Why You Need a Client Workflow to Grow Your Creative Business
Today, I’m chatting all about client workflows and why you need one if you’re a service-based business! I recently started mentoring fellow calligraphers looking to grow their businesses (you can learn more about that here!), and several of them have sought guidance on how to create and implement a client workflow. I was so excited to dive into this topic because client workflows are literally the thing that’s helped me grow and scale my business!
Before we dive in, allow me to re-introduce myself. I’m Alane, the girl behind the pen here at Write Pretty for Me. I started my business way back in 2016, transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship in summer of 2018, and have been doing wedding calligraphy as my full-time job ever since! I’ve learned a lot in the past 6+ years and I’m thrilled to share my knowledge and experience with you in the hopes that you can achieve your wildest dreams even faster than you thought possible!
Okay, first things first, let’s define what a client workflow is…
A client workflow is the set of steps and processes that you’ll follow from the moment a new client contacts you to the final delivery of your services. It’s everything your client experiences from the start of their journey all the way to the end. A well-designed workflow helps streamline your work, ensures that your clients receive the best possible service, and helps make sure that no detail is missed!
As I said earlier, I can contribute the majority of my growth and success to a rock-solid client workflow. So if you don’t have one in place yet, here are five reasons to build one TODAY!
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Increases Efficiency
A clear client workflow allows you to work smarter, not harder because you’ll know exactly what action to take at each step of the client process, from inquiry to final delivery. Knowing what to do helps you manage your time effectively because you won’t be scratching your head wondering what to do next and you won’t be reinventing the wheel every time. Plus, certain tasks can easily be automated, such as creating email templates or sending follow-ups, which saves you time and allows you to focus on more valuable work.
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Set & Manage Expectations
A client workflow allows you to set and manage client expectations for things like communication style, timelines, and deliverables. This helps cut down on unnecessary back-and-forth emails, misunderstandings, and ensures that your clients are happy with your services. It also allows you to stay in regular contact with your clients, addressing any concerns or questions along the way, helping them gain trust and confidence in your work!
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Positions You as the Expert and Adds Value
A clear client workflow that sets expectations and answers clients questions before they even have to ask helps position you as the expert (yet again, giving them additional confidence in their decision to hire you!). You want to build a client workflow that guides your clients along their journey with you, rather than the other way around. It also creates opportunities to add additional value along their client journey, whether that be with a booking gift, a free download, or a complimentary consult call.
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Expands your Client Base
Delivering an excellent customer experience through your client workflow is guaranteed to grow your client base. Consistent, quality service helps you build and maintain a great reputation in your industry and I’ve found that when a client receives fantastic service, they’re more likely to refer you to others and even use your services again in the future.
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Allows you to Scale
As mentioned above, a client workflow allows you to work more efficiently and frees up your time, allowing you to take on more clients or explore a new business idea. As service-based providers, we know that time = money, so being able to free up time is gold. People are also willing to invest more when they know they’re going to receive an incredible service. This allows you to charge more, growing your income, and take on less clients, freeing up your time. Lastly, you’re more likely to receive referral business, giving you more paying clients that will ultimately help you grow your revenue and your business.
I hope you can see why having a client workflow in place is essential to growing your business! If you’re ready to create and implement a workflow, here are the systems that I use in my business to execute it:
Honeybook (follow the link for 25% off your subscription!)
Google Drive
ClickUp
Zapier
If you have any questions or are looking for guidance on how to create a client workflow, feel free to reach out to me via email or on the ‘gram!
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using my link, I earn a small commission. I only share products that I use myself and would be of benefit to you! Plus, purchasing through an affiliate link is a nice way to say “thank you” to creatives who are sharing their knowledge for free 😉
