8 Unconventional Ways to Build Long-Term Trust with Clients in Marketing Services

As a modern marketer, it’s not enough to just provide a good service or product to your clients. When it comes to building trust with clients, there are some hard truths that every marketer and service provider needs to accept.

Unfortunately, many agencies struggle with client retention, with a turnover rate of 30%, according to Forbes. And while agencies may be working hard, they often feel that their clients don’t view them as true partners. Nolita has been there, too.

But there is hope. Research shows that both agencies and clients agree that start-to-finish collaboration is key to a successful partnership, with 94% of agencies and 100% of clients believing in the power of collaboration, as mentioned on mention.com. And when it comes to building trust, there’s one rule that should never be broken: honesty and transparency. If you want to build a long-lasting relationship with your clients, it’s essential to think ahead, be transparent, and always prioritize their satisfaction.

While there are many conventional ways to build trust, sometimes it’s the contrarian approaches that can be the most effective. Here are eight effective, and contrarian ways I’ve learned as the founder of Nolita Marketing on how to build long-term trust with your clients that go against the grain, along with some additional suggestions:

1. Be Honest About Your Limitations

It’s tempting to want to say “yes” to every request a client makes, but it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t do. If you overpromise and underdeliver, you’ll lose the trust of your clients. Instead, set realistic expectations and be transparent about your limitations. Your clients will appreciate your honesty and will trust you more because of it.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

Similar to being honest about your limitations, sometimes it’s necessary to say “no” to a client’s request. This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to build trust is to stand firm on your principles and not compromise on quality or ethics. Your clients will respect you more for having the courage to say “no” when it’s necessary.

3. Offer Unusual Guarantees

Offering a money-back guarantee is a common way to build trust, but it’s not the only way. Consider offering unusual guarantees that demonstrate your confidence in your product or service. For example, you could offer a guarantee that your product will last a certain amount of time, or that your service will produce specific results. These unique guarantees will stand out to clients and build trust in your brand.

4. Offer Free Value

One way to build trust with potential clients is to offer free value, such as a free consultation or a free sample of your product. But why stop there? Consider offering free value to your existing clients as well. This could be in the form of a free service upgrade, a bonus product, or even just a handwritten thank-you note. By giving more than you receive, you’ll build trust and loyalty with your clients.

5. Make Time for Your Clients

As a busy marketer, it’s easy to get caught up in your own work and forget about your clients. But taking the time to communicate and connect with your clients is essential for building trust. Make time for regular check-ins and ask for feedback on your work. This will show your clients that you value their input and are committed to their success.

6. Think Beyond the Contract

While it’s important to deliver on the terms of your contract, it’s also important to think beyond it. Consider ways to go above and beyond for your clients, even if it’s not required by the contract. For example, you could offer additional training or support, or recommend other products or services that could benefit their business. These extra efforts will demonstrate your commitment to your clients’ success and build trust in your relationship.

7. Be Responsive and Available

In today’s fast-paced business world, clients expect quick responses and easy access to their service providers. Make sure you’re responsive and available to your clients, even if it means working outside of regular business hours. By being there for your clients when they need you, you’ll build trust and show that you’re committed to their success.

8. Think Ahead of the Client

Don’t just wait for your clients to ask for something – think ahead and anticipate their needs. This could mean suggesting new marketing strategies, identifying potential problems before they occur, or providing innovative solutions to existing issues.

In conclusion, to build long-term trust with your clients, it’s important to be honest about your limitations, offer unusual guarantees, provide free value, make time for your clients, think beyond the contract, be responsive and available, and think ahead of the client. While it may be tempting to say “yes” to every client request, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t do. Unusual guarantees and free value can demonstrate your confidence in your product or service and build trust in your brand. Taking the time to communicate with your clients, going above and beyond, and being responsive and available are essential for building trust. And by anticipating your clients’ needs, you can provide innovative solutions and build a long-lasting relationship with them. And if you need help with your marketing efforts, Nolita Marketing is here to support you every step of the way. Hop on a 15 min free consultation today with our marketing experts to learn more about our services today!