What Freelancers Can Learn from Apple’s Public Beta

Before we can understand the relation between Apple’s latest development and your freelance business, we have to understand what Apple’s Public Beta is about.

Apple’s Beta Software is a pre-release of the updated iOS software. This pre-release version is made available to those that sign up for the testing program. This gives users the opportunity to test the product and provide valuable feedback so that they release the best possible product. This is the first time Apple’s decided to go the ‘transparent’ route with their company, in the past it was all about secrecy.

So what can we learn from this bold move? And how can it be implemented in your freelance business strategy?

What Does It Mean to Be Transparent in Business Terms?

There is a fine line between being transparent with your business, and sharing every single detail. It’s most important to share what is relevant to both the business and the client.

If you are planning a new project that will influence everyone, it is a smart move to prepare your audience. It could be as basic a logo or name change, or you could as big as merging with another freelancer. Keeping your clients in the loop will allow them to voice their opinion and help you create the best brand possible.

How to Include Clients in Your Freelance Business

Since you don’t have a beta version of your software to launch, you can make use of some of these tactics to promote transparency and receive valuable customer feedback:

Make use of surveys:
When you’ve completed a project with a client ask them to fill out a survey to rate your services. This will give you valuable insight into their expectations of your service and help you to make improvements.

Answer Their Questions:
Take the time to read through the comments on your blog posts or social media updates. Establish themes and see if you can come up with posts that answer these questions.

Share Negative Feedback but Include Solutions:
One of the best ways to show business transparency is to share the good, bad and ugly. Negative feedback can be used in a positive way. For instance, if you’ve had some email communication issues, explain the issue and what you’ve learned in a post. This will show your current and prospective clients that you are open to growing, learning and fixing mistakes.

Share Survey Results:
Sharing surveys isn’t just about exposing what can be fixed, but it’s also about sharing the good. Don’t feel ashamed of your business success, if you’ve received positive results, feedback or recommendations also share these on your profiles and website.

Guest Posts:
What also works well for freelance writers is to allow some of their readers to post a guest post on their website. This blog article could showcase their talent and share their expertise.