Maximising revenue from your existing clients: A guide for digital agencies
Introduction: The hidden potential within your existing clients
As a digital agency, the pressure to acquire new clients is always present. However, many agencies overlook the potential revenue sitting right under their nose—their existing customers. Your current client base can be a goldmine for repeat business, yet many agencies are unsure how to engage these customers effectively for long-term growth. This article explores strategies to help you unlock hidden value and build sustained relationships with your existing clients.
Addressing the challenges around untapped revenue
Understanding why you’re leaving money on the table
Many agencies struggle with converting one-time clients into long-term, repeat customers. The key challenges typically include:
- Untapped revenue: You’ve delivered a project, but there are additional services your clients could benefit from that haven't been explored yet, such as ongoing SEO, UX enhancements, or maintenance packages.
- Uncertainty around client engagement: You might be unsure how to pitch repeat or retainer-based services to clients who already feel their project is "complete."
- Long-term strategy: Without a clear approach, it can be difficult to create a lasting relationship with clients that keeps them coming back for more services.
Strategies to unlock additional value from current clients
- Conduct a performance review and identify new needs
Start by conducting a review of the services you’ve already provided and look for areas where ongoing work could benefit the client. For example, after completing a web development project, you could offer regular UX updates, technical audits, or SEO optimisation.- SEO audits: Many clients don’t realise the ongoing nature of SEO. Offer regular reports highlighting performance insights and opportunities for improvement.
- UX and page speed optimisation: Website speed and user experience are critical for conversions, but often require continuous attention. Propose retainer-based services to keep the website in peak form.
- Offer tailored retainer packages
Once you've identified opportunities, the next step is to offer tailored retainer packages that focus on solving ongoing client challenges. Consider creating tiers of retainer services based on different client needs, such as:- Basic maintenance: For ongoing updates, bug fixes, and performance optimisation.
- Growth-focused retainers: Focusing on conversion rate optimisation, UX improvements, and more strategic enhancements aimed at driving revenue for your client.
- Comprehensive support: Including everything from website updates to digital marketing strategies.
- Build long-term value with strategic roadmaps
Clients are more likely to commit to long-term partnerships when they see a clear roadmap of growth. Offer them a strategic plan that maps out the next 12 months, highlighting where you can help them grow. This includes regular check-ins, reports, and quarterly strategy updates.- Use data: Present findings from ongoing work (such as traffic growth from SEO efforts) to build trust and showcase the value of continued engagement.
- Demonstrate ROI: Regularly show how your work contributes to their business goals. Clients will be more likely to re-engage if they understand the return on their investment.
Implementing long-term client retention strategies
- Account management and relationship building
Having a clear account management strategy is essential for retaining clients. Regular communication, consistent updates, and understanding their evolving needs can help you build long-term relationships. Assign a dedicated account manager to maintain the relationship and identify new areas where you can provide value.- Regular check-ins: Schedule periodic meetings to discuss their current performance and identify new areas of growth.
- Proactive proposals: Don’t wait for the client to come to you—proactively suggest solutions to problems they might not even realise they have.
- Create opportunities for continuous engagement
Offer workshops, webinars, or exclusive insights that position your agency as a thought leader in your client’s eyes. This not only reinforces trust but also opens doors to future projects.- Educational content: Provide insights on the latest digital marketing trends, which can spark ideas for future collaborations.
- Exclusive reports: Regularly offer performance insights tailored specifically to their business to demonstrate continuous improvement and growth.