Unfortunately, it is sometimes the case that some people don’t value what they get for free as much as they do when they actually have to pay for it; but that’s not always the case. Freelancers have to go above and beyond what a regular employee would.

Consider ‘where’ these potential clients are coming from and ‘who’ they are – the ones who you barely get a thank you from; maybe you need to revisit your strategy in how and where you find potential clients? I know many people who would be extremely grateful for what you have done for them so this might be something to consider.

And are these people actually in need, or in the mindset of feeling like they need/actively seeking, some assistance? If not, that may be why you don’t hear much back from them. Were they planning to secure VA services before you gave them something free or did you drum them up by seeking them out and giving them a free service? If they aren’t actively seeking they may just take what you give for free and run as opposed to if they are actively, seriously, seeking assistance – these people are in a different mindframe than the former.

And if they are the latter, ones actively seeking assistance, try not giving it to them for free but instead as a “new client discount” or something. (But some people may still use the “new client discount” just to get a reduced rate that time and then not send more work when they’re at the regular rate…but at least you still made some money and retained the opportunity to show them your skills.)

So yes, you might have to tweak the original suggestion a bit to best fit the type of services you offer to find what works best for you.

Good luck! Keep at it and you will succeed =)

Karen J.

I try this:

1. Provide a free trial. You need to show people that the service you provide is high value. You can do that with a free trial. Offer the first hour free or the first 3 sessions free (or whatever is appropriate for your situation).

But maybe because of the service I provide, I do not get as many follow-up customers/clients as it seems I should from doing this.

I am a Virtual Assistant, concentrating on mostly proofreading and editing as this is what I love to do and where my strengths lie.

I offer and do free blog, web site, eBook, print book, etc. edits and all I ask in return is that they consider me when they need this service and a testimonial of my work.

Believe it or not, most who I do this for free for rarely will even give me a testimonial or a thank you, although all who have PAID me to provide this service also give me great testimonials and references!

Any tips would be appreciated.

Jan
Jan Tallent´s last blog ..Employee or Virtual Assistant?