Making a positive impression at work doesn’t take a lot. However, doing it right goes a long way. One of the easiest ways to make this impression is by showing appreciation, and the simplest ways to do this is to send a thank you letter to clients for their business after you end your agreement template and get paid for the last invoice template.
Hint: This can be particularly useful to retain clients and create referral opportunities, as it serves as a display of good faith and humanization.
If you’re wondering how to thank a client for their business, look no further.
In this article, we’ll outline the reasons why you should be thanking your freelance clients, along with 4 simple ways to do it with style and professionalism.
Everyone appreciates being thanked for something they’ve gone out of their way to do. Whether it’s something small like running an errand, or more significant like being entrusted with a new role from one of your freelance clients, saying ‘thank-you’ can make the effort seem worthwhile.
This gratitude not only helps the client feel good about what they’ve done, but it shows that as a freelancer or employer, you’re engaged in your work and mindful of those you work with. This helps build loyalty – effortlessly.
On the other hand, forgetting to voice your gratitude can be detrimental to your work position.
Get this:
According to New Voice Media, the #1 reason clients switch services, is because they feel unappreciated.
Understand where your client is coming from, and what it’s like to be them, then follow up with those magic words.
The trick to understanding your clients is knowledge. By doing your research on what clients need and want, you’ll be able to keep them happy and enjoyable to work with.
Sign up for your free trial of Bonsai and gain access to the tools 100,000+ creatives all around the world use to make this magic happen.
Alright, now we’ve (hopefully) convinced you of the benefits and power of ‘thank-you’, let’s look at different ways you can incorporate it into your working relationships.
Of course, a letter or email are the ultimate go-to methods.
...But for those of you who enjoy getting a bit creative, we have some alternative ideas in store.
Either way, you’ll be showing your client a bit of appreciation easily and effectively.
Some may say this method is old fashioned, but we say showing your clients you care with a personalized, handwritten note is classy.
After you send your client a personalized freelance invoice, maybe the biggest invoice yet, due to a newly promoted position consider following up with a thank you note.
The trick here is being focused and specific.
Instead of just saying, “Thanks for your business,” trying personalizing the note – use those writing skills!
Mention why you’re thankful for them specifically, what you’ve gained and how you look forward to more quality experiences together.
You should practice sending thank-you letters regularly. In fact, experts say, due to the incredible power of thank-you notes, they should become as automatic as brushing your teeth.
A thank you letter to clients for their business will help foster a healthy and long-lasting professional relationship.
Sure, this ‘thank you for your business email’ may be similar to a handwritten note, however, it’s all about how you write it and when you send it that makes the difference.
The great thing about thank-you emails is that you can send them for any occasion. Typically, they work best for more basic or casual occasions.
So, next time you bill a client, follow up with a thank-you email. This email can be as short or as long as you like, depending on how strongly you feel about the transaction.
Either way, make sure you follow these simple guidelines:
If you’re wondering how to thank a client for their business while adding a bit of flare, you could always try this smooth move.
If your freelance client has gone above and beyond around the end of the year, this is the perfect opportunity to invite him/her to a work-based holiday celebration or end-of-the-year event.
While this definitely depends on the type of working relationship you have with your client, it can also significantly strengthen that relationship.
Use the opportunity to really start off on the right foot by introducing them to a different environment outside of work that’s still professional – but fun.
After the event, you’ll be sure to have solidified and strengthened the relationship – now you can consider sending them a freelance proposal for more work.
Let’s be honest.
Everyone loves gifts.
If you want to express your gratitude in a powerful way, find a gift that reaches your freelance client on a personal level, not just professional.
While it’s usually only possible to know the basics about your client, sometimes, that’s all you need.
However, as experts warn, make sure your gifts don’t scream desperate. Or gauche.
What do you know about their background, hobbies or interests? By using these pieces of information to create a personalized gift idea, you’ll be making an incredible impression.
Need some inspiration? Try expanding from these ideas:
Figuring out how to thank a client for their business in your own way that speaks to the specific client on a personal level will really help you stand out as a freelancer.
Want to know how to stand out even more as a freelancer? Try out Bonsai for free:
This may seem… funny, but making your client laugh may be the perfect way to casually say thanks.
According to research from London Business School, laughter provides benefits in business as it relieves stress and boredom while boosting wellbeing, creativity, and engagement.
If your client doesn’t have a great sense of humor, you may want to reconsider this approach, however, for those who love a hearty chuckle, this laid back ‘gift’ may be your go-to show of gratitude.
Share a funny cartoon you know your client will find hilarious or create a movie poster on Photoshop that includes your client – it’s up to you, get creative.
If you’re looking for more tools on how to impress your client and organize your freelance career, head on over to Bonsai for inspiration.
Alright so now we’ve provided you with some gratitude inspiration, we also come with a warning.
During your thank-you letter to a client for business, whatever you do, don’t JUST say, “thank-you for your business.”
There’s nothing worse – especially if your client has put in some effort.
Thanking your clients, simply for their business seems a bit – cold, which gives off more of a negative message than a positive one.
So, remember: personalized is best as it provides a stronger impact.
Next time you’re setting up an automatic payment for a client, set a reminder for yourself to send along a personalized email as well.
Saying thank-you in an appropriate way, depending on your client relationship, is a powerful way to strengthen your relationship, build brand loyalty and provide an overall sense of goodwill among everyone you work with.
