Over the years, I’ve had some absolutely lovely clients—and I still keep in touch with many of them, even on facebook, long after they’ve retired or moved on. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also worked with a few people I was secretly glad to see the back of (you know the ones), but the majority? Brilliant, kind, fun people who make the job a joy.
Especially since I started working in the nonprofit, charity, and sustainability sectors, I’ve realised the relationships I build are just as important as the work itself. Over time, I’ve noticed a few things I do that seem to help these partnerships stick—and honestly, I think these are the reasons why clients keep coming back.
This isn’t a boring “how-to” checklist. it’s me sharing why my clients stick around—and why working with me often turns into a partnership that lasts.
Why relationships matter more than you think
Here’s the truth: clients don’t just hire you for your skills—they hire you for the experience of working with you. You could produce brilliant design work, but if the process feels stressful, disorganised, or impersonal, they won’t stick around.
Strong, long-term client relationships aren’t just “nice to have.” they mean:
fewer firefights and more focus on work that matters
honest conversations that actually improve results
the freedom to go beyond the brief and do work everyone’s proud of
Basically, these relationships aren’t just good for clients—they’re good for your team, your process, and the quality of the work.
10 things that build supportive client partnerships
1. Provide support
i don’t just deliver work and vanish. i think about how i can make a client’s life easier, anticipate their needs, and offer help beyond the original brief. being genuinely helpful is the cornerstone of any strong relationship.
2. Be flexible
things rarely go to plan. deadlines slip, priorities shift, life happens. staying flexible while keeping projects moving shows clients you’ve got their back—and honestly, it makes the whole process less stressful for everyone.
3. Be real
i’m upfront about work, and about life outside work. sharing a bit of humanity builds trust and makes the whole thing more enjoyable. plus, it’s nice to know your designer isn’t a robot.
4. Show empathy
clients have challenges i’ll never fully experience, and that’s fine. listening, understanding, and being patient goes a long way toward building respect and goodwill. it also helps me anticipate where they might need extra support.
5. Be proactive
i don’t wait to be told what to do next. i suggest ideas, flag potential issues, and look for ways to improve outcomes. being proactive shows clients you care about their success, not just ticking boxes.
6. Communicate clearly and promptly
nothing frustrates a client more than radio silence. i keep updates regular, respond quickly to questions, and am upfront if timelines change. clear communication keeps everyone sane.
7. Challenge feedback when needed
i won’t always say yes. if i see a better way, i’ll speak up—respectfully. clients appreciate honesty, especially when it improves the outcome.
8. Be honest about your own challenges
sometimes my team or i hit roadblocks. i’m honest about it. clients respect transparency, and it stops small problems from turning into big headaches later.
9. Respect boundaries
i look after my team—and myself—by setting clear boundaries around working hours. it keeps projects sustainable and relationships healthy. plus, no one likes a burnt-out designer (or project manager).
10. Express gratitude
when clients are flexible, understanding, or go the extra mile themselves, i make sure to say thank you. it may sound small, but it really reinforces positive relationships and makes collaboration feel like a two-way street.
What this really means
In a nutshell, I aim to be more than a service provider, I want to be a partner—an extension of your team, helping you achieve results you can all be proud of.
When clients feel supported, heard, and understood, the work runs smoother, ideas flow better, and projects are simply more successful. and the best part? they come back again and again because we’ve built a relationship based on trust, respect, and shared goals.