A burger can certainly be eaten without a side of fries but having fries on the side adds that extra touch, doesn’t it? The same is the case with Thank-you notes and freelancing. While a Thank you note is not essential, it does add some extra crunch!!
Standing out in a sea of freelancers requires that extra crunch that the client can remember. In a market where every second shop is selling a burger, you need to make sure to add fries and even free sauce at times to show your customers that you are the best.
Writing a thank you note to your customer after a project is completed leaves a lasting impression, (or a good taste in the client’s mouth!!). That is when you can say, Thank you, Next project, please!!
How do you write a perfect Thank you note?
Now that we have highlighted the importance of a thank you note, are you also wondering what to say in a thank you note?
While you can use the ready-made templates we have at Billbooks, learning what to say and how to say it is still important. After all, expressing gratitude isn’t that easy.
Like the importance of a neatly packaged burger, the thank you note you write should also have concise packaging with certain elements in place. Here are the points that you should keep in mind.
Structure
Appearances impress before the content is tasted!! This is why structure is important in any email that you write.
The above example lacks any structure and will not be able to catch the attention of any client. It is much better not to send a thank you note rather than use such a bland and devoid-of-structure email template.
This email on the other hand is structured properly and therefore, is packaged in a much better way. While many more inputs can be added to make this better, this example is great to get in touch with the importance of structure in an email.
This structure not only makes your message easy to read but also shows that you’ve put thought into your communication. A clear structure ensures that your appreciation is understood and remembered, making it more impactful.
Personalization
Personalization is the secret ingredient that transforms a generic thank-you note into a memorable gesture. Clients appreciate when you take the time to mention specifics about the project or their unique contributions.
For instance, instead of a generic “Thank you for your business,” try “Thank you for trusting me with your innovative marketing campaign. Your creative vision made the project exciting and rewarding.”
Such personalized touches show that you genuinely value the client’s individuality and the partnership you share. To personalize effectively, refer to specific aspects of the work you did together, acknowledge their feedback, or mention any unique challenges you overcame as a team.
Proofreading
Proofreading is important because it shows your level of professionalism and how mindful you are of detail. A note full of spelling mistakes can also negate the message you are conveying and make you look clumsy.
Sometimes users write an e-mail very quickly and forget about it, so before pressing the ‘Send’ button, it is useful to spend some time reading the text. It is also useful to employ an application like Grammarly that would highlight the mistakes, and it is useful to read the note aloud or give it to a co-worker to read.
This additional step helps make your message professional and well-polished creating the best image for your business.
Does it help? Should I spend my time on a Thank you note?
Consider Sarah, a freelance web developer. After completing a project for a tech startup, she sent a thank you note that read:
“Dear John, thank you for the opportunity to work on your groundbreaking app. Your clear vision and prompt feedback were invaluable. I look forward to collaborating on future projects.”
This note, structured, personalized with specific details, and meticulously proofread, left a lasting impression. The client was so impressed that they not only paid her promptly but also recommended her to other startups in their network.
A well-crafted thank you note email, with a clear structure, personalized content, and error-free text, is a powerful tool that can enhance client relationships, foster loyalty, and pave the way for future opportunities.
One-size-fits-all approach!! A big no for Thank-You notes
Like the fingers on your hand, not all clients are created equal. Some of them are prompt with payments and more often than not, you will need a few follow-ups with your clients before they make their payments.
Generic messages can come off as impersonal, missing the mark in showing genuine appreciation. Tailoring each thank you note is like crafting a custom dish that caters to each guest’s taste, demonstrating thoughtful effort. Customizing your message helps build stronger relationships, making clients feel valued and special. I
In essence, a personalized thank you note is a recipe for success, leaving a lasting impression that generic notes simply can’t achieve.
Different templates should be used for different clients. We will add some here for you to use:
1. The Prompt Payment client
Subject: Thank You for Your Prompt Payment!
Dear [Client’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for your prompt payment for [Project/Service]. It’s always a pleasure to work with clients who value timeliness and professionalism.
Your swift action helps ensure that our partnership remains smooth and efficient. If you have any feedback or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to our continued collaboration.
Thanks again for your promptness and for choosing to work with me!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. The High-Ticket Client
Subject: Thank You for Your Trust and Investment!
Dear [Client’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your substantial investment in [Project/Service]. It was a privilege to work on such a significant project, and your trust in my work means a great deal to me.
Your confidence in my abilities not only motivates me but also reaffirms my commitment to delivering the highest quality of work. If there are any other ways I can assist or if you have any feedback, please let me know.
Thank you once again for your generous support and for the opportunity to contribute to your vision.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
3. The Late Payment Client
Subject: Thank You for Your Payment!
Dear [Client’s Name],
Thank you for your recent payment for [Project/Service]. I appreciate your attention to settling the invoice.
I understand that delays can happen, and I am grateful for your commitment to resolving the matter. If there’s anything you need or if you have any concerns about the project, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to continuing our work together.
Thank you once again for your payment.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro tips for crafting better Thank-you notes
Writing thank-you notes is a way of ensuring that client relations remain positive and professional.
If you are discussing prompt payment, new big clients, or even late payments, a properly composed thank you note can go a long way.
Subtle Promotion: When writing the thank you note, you should take the opportunity to subtly add a future opportunity plug. It should not be in the face but should be addressed indirectly.
For example, “I liked the process of the work on this project and would like to consider a collaboration shortly. ”
Timeliness: It is also important to send your thank you notes as soon as possible to continue positive communication.
A follow-up note sent within a week after payment or the completion of a project will be more effective.
Personal Touch: Every time, try to include something personal and that can be a result of the project or the interaction with the client.
This tells the receiver that the gesture of your gratitude is sincere and well thought out.
It is important to incorporate all these tips into your thank you note plan to improve client satisfaction, relations, and subsequent projects.
Check out the Thank you note templates at Billbooks to get some help!!
The final word
In freelancing, thank you note emails are one of the most effective ways to enhance your relationship with clients and increase future business. A proactively written thank you note is a professional gesture, an expression of gratitude, and a means of building good relations.
Whether it is sending a reminder for the early payment received, thanking big spenders or even dealing with late payments, a personal and non-erroneous message goes a long way.
When adopting the strategies and templates mentioned above, one will be able to increase the level of satisfaction among the clients and ensure that there is a basis for the client to return for more business.
Begin the process of turning properly polite into effectively professional and start writing thank you notes today.
Want to make it easier for you to send thank you notes with ready-made templates? We got you. Sign up for free here and get access to all the features like automated thank you notes for your clients.
