3 Simple Tips to Stop Ruining Your Freelance Client Relationships
Why you may be killing your career without even realizing it.
If you’re a freelance professional, chances are good that you’ve had your fair share of client relationships go sour.
It’s an unfortunate but all-too-common occurrence in our line of work. After all, when working with someone else’s money and deadlines, there are bound to be a few bumps in the road.
But if you find that you’re frequently having problems with your clients — whether it’s missed deadlines, unmet expectations, or just general tension and conflict — then there’s a good chance that you’re doing something wrong.
Luckily, you can turn things around by making a few simple changes to your work. Here are three tips to help you stop ruining your freelance client relationships:
1. Communicate, communicate, communicate — then overcommunicate again.
The number one rule of good client relations is communication.
You need to be clear and concise in your communications with clients, and you need to do it from the very beginning. Set expectations early on in the project — what you will deliver, when you will deliver it, and how much it will cost.
Then, keep the lines of communication open throughout the project. Let your clients know if there are any changes to the scope or timeline of the project, and keep them updated on your progress.
The more they know, the less likely they are to be surprised — and angry — when things don’t go according to plan.
2. Get everything in writing — that means proposals, contracts, and reviews.
In the world of freelancing, nothing is more important than getting every single thing in writing.
That means sending a detailed proposal before starting a project, signing a contract that outlines the scope of work and deliverables, and writing up a review or report after the project is complete.
Getting everything in writing may seem like overkill, but it’s the best way to protect yourself — and your relationships with clients — in the event that something goes wrong.
It’s much easier to resolve a dispute when there’s a paper trail documenting everything that was agreed upon from the start.
3. Know your worth — and don’t be afraid to ask for it.
One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is undercharging for their services.
They either don’t know their worth or are afraid to ask for what they’re worth; as a result, they end up working for less than they’re worth.
Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth — your clients will be happy to pay it if you deliver quality work on time and on budget.
If you’re not sure what you should be charging, do some research to find out the going rate for your services in your area.
You can also use your previous clients’ feedback to help you determine your worth.
If you consistently receive positive reviews and clients are happy to work with you again, that’s a good indication that you’re doing something right — and that you’re worth more than you’re currently charging.
Don’t Risk Your Career
By following these simple tips, you can start to turn things around and improve your relationships with clients.
Just remember: communication is vital, everything should be in writing, and you are worth what you charge. With a little effort, you can have the happy and successful freelance career you’ve always wanted.
What would you add to this list? Share your own tips for improving client relationships in the comments below.
