In my last post, I talked about how to break up with clients that weren’t meeting your needs or didn’t fit into your business plan.

If that went well, you’re now left with clients you love working for. Shouldn’t you let them know?

I often struggle with this question. Of course, you want to let your clients know you appreciate them, but you don’t want to come across as a brown-noser either. I’m very interested in hearing how other writers show their appreciation.

Of course, there’s the obvious:

• Meet your deadlines.
• Accommodate re-write requests with a smile.
• Fact-check your work.
• Make sure you understand their needs and deliver what they want.
• Follow writers’ guidelines.
• Be polite in all correspondence.

But these are the basic things a freelance writer needs to do in order to get hired again and again. What can we do beyond that, to really let our clients know that they enhance our lives?

Here are my suggestions. Please share your own in the comments section.

Say thank you.

Perhaps this belongs in the “obvious tips” category, but too many people just don’t do it. Say thank you for assignments and for timely payments. If you particularly like the layout of a specific magazine story, thank the editor and ask him to pass your words on to the graphic designers. Look for any opportunity to say thanks.

It’s also nice, every so often, to send a handwritten thank you note on a pretty note card. I have one client who sends a thank you card with every check she sends. It always makes me smile and reminds me that she appreciates me. Thank you notes can work both ways.

Remember special occasions.

Many networking experts recommend asking someone’s birthday when you first meet, and recording the date in your Blackberry (or wherever you track such things). Send a birthday card to your editor or client on that special day.

Many people disagree on the value of e-greeting cards. Some view them as “just more spam.” I think some of them, especially the ones that play music and use animations, are exceptionally cute. Use your judgment.

A note on Facebook is nice, but, chances are, it will just get lost in the shuffle of birthday wishes. Send an e-card or, better yet, a real card. You can buy cute cards at your grocery store for 99 cents. It takes five minutes to sign it and mail it. But it means a lot. A handwritten note inside the card, letting them know you value their business (and friendship, if applicable) is a great idea, too.

Promote the magazines and blogs you work for
– even if you don’t earn bonuses and even if it’s not required.

This is one way to show clients you appreciate them – and it also benefits you. I make it a point to Tweet and promote on Facebook most of the new posts I write, and many posts from other bloggers who write for the same websites I do. I also share when a new magazine (digital or print) comes out. Your client gets more traffic, your articles get more readers – everyone wins.

Look for other ways to help your clients.

Maybe you’ve just spoken with a company representative whose products would be a perfect fit for advertising in the magazine you write for. Pass on the information to the editor.

Would one of your clients make a perfect interview resource for another writer? Share her name with the writer. Maybe you know someone who needs your client’s services… Your client will appreciate the referral.

These small things cement the writer / client relationship and send the message that you consider your client or editor not just “another paycheck,” but that you consider yourself “part of her team.”

How have you shown your clients appreciation recently? I’m excited to hear your ideas!