Freelancing is a lot like navigating stormy seas. On good days, the sun shines bright and clear, but on bad days, the sky, in a single moment of being just fine, unleashes a torrential storm out of nowhere.
One such disruption is the much-dreaded client feedback. Whether as a glowing review or stinging critique, handling client feedback is one of the important skills any freelancer should know.
Let’s dive into this world of feedback, where clients share what they need, how to answer back, and how to use it for improvements in your freelancing life.
Why Client Feedback is Gold for Freelancers
Let’s get this straight: client feedback is gold.
Sure, it’s easy to bask in the warmth of positive comments, but even negative feedback holds immense value. It helps you improve your work, build better relationships with clients, and—let’s be honest—maintain a flow of projects.
A study by BrightLocal says that 76% of customers believe in online reviews as much as word of mouth.
So, when you receive constructive feedback, you pretty much get the roadmap to refine your craft and improve your reputation.
How to Ask for Client Feedback Without Sounding Desperate
Okay, so how do you actually ask for feedback without coming off as needy-let alone pushy? The secret lies in when and exactly how you ask for it. It has to feel organic, and natural. Not coerced or forced.
In other words, all it takes is a simple question at the right time which unleashes a host of useful insights.
When to Ask for Feedback
Golden rule: Request feedback while your work is fresh in the client’s mind. Most of the time, after completion of a project or big milestone, send them a polite follow-up message.
Do not let too much time pass by, for the feedback given days or even weeks after the project lacks the detailed insights you are looking for.
Example: “Hello [Client’s Name], please let me take this opportunity to thank you for placing your project in my hands. I would be delighted to know your thoughts about the work and how it went with you through the process. Any feedback will be highly valued!”
Selecting the Proper Medium
Would you call, email, or chat over a Zoom meeting? Each has its own merits, but email is often a good default for freelancers. It’s professional, and it gives the client time to think about their response.
To make it easier, you can use a client feedback email template. This puts some structure on the request for feedback, making it easier for clients to highlight specific things they want to remark on.
Sample Client Feedback Email Template
Subject: We’d Love Your Feedback!
Hi [Client’s Name],
Hope you are enjoying your recent [service/project]! We value your opinion and would like to hear what you think about the final product and your experience.
Could you kindly share your thoughts about:
- What do you think is the best thing about the work?
- Is there anything you feel we could do better?
- How likely is it that you will recommend us to others?
Your feedback helps us to grow and be even more awesome in our services.
Thanks again for your collaboration!
Regards, [Your Name]
Responding to Positive Feedback
Receiving positive feedback is a lot like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your pocket. It is a nice surprise that can help raise your level of self-confidence and even motivation.
So how should you respond to positive feedback?
- Show your appreciation: The easiest response, as mentioned previously is “Thank you for your kind words”.
- Highlighting specific points: Recognize those specific points of your work that the client acknowledged.
- Offer additional services: When appropriate, suggest other services or projects they may be interested in.
How to Handle Negative Feedback from Clients
Positive feedback is easy to handle, but negative? That’s when things start to get a little tricky. But you know what? It’s how one responds that might even turn that bad situation into a long-term relationship.
Negative feedback will often come wrapped in emotion.
As Forbes suggests, 96% of unhappy clients never complain, while 91% of them simply will leave without a whisper.
If a client voices discontent, he’s giving you the opportunity to make things right.
Break it Down
When the criticism is harsh, break the feedback down into components that are easy to digest:
Identify the problem at hand
Is it the quality of your work or just a misunderstanding of what the project needed?
Respond with facts
Use data and timelines to clear up misunderstandings.
Use humor sparingly
Light humor can sometimes deflate a tense situation, but at no time should it sacrifice professionalism.
Follow up after receiving feedback.
Finally, follow through after feedback, either positive or negative. Sometimes, following up with a message showing the implementation of their suggestion or thanking their time can leave lasting impressions.
Example: “Hi [Client’s Name], I just wanted to follow up and let you know I’ve taken your feedback on board. I’ve made the adjustments we discussed and would love to hear your thoughts!”
Follow-up like this shows that you are committed to constant improvement and plants the seeds for repeat business.
Using Client Feedback to Improve Your Competencies
Feedback is an opportunity for professional growth. Analyzing and learning from both positive and negative feedback will make you realize what you need to work on and where your strengths lie in your skill set.
Here are some ways to use feedback to improve your freelancing:
Look for patterns: Do certain themes come up repeatedly in the feedback you receive? Are there specific areas where you regularly struggle?
Set Targets: Based on your analysis, establish some clear targets in which you want to improve.
Get additional training: Where your skills are needed, consider online courses or workshops.
Constantly practice: The more you practice, the better you become.
Conclusion: How to Level Up Your Freelance Game by Mastering Client Feedback
Client feedback is not just a comment on your work; it’s a conversation that keeps you improving.
Whether glowing praise or tough criticism, how you handle feedback can make or break your freelancing career. Asking for it strategically, responding professionally, and learning from it will help you keep your clients happy and your inbox full of offers for new projects.
