As a professional organizer, you’ve likely encountered two common challenges:
- Potential clients who express interest in working with you but go radio silent before committing.
- Happy clients who intend to leave glowing reviews but never quite follow through.
Both scenarios can feel frustrating, but the good news is, there are effective ways to navigate them without coming across as pushy or overbearing. In this post, we’ll explore how to gently nudge potential clients toward making a decision and how to ask for reviews in a way that feels natural and gets results.
1. Nurturing the “On the Fence” Client: Getting Them to Commit
Sometimes people genuinely need your help but hesitate to take the next step due to fear, overwhelm, or busy schedules. Your goal is to create a sense of urgency while remaining approachable and empathetic.
A. Use Personalized Follow-Ups
People respond better to personalized communication that feels tailored to them. Instead of generic “just checking in” emails, reference their specific pain points or goals from your initial conversation. For example:
“Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up on our conversation about organizing your home office. I know you mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the clutter, and I’d love to help you create a calm, productive space where you can work stress-free. Let me know if you’re ready to schedule your session—I’m happy to answer any questions!”
This reminds them of the value you bring and why they reached out in the first place.
B. Offer a Time-Sensitive Incentive
Create a gentle sense of urgency by introducing a limited-time offer, such as:
- A free 30-minute consultation if they book by a certain date.
- A discounted rate for their first session.
For instance, you could say:
“I’d love to help you get started! I’m offering a free consultation this week for new clients—let me know if you’d like to grab a spot.”
This encourages them to act without feeling pressured.
C. Follow Up with Value, Not Pressure
If you don’t hear back, follow up with a helpful tip or resource related to their organizing needs. For example:
“Hi [Name], I know life gets busy! I wanted to share this quick guide I put together on decluttering your kitchen in 15 minutes—let me know if it helps! And if you’re still interested in working together, I’d love to hear from you.”
This positions you as a helpful expert, keeping you top of mind while providing value.
2. Timing & Best Practices for Asking for Reviews
Happy clients are often willing to leave reviews but need a little guidance and a nudge at the right time. Here’s how to do it effectively:
A. Choose the Right Moment
The best time to ask for a review is immediately after you’ve completed a project, while your client is still basking in the results of your work. For example:
- Right after they walk into their newly organized space for the first time.
- When they email or text you with positive feedback, such as “I can’t believe how amazing this looks!”
B. Make It Simple and Specific
Clients are more likely to leave reviews when the process feels easy. Provide clear instructions and make it specific. For example:
“Thank you so much for trusting me to help organize your [space]! It was such a joy working with you. If you’re happy with the results, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on [platform]. Here’s the link: [insert link]. It would mean so much to me, and it helps others find my services!”
Providing a direct link ensures they don’t have to search for where to leave the review, making it more likely they’ll follow through.
C. Send a Gentle Reminder
If a client doesn’t leave a review right away, a kind follow-up can work wonders. For example:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re still loving your newly organized [space]! If you have a minute, I’d really appreciate a quick review on [platform]. Here’s the link again: [insert link]. Thank you so much!”
You can also remind them how their feedback helps others:
“Your review helps other people know what to expect when they work with me, and I’d be so grateful for your support!”
3. Pro Tips for Balancing Follow-Ups and Review Requests
- Automate Where Possible: Use a CRM or email automation tool to schedule follow-up emails and review requests. This saves you time and ensures no one falls through the cracks.
- Respect Their Space: If you don’t hear back after a couple of follow-ups, let it go. People are busy, and you don’t want to risk being seen as a nuisance.
- Leverage Social Media: If a client posts a glowing comment about your work on social media, ask if you can share it or encourage them to turn it into a formal review.
Conclusion: Keep the Conversation Open
Getting people to commit and follow through—whether it’s booking a session or leaving a review—is about building trust and maintaining open communication. By focusing on their needs, offering value, and making the process simple, you’ll see more responses without feeling like you’re bothering them.
About Elizabeth Cramer
Elizabeth is a small business owner and co-founder of Hedl.