Running a video production company, finding new clients and keeping existing clients can be hard work. Many of us struggle to do all three at once so we've put together some top tips to attract new clients, maintain old clients and take your business to the next level.
Have an online presence and market yourself
Within the video production world, it's vital that you have an online presence. Typically, if you're working within video production, you should be a tech-savvy and creative person. Clients will look at your website to get an idea of your skill level, enthusiasm and responsiveness so it's important that you have a crisp, fresh and clear website for them to look at.
Social media is a great way to do this, make the time to post insightful updates and information on a regular basis. But don't be a bore! Clients don't care about what you had for breakfast, they want to see examples of your work, advances in your business and important information that will affect them. Make sure your portfolio is easily accessible to clients and make it simple for them to contact you.
Don't broadcast your prices to everyone
Within the video production world, no two videos are the same. Every single job is different so a price for one job may be completely different to another. If you advertise a set price on your website, clients will quote that price regardless of the project, making it difficult for you to say any different.
You could add a section to your website that gives clients the opportunity to request a quote. This way, you get to know the clients requirements and expectations before you provide them with a quote. This is also a better way to engage your clients and show their level of interest in your business as they've taken the time to contact you for a quote.
Reputation is key
Someone's reputation can make them or break them. In any business, if you have a bad reputation, it's very difficult for you to come back from that and prove critics wrong. The most basic and simple rule for a good reputation is to produce high quality work that clients are happy with.
Ensuring you're professional, friendly and engaging is a great tool to build your reputation. Also, checking with clients that they're happy with the work and asking them for feedback will build both your reputation and online presence. You may want to add a testimonials section to your website so new clients can look at what previous clients have said.
Personal referrals
The best form of new clients is through personal referrals and word of mouth. People will trust a friend or colleague over your own word so if someone they trust say you're a good video production company, they're more likely to check you out. If a client gives a good review or is particularly pleased with your work, they won't mind referring you to other people they know.
Maintaining relationships
Marketing and reputation may bring new clients to your business, but you have to maintain and enhance your relationships to make sure they come back to you. Returning clients are your safe source of income as you'll know they'll come back again and again and pay your bills. Happy clients are more likely to spread the word about your business and help you build your roster of clients.
Stay up to date and present
Once you have a website and social media platform, it's vital that you keep it up to date and present. An old fashioned looking website will give clients the impression that you're not very 'tech savvy' and enthusiastic. An up to date, slick and fresh looking website is more likely to give potential new clients the satisfaction that you know what you're doing.
Post on social media on a regular and scheduled basis so your previous clients know when they can expect to hear from you. Posting on social media once every 3 months won't engage existing or new clients and they'll likely look elsewhere.
These simple yet effective tips will allow you to ensure you're keeping all existing clients in the loop as well as open up the door for any new clients. Simply review sites such as Trust Pilot will help you build your reputation and don't be afraid to ask happy clients to talk about you to their friends and colleagues.