Breaking into the freelance field is an amazing feeling. You are loosened from the deadly grips of your boss, and free from the closed-space known as your cubical. Being a freelance writer myself, I get a lot of questions asked about my career. Some come from those that are outside of my field amazed that I make any money, while most are other freelancers searching for some tips. I love to hand them out, too.
One of the things that most new freelancers fail to do is communicate right off the bat. I used to jump into projects without knowing what direction the client really wanted, and I always regretted it. I found that proper communication is not only neccessary for you to get the most out of that project, but it is essential if you want that client and referrals.
Know what the client needs
Not all your clients may be writing geniouses, like you (if you are a freelance writer), so you need to make sure you have all the project details with you before you start. Call the client, email them with further questions, and don’t leave any questions in the back of your mind unasked. Thinking you know the direction they want with their project, and knowing what it really is are two different things.
Repeat it concisely
Once you get that long detailed report of what your client needs are, memorize it, write it down, and then summarize it. Send a copy of your summary of the project back to the client. This will let your client have a better idea of whether on not you two are on the same page.
Stay in constant contact
I keep my clients up to date with the projects they have for me. If it is a short, one day project, I may send them an email every few hours. If I have a freelance writing project that could take a week or longer, I make sure my client stays in touch with me on a daily basis. I’ll send early copies, ask if I am headed on the right path, and let them know when I expect to contact them again. Clients love to know whether or not you are actually working on their project, and this lets them know that you really are.
It doesn’t end when you are finished
Even once a project is clear, you shouldn’t just ditch a good client. I send weekly updates to my freelancing clients. This gives them status updates on me, my work schedules, any new major projects from major clients, and then I give a short appreciation message for having them as a client. This just keeps them coming pack to me for more. They love the attention.
