How Freelance Writers Can Hang onto Clients

Working as a freelance writer is far from easy. In addition to regularly churning out a broad array of deliverables, many freelancers are constantly on the hunt for repeat business. Landing a handful of regular clients can mean the difference between earning a comfortable living and simply scraping by. That being the case, it’s important to make a good impression on first-time clients. The more effort you put into impressing these individuals, the more likely they are to use you again in the future. Whether you’re just getting your start as a freelance writer or you’ve been in the game for years, the following tips are sure to serve you well in the quest for repeat business.

Meticulously Meet Deadlines

Although completing assignments by their respective due dates may seem like a no-brainer, a fair number of fledgling freelancers view this as a foreign concept. In their minds, missing deadlines by a day or two simply isn’t a big deal. Not only can shrugging off deadlines put clients in a tight spot, it can dramatically diminish your chances of being asked to work with them again. With this in mind, it’s imperative that you treat deadlines as sacrosanct and make every effort to meet them. If circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from meeting a deadline, it’s your responsibility to inform the client of this as soon as possible. 

Submit Invoices and Estimates in a Timely Manner

It’s also considered courteous for freelancers to submit their invoices and estimates in a timely manner. Newer writers often make the mistake of waiting for clients to contact them and request invoices, which can result in headaches all around. Clients generally expect you to keep track of how many assignments you’ve completed, as well as how much time you spend on them. Failing to submit an invoice or estimate in an expedient fashion implies that you’re shirking these responsibilities, so it’s in everyone’s best interest that they be sent ASAP. Anyone whose invoicing experience is lacking is urged to check out this helpful Aynax.com free online estimate template.

Be Open to Changing Your Work

If you’re relatively new to the freelancing game, you may not have much experience when it comes to revising your own work. However, as any seasoned writer can tell you, making revisions is an unavoidable part of this profession. Getting defensive or combative when a client requests revisions isn’t going to help your chances of winning repeat business, so remember to keep your ego in check, regardless of whether or not you agree with their notes.

Despite the various benefits of being self-employed, earning your livelihood through freelance writing can be a difficult prospect. Not only do you have to be a highly skilled and versatile writer, you’ll also need to build up a steady stable of regular client in order to make ends meet. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By putting the previously discussed pointers to good use, you can make a positive impression on first-time clients and set the stage for long-term success.