Clients are everything. The world of a freelance designer revolves around them. Sure, being a great designer matters, but if you are thinking only of your portfolio, you're missing the bigger picture. You need clients to give you work and to get paid and to build your portfolio. It's part of the freelancers circle of life. If your freelancing business is focused on your clients, your portfolio will be healthy too.

Over at C McConnell Design, I recently finished work on a logo for a client who furnished the following testimonial: "I contacted Chris to design a logo for a small start-up dog training business. I wasn't even sure what I wanted, but Chris was very easy and professional to work with, and somehow managed to create a design that I was extremely pleased with - all while staying within my budget and time frame. Not only is he a talented artist, he is an exceptional business person that knows the meaning of customer satisfaction. I recommend their services!"

Wow! How did I get such a glowing revue? I went above and beyond the call of duty at every opportunity. When the client wanted to see a different option, I did the revisions quickly. I treated them with respect, taking time to explain where I was coming from instead of just expecting them to understand why my ideas were "so great" as some designers do. I talked with them in normal language as opposed to "design speak" (Pantone this and vector that). Why? Because every satisfied client is a chance for repeat business.

It's possible (even probable in my experience) that a client will eventually come to you looking for more design if you've done an awesome job. It could be months or even a year or two down the road, or it could be immediately after the current project ends as some clients like to do a test run before throwing more money your way.

The absolute best part of treating clients good is the marketing power you can unlock. Word of mouth marketing is the best kind, as you probably already know. If a friend recommends a service or product to me, I'm much more likely to check it out then if the television shows an ad for the same product. It's the same with design. Just yesterday my cell phone rang and it was a person who had been referred by a client I did some work for over a year ago!

Remember, clients are everything. If you treat them good, business will be good as well. If you enjoyed this article, please spread the word!