Q. My design agency launched about 18 months ago, and I've got a handful of very loyal existing clients. However, most of them are quite small spenders. How can I encourage bigger orders without making my loyal customers feel pressured?

Craig Fisher writes:

Diversify your services and show your customers you have more to offer. The modern day design agency provides many different services. Undoubtedly design, branding, illustration etc will count for most of the expenditure of your client base. But you’re in a position to give them so much more.

Think about what else you can offer your clients. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to provide a full service treatment. Just make sure that any extra services fully complement those already provided.

There are various different channels through which a company can articulate its brand. The most attractive agencies are those that can take full advantage of as many as possible. Think about web design and development, video production, photography etc. These are the services that will really excite both existing and potential clients.

Articulate the importance of your clients’ brand; they should all be aware of how important it is to their business’ growth. Show that you understand their business and its intended direction and try to incorporate additional services that will best serve their image. And if you don’t posses the skill set to offer such services then find someone who does. Form strong relationships with companies to which you can outsource these requirements.

Build your agency’s offerings to a point where you’re taking on a lot more work, and turning down a lot less. Even if you outsource many of these services it will still give the impression of a larger agency. Your loyal clients will find it difficult to ignore new services from a familiar face. Offering your clients more for their money is best practice for any business. Suddenly you’ll no longer be struggling to offer more of the same, which can be tough on both you and your clients. Your aim should be to encourage your customers to grow as you do which in turn will make your intentions appear more genuine and less about pressuring your clients to spend.

Provide your customers with more and they should take full advantage.

Craig Fisher is The Sales Expert and managing director of The Consultancy Store Ltd