8 Client Engagement Strategies For Delayed Design Projects
Short story time!
In November of last year I opened enrollment for my first official group program of Business School for Designers.
I decided that the start date would be on January 8, so all holidays would be behind us and everyone could only have one focus: improving their productivity and profit for their design business.
I had five members enroll in November, and all five showed up on January 8, excited to learn how to become more efficient and profitable in their businesses.
Fast forward to last week, when I was listening to a business podcast about a woman who closed enrollment for her group program three weeks before the program began.
The interviewer’s next question totally threw me off.
“Wow! Three weeks before the group started? That’s a pretty big gap. How did you get everyone to retain with such a large gap between enrollment and start date?"
I paused. Wait - THAT was a long time?!
I closed my enrollment SIX weeks prior to starting and didn’t even think twice about it!
Tbh I don’t even remember what the response was to that question, because clearly I didn’t have to take notes on how to effectively close a three week enrollment gap when I just doubled that.
I’m sharing this because I want to give you some hope as you’re likely getting inquiries today for projects you won’t be able to start until October, at the earliest.
| RELATED: What to say to your design client when you can’t start on their project for 3-4 months.
While it is true that the longer your client has to wait before getting started, the greater you risk their eyes wandering...
...I also think if you do it right, their eyes will only be on you.
So this week I went live and dished out all the engagement strategies I could think of that could keep your client engaged from the moment they say yes to working with you…
…until you're in front of them, three months later, kicking off their project.
Hint: they should NOT be hearing crickets.
Here are the 8 engagement strategies I break down today:
Sign the agreement ASAP
Don’t wait on this!
Make sure they have skin in the game (such as a deposit)
Don’t be afraid to ask for this — it keeps them committed!
Leverage sales psychology in your follow up email
I give you exactly what to say!
Get a meeting on the books
This is a MUST.
Provide communication transparency
Is there anything worse than not knowing if you’re supposed to be hearing from someone? Just tell them!
Give them something to work on
They are going to itch to get started - so keep them productive on your terms
Keep them passively engaged with a newsletter
Newsletters aren’t a necessity but I give an example of one of my favorites and easiest ones
Leverage social media
A really easy way to get them excited and let them know you’re thinking of them!
Enjoy this video - I know you will!
Note: if you have a more challenging situation or a larger time gap between projects, you may need some personalized support. Book a 1:1 call with me here.