Freelancing Basics, Part 4

Image from: goldfishsyndrome.com

In the final post of this series, we’re going to have a look at some of the issues that surround dealing with clients. If you’ve been following, you already know that the first post covered some basics of being a writer, the second post gave some helpful suggestions in terms of basic freelancing tools, and last week’s post pointed out where the clients are hiding.

So, now that you have them, what do you do with them?

• Contract ‘em. Oh, this is a biggie. You need to have a standard contract that you can modify to each specific project. Do. Not. Skip. This. Step. Ever. A contract outlines exactly what services the client is paying for. There are about a million ways a project can go south. A contract can help ease the pain and save you heartache, frustration and money.
• Communicate with ‘em. Anyone who has been doing this for any length of time will tell you that the key to a worry-free and successful project is good client communication. Is something not clear to you? Get in touch. Is there a project delay originating on your end? Get in touch.
• Do not cross deadlines. The surest way to make a client a one night stand is to not deliver on time. You are contracted to do it, the client expects it and hell or high water you had better do it. The death of Aunt Gertrude’s goldfish does not qualify as an excuse. If you want to be taken as a serious professional you will not violate this golden rule. If you get the slightest sense that you will not be able to deliver on time, you need to get a hold of the client asap and let them know. Two hours before the expected delivery time is not acceptable.
• Survey ‘em. When the project is complete, ask that they complete a survey form and if possible a short testimonial that you can put on your web site. Nothing is more powerful that statements from a delighted client.
• Invoice ‘em. Professional services rendered requires an immediate and accurate invoice sent to the client. You would be amazed at how many freelance writers are lax in this area. Invoice your clients while you are still foremost in their mind. I know the folks at VISA are happier when I employ this strategy.

Finally, treat clients like the gold they are. Under promise and over deliver is a great business philosophy for a freelance writer.

I hope you enjoyed this series. I know we just barely scratched the surface on a lot of these issues. If nothing else, I hope that I’ve given you some food for thought.