Value Added Freelance Writing

One of the best ways to provide excellent customer service to your freelance writing clients is to add value to what you offer. The old adage of under-promise and over-deliver applies to freelance writing absolutely. We all know that happy customers return and also can provide referrals to help boost the client list.

What is “Value Added”?

In the most simple terms, value added means giving the client something of value that is not necessarily included in the original quote.

“Something of value” is pretty wide open, isn’t it? This is a good thing. Adding something valuable to your deliverable means you are going above and beyond, and just exactly what you can include is entirely up to you.

Lets look at some options that could be considered value added items:

• Additional resource lists – “Hey Ms. Client, while I was researching your project I came across these resources that you may be interested in. Perhaps they can hep you in the future or provide you with some networking opportunities.” If you were a client, think about how you would feel about a freelancer going above and beyond the project terms to provide this list.
• An additional re-write – Depending on the project, you can include an extra re-write to help wrap up any additional points or concepts.
• Alternate versions – If the client is insisting on a given tack for a project, give them exactly what they are asking for, but also include an alternate version of the same – maybe something that will cause them to see the project in a different perspective.
• Additional sections – If you discover a glaring gap in the project and it’s fairly straightforward, consider adding the component as part of the quoted project and let the client know that you included an extra section and why you did so.
• Other enhancements – If you run across any images that may add a “Ka-POW” factor, include those as extras along with a note suggesting how they could be used. Consider adding the contact information for folks in your network who may have the same interests or may be a good business connection for your client.

What’s in it for me?

I would hope that the answer to this would be fairly obvious, but here goes:

The largest benefit to be derived from adding value to your freelance writing is going to be pleasantly surprised and happy clients. All other benefits trickle down from this main show-stopper.

Word spreads quickly, my friends.  If you delivered the project strictly based on the contract, surely you could end up with a happy client. If you knock their socks off by adding value, you could win a client who will actively seek ways to sing your praises.

Want to set up a testimonials page? Your clients who have received added value will usually be happy to give you big kudos.

Finally, in this dog-eat-dog world in which we live, fewer and fewer folks are giving more than they get. Stand above the fray. Give a little extra to your freelance writing clients and see it come back to you ten-fold.

Posted by: George