Give a Trial Run to Close More Clients
I heard the potential client’s hesitation when I listed my fees. 😬 We had a great conversation. I could do everything he wanted. We were a perfect match.
But the stumble in the beginning of my freelance career was always my fees. I refused to back down on them, even though I was a noob. I knew my worth, my experience and skills was worth every penny.
Yet the struggle was still there. The moment of, “Eh, I don’t know if I can afford you.” And then the solution came in a moment of inspiration on the call.
Fearing that I’d lose yet another client that was a great match, I offered a one month trial run.
“We could do a one month trial run!” I blurted. “No contract, just straight up working together to see how it goes, 50% deposit upfront.”
He signed on. ✅
After that, I offered a trial run to every single new client I had a call with.
When you offer a trial run, it gives potential clients a sense of cozy peacefulness because you are giving them the option of an “out” if they don’t like working with you.
Then the opposite happens! It psychologically makes them more inclined to work with you, (surprisingly). The ability to not completely commit upfront switches the entire game. Because in that trial run, they see your worth, recognize the value in your pricing and want to continue to work with you.
No long standing contacts. No long term commitments.
If you’re struggling to gain clients with your freelance business, think about offering a trial on your next call. It can work with any type of freelance business - projects or long term. The length of time doesn’t matter either; I’ve had students offer a 3-month trial run!
When bringing it up, in order not to sound desperate, say something like “If you are unsure about working with me, I am happy to offer a trial run, as it has worked quite well with clients in the past and we can really get to know each other.”
And there’s always the option of offering the trial run at a discount too! Not a huge discount, but enough to entice them, rope them in and have them continue to work with you after the trial is over.
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