Your next project lead may be just under your nose. Why your existing clients are your next best customer.

Let’s face it, constantly being on the hunt for new clients and onboarding them is a mission. It can be time consuming and exhausting.

What we believe to be a successful, long-term approach to running a graphic design business is to focus on long-term relationships with clients.

High-end brand designers work with high-quality businesses that are in it for the long haul. No flash in the pans here.

These are the sort of clients that have annual marketing budgets and regularly need fresh collateral and updates to their existing designs.

You already have so much passion invested in their brand, especially if you’ve created it from the ground up. And if you do your job correctly at that foundational branding stage, you will reap the rewards with clients who grow, grow, grow and need more work, work, work.

You’ve also got an established know, love and trust factor with a sense of ease, comfort and familiarity between designer and client.

It’s a really lovely position to be in as a designer.

How to encourage repeat business in your graphic design studio

Be a good human
First and foremost, you need to be likeable. Kind, caring, empathetic. A good listener.

Be an essential and reliable partner
With your knowledge, skills, creative talent and AWESOME processes. Working with you is a breeze.

Surprise and delight
Throughout your design process be sure to delight your clients by delivering unexpected magical moments.

Keep your full range of services front of mind
Let your clients know, at multiple touch-points, the full range of services you offer.

Build in a referral system
When you have beautiful, strong relationships with your clients, not only are you a trusted partner in their business but they too can become a strong advocate for yours.

They are the perfect person to refer to other potential clients who are in need of your services.

Think about ways you could reward an existing client for a successful referral that also promotes continued work with them—like a $100 voucher to spend on their next project or a complimentary brainstorm session on their marketing strategy.

Know thy client
This is essential. Asking the right questions during the initial briefing phase will ensure you can anticipate needs throughout the year.

For example, one of our clients, a luxury hair salon, traditionally experiences a quieter time a the beginning of the year. This is a good time to touch base about promotional opportunities to help even out their business revenue.

Another client, a large restaurant, generally has seasonal changes to their menu, so as their design partner we can anticipate these needs, schedule it in and get in touch so there is no mad rush.

Continue to ask questions throughout your relationship, never rest on your laurels. If all is going to plan, your clients will be experiencing growth and with growth comes change.

Understand the changes that are happening for your client and how these changes are impacting their business. Ask how you can continue to help them beyond the initial transformation.

Schedule in regular check-ins
How often do you touch base with your past clients? Trust us, they are probably wanting your help but are too busy to reach out.

Offer retainer packages
This is a fabulous way for a client to be crystal clear on how to allocate their marketing budget. With little to no financial surprises they can schedule in their work over a month…or a year.

This approach is a win-win, also allowing you to have a regular stream of income and the added bonus of controlling your calendar.

Get feedback
At the end of any project, check-in! Not just for a testimonial (although this is usually the upside to asking for feedback)—but with the view to truly understand your client.

Receiving great feedback is the key to having insight into your client’s ongoing needs.

Ask your client how the process was for them? Did the outcome meet their expectations? Would they do anything differently? And most importantly…has the process highlighted any future needs?

Have the mindset of a business partner
From the get-go, set your intention that all new clients are going to become long-term, respectful and prosperous relationships. By showing up and being fully present, your energy and actions will follow this lead.

The ongoing benefits of repeat business

Less administration
You can dive right into creating fabulous design solutions because there will be less time spent wrapping your head conceptually around a new business.

More time efficient
Every facet of your creative process will be more time efficient, the intimate understanding you have of the brand fast tracks your process.

Confidence boosting
A feeling of great satisfaction and accomplishment of being a long-term partner with other businesses, who trust you and love you.

More bang for your buck
We invest so much of our time and marketing budgets acquiring new clients, imagine if that same expense and effort was put into nurturing your existing and past clients?

There’s no need to do discovery calls!
*happy dance*

Here’s your task:

1. We want you to make a list of all your existing clients.
   
2. Write down all the possible ideas for future design projects. What do they need?
   
3. Brainstorm ideas on how and when you are going to touch base with your clients throughout the year. Ideas: Happy Monthiversary! Happy brandiversary—your brand + website is 1 year old today. You could mix it up—phone, email, give them a shout-out on socials, send them a beautiful direct mail piece, even pop in and visit if they are local!
   
4. SCHEDULE IT IN YOUR CALENDAR