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)Â 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)
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14 Responses to “How To Get Your Dream Client”
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Get Paid To Write Online by Sharon Hurley Hall is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Copyright for posts written by guest authors remains with them.Useful info
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Great post, Sharon!
My dream client requirements are a lot like yours. I have two dreamy clients that would normally be ghostwriting clients but they also give me a byline so I’m not just writing for them, writing about a subject I enjoy and getting paid for it but I’m also getting some recognition, too.
Dana’s last blog post..When Did You Last Google Yourself?
I have one client like this. Keeps me working with lots of projects, pays on time (sometime pays for projects in full in advance), is very laid back and clear about his expectations. I would LOVE to have more clients like that – it’s a beautiful thing.:)
Kimberly’s last blog post..Gigs for New (and Not So New) Freelance Writers
Really enjoyed this post, Sharon. Those dream clients sure are great, aren’t they?
Amy Derby’s last blog post..Let’s Talk Success: Men with Pens Edition
Glad to hear you’ve all got dream clients, too. They really make the job even better.
I’m going to be pretty aggressive here, since we’re defining the “dream” client.
Mine would require me to submit daily posts recapping my first hand experiences with the premium amenities available at the world’s top spas and resorts. They would, of course, provide me with an American Express Black Card to cover my considerable research costs. And they would compensate me in advance with weekly wire deposits into my Swiss account.
I’ll keep you posted on my search for this client. Wish me luck!
Apple Baker’s last blog post..Apple Bakers Recipe – Cherry Maple Nut Baked Apples
LOL @ Apple…
Oh yeah, my favourite client sent me a free Flip camera just because I’m doing a good job AND he bought me software recently as a bonus for doing a project for him.
Dana’s last blog post..When Did You Last Google Yourself?
not that I’m bragging….I am just thankful
Dana’s last blog post..When Did You Last Google Yourself?
Sharon, I love ideal clients! Those are the clients that truly make business a joy. I’ve only been in business for three years so my ideal client has shifted as I have grown. Last month, I made a list of my dream clients. I then listed why for each client so that I could identify common traits. Was it the type of work, the length, the industry? I do this at least 3 times per year and while core characteristics have not changed (their attitude, approach to the partnerships, timely payment,etc)I often discover new aspects, specific to the type of work that curls my toes. I know that many clients think of you as their dream writer and I am so thankful that you share that joy with your readers!
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Hurricane Life
I am envious.
Diana’s last blog post..Idiot Girls Action-Adventure Club:True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life
Love your dream, Apple Baker.
Dana, sounds like a true dream client. None of mine have given me gifts, though a couple have said the magic words: ‘quality is more important than price.’
Karen, it’s a great idea to remind yourself about the good things about clients.
My dream client would certainly include all the attributes you listed. The list is very thoughtful and concise – I like that.
My philosophy about dream clients is simple: If I want to snag a dream client, then I put every effort into my pitch to demonstrate that I am the dream freelancer. I am clear, honest and respectful from the word go. And once they are a client, I try to treat them as if they were the only client I had.
That’s a great approach, Tumblemoose. Being the dream freelancer will certainly make it easier to snag the ideal client.