!
I think I’ve used all of those methods at one point or another. One more might work is to ask about using something you did for them on your website. As long as it isn’t some super confidential thing, or a ghost-written piece, they’ll probably be glad to know it’s something you’re proud enough of to put on your own site.
Ooo, another good idea, Paula! Super way to reintroduce yourself.
And it might get them to check out your site and discover you do more kinds of things than they think you do!
Exactly!