Here’s a lesson in how customer support can go so very wrong: Got an email from a company I no longer do business with. Once again (it’s a recurring problem), I looked for the opt-out link. Once again, I didn’t find one. Given that I had some time (not a lot), I decided to read…
Client issues
The Freelance Writer’s Client Screening Kit
A few years ago, I was in conversation with a potential client over a few projects they were looking to complete. The conversation went well. However, I didn’t agree to work with them. Oh, they did ask me to take on their projects, but I turned them down cordially. The reason: They didn’t pass the…
How to Look Like a Dweeb to Potential Freelance Writing Clients
There’s plenty of freelance writing advice out there to help you get clients. But not a lot of it is telling you what not to do. I cruise around social media a lot. That’s where many of the worst offenses occur because, for some reason, people do not realize that everyone and his Uncle Fester…
4 Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Client to Yes
A while ago, I had a client who liked to talk about how well we might work together. Trouble was that’s all he did — talk about it. It never amounted to anything. Call it analysis paralysis or just lack of knowing how to go forward, but sometimes clients just can’t pull the trigger on…
Cutting Ties with Freelance Writing Prospects
A number of years ago, I had connected briefly with a client prospect at a trade show who showed interest in working with me. Let me rephrase that: I connected repeatedly with that client prospect, first at the trade show, then close to two dozen times over the years via email and in person. After four years…
The Secret to Selling Your Freelance Writing Rate
Quick! Your client prospect just asked what your rate is. What do you do? You know your rate (or you should by now). That’s not the problem. There are actually two problems here — First, you probably shouldn’t be telling them your rate in that initial conversation (Jennifer Gregory has a great post by Elizabeth…
One Thing Your Freelance Writing Marketing Lacks (and how to get it)
Are you trying to make a living freelance writing, but you just can’t seem to get your business off the ground? Are you having troubles finding clients — quality clients? If you answered yes to either question, I’m going to bet the problem is your marketing. But Lori! I market all the time! you may be…
Freelance Files: Protecting Your Billable Hours
A while ago, I was working on a project with a client’s client, and it was clear there was going to be an issue. The client was nice enough. He knew what he wanted, and I was able to interpret that into a good first draft. But there was a massive disconnect from that point…
No-nonsense Guide to Freelance Client Project Success
Yes, Virginia (and Virgil). There is a wrong way to approach that client project. Imagine this scenario: you reach out to Company A with your letter of introduction. You invite them to connect. They do. Now what? Well, if you’re like our first writer, Carl, you’d get on the phone and go down the list…
The Writer’s Guide to Handling Scope Creep
So John hires you to write his website content. The next conversation goes something like this: Oh by the way, could you check all the links to make sure they’re working? Then maybe he adds this: Oh, that survey on there is old. Could you write three more for me? Sorry, forgot to mention this…