How to build strong client relations: Practical strategies for better relationships

Want to know how to get your clients to stick around? Build strong relationships that go beyond simply delivering a service. When you invest in client relations, you create lasting partnerships that drive loyalty, satisfaction, and referrals.  

In this blog post, we explore what client relations means, why it matters, and how you can cultivate connections that benefit both you and your clients through actionable strategies. In this increasingly competitive market, mastering the art of client relations can set your business apart and keep your clients coming back for more. 

What is client relations?  

Client relations is the practice of building and nurturing positive connections between a business and its clients. It’s more than just completing a project or delivering a service—successful client relations creates a meaningful, lasting partnerships that keep clients coming back. Successful client relations consistently exceed client expectations.  

Why client relationship management matters  

Strong client relationships build trust and loyalty, which leads to steady revenue and valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Managing client relationships goes beyond delivering great work; it’s about creating a personalized experience that helps your business stand out, especially in competitive industries like marketing and financial services.  

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4 ways positive customer relations drive success  

Positive customer relations techniques benefit your business by helping you connect with clients and improve their overall customer experience. 

Let’s look at four key advantages that come from building strong relationships with your customers. 

1. Customer loyalty: Satisfied customers are more likely to stay loyal, make repeat purchases, and recommend your brand to others. This loyalty provides a solid base for your business, saving you money by reducing the need to constantly attract new clients. Loyal customers are often the first to choose your brand when they need something again, leading to a steady revenue stream. 

2. Customer satisfaction: When clients feel valued and heard, they’re more likely to have a positive experience with your business. This satisfaction stems from effective communication, timely support, and personalized service. Satisfied customers help create a positive image for your brand that attracts new leads. 

3. Customer feedback: Customers who feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences help businesses continuously improve their processes. This feedback loop helps you refine your services and tailor your messaging for new clients. For example, if several customers mention that a particular feature of your service is difficult to use, you can take that feedback and make necessary improvements. This not only makes things better for your current clients but also improves your product for future customers. 

4. Customer retention: Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. When you focus on keeping your current clients, you save on marketing and advertising costs that would otherwise be spent trying to attract new customers. By investing in strong relationships, you ensure a steady revenue stream and create a base of clients who are committed to your brand. 

7 expert practices to build better client relationships 

Improving client relationships is crucial for long-term success, and adopting best practices can make a significant difference. 

Here are seven effective strategies that will improve your client relationships: 

1. Respect the client's time  

Always aim to be punctual for meetings and respond to messages promptly. Time is valuable for both you and your clients. When you respect your client’s time, you demonstrate professionalism and consideration, which builds a strong relationship. Also, keep meetings short and only cover the most important topics. This helps everyone stay focused and energized. When meetings are short, clients are more likely to be prepared and ready to share their ideas, leading to better and more valuable conversations. 

Get started with Teamwork.com’s meeting agenda template and drive more productive, focused meetings! 

See it in action

2. Organize regular in-person meetings  

Schedule regular in-person meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and share updates. Face-to-face meetings—even virtual meetings—can greatly improve your connection with clients. These meetings create opportunities for in-depth conversations about the project. Plus, they allow for non-verbal communication, which helps both sides understand each other better. For example, a client’s smile or nod shows agreement, while frowns or crossed arms can signal confusion or disagreement. These cues are impossible to pick up on in emails or phone calls.  

3. Maintain a professional attitude 

Approach client interactions with a positive attitude, even in challenging situations. When you stay professional and positive, clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns, knowing they will be met with understanding instead of defensiveness. Showing respect, being polite, and demonstrating empathy goes a long way. Remember, your attitude sets the tone for the relationship.  

4. Differentiate yourself from the competition  

Highlight what makes your business unique, whether it's your exceptional service, innovative solutions, or a personalized approach. Communicate your value proposition clearly to clients, and consistently deliver on your promises to reinforce your brand’s strengths. For example, if your business provides customized marketing strategies that address a client’s specific goals—like increasing online engagement or improving brand awareness—make sure to highlight this in your discussions and marketing materials.  

5. Explain your processes  

Take the time to explain your processes, timelines, and any steps involved in delivering your service. For example, if you run a design agency, you might outline the stages of a project, such as concept development, feedback, and final delivery. Teamwork.com’s project management features, like customizable task lists and timelines, allow you to create a visual roadmap for clients, showing them exactly what to expect at each stage. This also helps manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings. 

Track progress and achieve goals with clear, visual milestones in your client projects using Teamwork.com 

6. Adapt your communication style 

Tailor your communication style to suit your client's preferences. Some clients may prefer detailed reports filled with in-depth analysis and comprehensive data, while others might like concise summaries that get straight to the point. For example, if a client prefers regular updates, schedule weekly check-ins to provide a detailed overview of progress and next steps. Teamwork.com makes it easy to adapt your communication by allowing you to share updates in various formats—through task comments, visual project boards, or detailed reports.  

With a centralized proofs hub, you’ll never have to go far to see each proof’s current status. 

7. Understand your client’s goals and KPIs 

Regularly check in to see how the project is progressing and make changes to your strategy if needed. When you take the time to understand your client’s goals, whether it’s increasing sales, improving customer engagement, or launching a new product, you can customize your solutions accordingly. This makes your services more relevant and shows your clients that you're invested in the project’s success.  

How Teamwork.com can improve client relations for your business   

Teamwork.com is designed to improve client relations with its powerful project management tools and seamless communication features. With real-time task tracking and progress updates, your team and clients can stay informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle. Clients will appreciate having visibility into their projects and seeing their vision come to life. 

Teamwork.com offers customizable reporting and integrated communication tools that make collaboration effortless. Create tailored reports to highlight key milestones, ensuring clients are always in the loop. With features like messaging and file sharing centralized in one platform, you can keep communication organized and make it easy for clients to provide feedback. 

FAQs about client relations 

What are the 3 elements of customer relations? 

The three key elements of customer relations are communication, trust, and satisfaction. 

1. Communication: Open and clear communication helps establish a connection with clients, allowing you to understand their needs and provide timely solutions. 

2. Trust: Building trust is crucial; when clients feel confident in your abilities, they're more likely to stay loyal and recommend your services. 

3. Satisfaction: Ensuring clients are satisfied with your services or products keeps them engaged and coming back for more, which is essential for long-term success. 

What is client relationship management? 

Client relationship management (CRM) is the process of building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with clients through a personalized experience. It involves understanding clients' needs and preferences to tailor your services effectively.  

How do you measure client relationships? 

You can measure client relationships using methods like client satisfaction surveys and the Net Promoter Score® (NPS), which measures how likely clients are to recommend your services. Regularly collecting client feedback helps you see what you’re doing well and where you can improve.