How To Get Your Dream Client

Have you ever had a writing client that was a dream to work for? Someone who provided clear briefs, was flexible and always paid up on time? Those clients are a joy to work for and every freelancer wants more of them. I believe that with a bit of work, freelancers can move almost everyone they deal with closer to client nirvana. Here’s how to approach it.

The Ideal Writing Client

First of all, think about what a dream client looks like to you. For me, someone who tells me what is expected, when it is expected and is willing to pay for quality is great. Someone whom I don’t have to chase for payment is even better. I have a few clients like that and I’m trying to think about common factors in how I approached them. I acquired most of these clients in the usual way, by bidding/querying for a job they had offered. One of them was a referral, and I’ll get to that in a minute.

Approaching The Client

When I made the initial approach, I clearly stated my expertise and how I could put that to work to help with their project. Clients want to know why they should trust you and how you can help them. In addition to my subject expertise, I always tell clients about my capacity for research, my writing experience and my ability to meet deadlines.

Setting Expectations

Clients also need to know what you expect. If you tell clients that you need a deposit up front while you establish the relationship, then you will get it if they are serious. If you tell them that you expect payment on completion, then you will get this. (I even have one client who pays up front because of previous payment difficulties.) Stating your expectations clearly helps you get them met.

Working Relationship

The final aspect of having a dream client is the working relationship. That’s about making sure that you understand the client brief and asking questions if you don’t. It’s about letting the client know if there is a problem with the material or the timing and working to make sure you find a solution that works for both of you. Essentially, it’s about communication. With my dream clients, I can sometimes say that I need more time on a project. Because of my track record, they know it’s not a snow job — and I get the extra time I need.

Having those clients (thanks; you know who you are) makes freelance writing a wonderful job, and I’m always on the lookout for more of them. What does your dream client look like?

(Photo: cjessen)