Freelancing can be one of the most rewarding ways to work—flexible hours, creative freedom, and the ability to choose projects you’re passionate about.
But here’s the thing: the freedom comes with a challenge. Clients have options, and if you don’t stand out, they’ll move on to someone else just as quickly as they found you.
Right now, competition in the freelance market is fiercer than ever. From designers and copywriters to virtual assistants and developers, the talent pool keeps growing.
That means if you want clients to come back again and again (and ideally refer you to others), you need more than just good skills—you need to be unforgettable in the best way.
The good news? Standing out doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the wheel. It’s about doing the basics better than anyone else and adding a few personal touches that make working with you a pleasure.
Here’s how.
1. Deliver More Than the Minimum
Plenty of freelancers stop at “what was asked for.” The problem? That makes you replaceable. Clients rarely get excited about the bare minimum—they remember the people who add extra value.
This doesn’t mean doubling your workload for free. It could be as simple as:
- Suggesting small improvements they hadn’t thought of.
- Delivering a clean, well-formatted file instead of a rough draft.
- Including a quick guide on how to use the work you’ve provided.
- Providing both the final product and a version they can easily edit later.
Small touches show you care about their success, not just getting paid. Over time, that’s what builds loyalty.
2. Make Communication Effortless
One of the biggest frustrations for clients is having to chase freelancers for updates. The moment your name is associated with missed messages or slow responses, your repeat business is in danger.
To stand out:
- Respond within a clear time frame (even if it’s just to acknowledge the message).
- Summarize next steps after every call or email so no one’s left guessing.
- Use a simple tool like MailDrip.io to automate progress updates, check-ins, or delivery reminders. This keeps you visible in their inbox without extra effort.
Clear, proactive communication makes clients feel looked after—and it keeps you at the top of their list when they have new projects.
3. Build a System for Consistency
Consistency isn’t flashy, but it’s powerful. If clients know they’ll always get quality work, on time, without drama, they’ll stop looking for alternatives.
A few ways to create consistency:
- Develop personal templates for quotes, proposals, and reports.
- Keep a checklist for recurring tasks so you never miss details.
- Automate repetitive parts of your workflow, like sending a “project completed” email with your payment details and next steps.
- Store your files and communications in an organized system so you can quickly revisit past work.
Platforms like MailDrip.io are perfect for this—set up automated sequences for client onboarding, feedback requests, or follow-ups after a project wraps. Once it’s running, you can focus on the work itself.
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4. Follow Up Without Being Pushy
Many freelancers finish a project and then… disappear. The problem? Clients forget you exist, and the next time they need help, they’ll go with whoever’s in front of them.
A gentle follow-up can make all the difference:
- Send a quick message a few weeks after delivery asking how the work is performing.
- Share an article, resource, or tip relevant to their business.
- Drop a short, personalized note on an anniversary or milestone.
With email automation, you can create a follow-up sequence that runs in the background—helpful, not salesy. For example, MailDrip.io’s Pay As You Go option lets you send these touchpoints monthly without committing to a big subscription.
5. Keep Learning and Showing It
Clients want to work with people who are growing. If you’re using the same tools, strategies, and ideas you had five years ago, you risk becoming outdated in their eyes.
Show your commitment to growth by:
- Sharing new skills you’ve picked up in your proposals.
- Updating your portfolio with recent, relevant work.
- Offering insights on how trends in your field might affect their project.
You don’t need to overwhelm them with technical details—just demonstrate that you’re evolving, so they feel confident you’ll keep bringing fresh value.
FAQs
How do I stand out if I’m new and don’t have many clients yet?
Focus on professionalism, reliability, and communication. Even if you’re still building your portfolio, showing that you’re dependable will make clients willing to take a chance on you.
How often should I follow up with past clients?
A safe rhythm is every 4–6 weeks with something useful or relevant. If you’re using email automation, you can create a drip sequence so the touchpoints feel natural and spaced out.
Isn’t delivering “extra” work for free undervaluing myself?
Not if it’s strategic. The goal isn’t to give away hours of unpaid labor, but to add small, thoughtful touches that make the client’s experience better.
What if a client never replies to my follow-ups?
Don’t take it personally. Keep the door open with occasional, low-pressure check-ins. Sometimes projects just aren’t a priority for them right now.
Bringing It All Together
Standing out as a freelancer isn’t about having the fanciest website or the lowest rates—it’s about being the person clients can count on, over and over again.
Deliver a bit more than expected, make communication easy, build reliable systems, follow up consistently, and keep growing your skills.
The beauty of this approach is that it compounds. Each project strengthens the relationship, and before you know it, you’ve built a roster of clients who keep coming back—and often send referrals your way.
If you want to make staying in touch effortless, tools like MailDrip.io can help you set up those “remember me” emails so you’re always on their radar without constantly chasing them.
The question is—what’s one small thing you can start doing today that will make a client remember you months from now?