It’s honestly not difficult to do, and once you send your first gift or thank-you letter to clients for their business, you’ll realize just how amazing it feels, as well.
For more tips, tricks, and tools on building brand loyalty and strengthening client relationships, sign up for your free Bonsai trial today.
You won’t regret it.
A verbal contract (formally called an oral contract) refers to an agreement between two parties that's made —you guessed it— verbally.
Formal contracts, like those between an employee and an employer, are typically written down. However, some professional transactions take place based on verbally agreed terms.
Freelancers are a good example of this. Often, freelancers will take on projects having agreed on the terms and payment via the phone, or an email. Unfortunately, sometimes clients don't pull through on their agreements, and hardworking freelancers can find themselves out of pocket and wondering whether a legal battle is worth all the hassle.
The main differences between written and oral contracts are that the former is signed and documented, whereas the latter is solely attributed to verbal communication.
Verbal contracts are a bit of a gray area for most people unfamiliar with contract law —which is most of us, right?— due to the fact that there's no physical evidence to support the claims made by the implemented parties.
For any contract (written or verbal) to be binding, there are four major elements which need to be in place. The crucial elements of a contract are as follows:
Therefore, an oral agreement has legal validity if all of these elements are present. However, verbal contracts can be difficult to enforce in a court of law. In the next section, we take a look at how oral agreements hold up in court.
Most business professionals are wary of entering into contracts orally because they can difficult to enforce in the face of the law.
If an oral contract is brought in front of a court of law, there is increased risk of one party (or both!) lying about the initial terms of the agreement. This is problematic for the court, as there's no unbiased way to conclude the case; often, this will result in the case being disregarded. Moreover, it can be difficult to outline contract defects if it's not in writing.
That being said, there are plenty of situations where enforceable contracts do not need to be written or spoken, they're simply implied. For instance, when you buy milk from a store, you give something in exchange for something else and enter into an implied contract, in this case - money is exchanged for goods.
There are some types of contracts which must be in writing.
The Statute of Frauds is a legal statute which states that certain kinds of contracts must be executed in writing and signed by the parties involved. The Statute of Frauds has been adopted in almost all U.S states, and requires a written contract for the following purposes:
Typically, a court of law won't enforce an oral agreement in any of these circumstances under the statute. Instead, a written document is required to make the contract enforceable.
Contract law is generally doesn't favor contracts agreed upon verbally. A verbal agreement is difficult to prove, and can be used by those intent on committing fraud. For that reason, it's always best to put any agreements in writing and ensure all parties have fully understood and consented to signing.
Verbal agreements can be proven with actions in the absence of physical documentation. Any oral promise to provide the sale of goods or perform a service that you agreed to counts as a valid contract. So, when facing a court of law, what evidence can you provide to enforce a verbal agreement?
Unfortunately, without solid proof, it may be difficult to convince a court of the legality of an oral contract. Without witnesses to testify to the oral agreement taking place or other forms of evidence, oral contracts won't stand up in court. Instead, it becomes a matter of "he-said-she-said" - which legal professionals definitely don't have time for!
If you were to enter into a verbal contract, it's recommended to follow up with an email or a letter confirming the offer, the terms of the agreement , and payment conditions. The more you can document the elements of a contract, the better your chances of legally enforcing a oral contract.
Another option is to make a recording of the conversation where the agreement is verbalized. This can be used to support your claims in the absence of a written agreement. However, it's always best to gain the permission of the other involved parties before hitting record.
Fundamentally, most verbal agreements are legally valid as long as they meet all the requirements for a contract. However, if you were to go to court over one party not fulfilling the terms of the contract, proving that the interaction took place can be extremely taxing.
So, ultimately, the question is: written or verbal agreements?
Any good lawyer, contract law firm, or legal professional would advise you to make sure you formalize any professional agreement with a written agreement. Written contracts provide a secure testament to the conditions that were agreed and signed by the two parties involved. If it comes to it, a physical contract is much easier to eviden in legal circumstances.
Freelancers, in particular, should be aware of the extra security that digital contracts may provide. Many people choose to stick to executing contracts verbally because they're not sure how to write a contract, or they think writing out the contract terms is too complicated or requires expensive legal advice. However, this is no longer the case.
Today, we have a world of resources available at our fingertips. The internet is a treasure trove of invaluable information, platforms, and software that simplifies our lives. Creating, signing, and sending contracts has never been easier. What's more, you don't have to rely on a hiring a lawyer to explain all that legal jargon anymore.
There are plenty of tools available online for freelancers to use for guidance when drafting digital contracts. Tools like Bonsai provide a range of customizable, vetted contract templates for all kinds of freelance professionals. No matter what industry you're operating in, Bonsai has a professional template to offer.
A written contract makes the agreement much easier to prove the terms of the agreement in case something were to go awry. The two parties involved can rest assured that they're legal rights are protected, and the terms of the contract are sufficiently documented. Plus, it provides both parties with peace of mind to focus on the tasks at hand.
Bonsai's product suite for freelancers allows users to make contracts from scratch, or using professional templates, and sign them using an online signature maker.
With Bonsai, you can streamline and automate all of the boring back-office tasks that come with being a freelancer. From creating proposals that clients can't say no to, to sealing the deal with a professional contract - Bonsai will revolutionize the way you do business as a freelancer.
Why not secure your business today and sign up for a free trial?