One of the beautiful things about being a freelance writer is that you get to choose your own clients.
But, when you’re starting out, it’s common not to be too picky about whom you work with. You’re gaining experience and building your income. As you get better at what you do, though, you’ll be able to charge higher fees and be more selective about what you say yes to.
When you reach that point, you may even want to stop working with some of your clients to make room for better clients who are more aligned with your interests, values, and goals.
The definition of a “better” client varies for each of us. For some, it may mean a client who likes to communicate over email instead of on calls. For others, it may be a client with a bigger marketing budget. And, for yet another freelance writer, it could be an international client… or a local one… or one in a specific niche.
Depending on where you are in your freelance-writing career, you may be ready to grow. And, you’ll likely need to step out of certain client relationships as you do so.
Let’s figure out how you can make way for better clients.
Why it’s important to let go
I’ve had an encounter or two with difficult clients. They can make any kind of growth or peace of mind impossible. (I’m looking at you, client-who-put-me-down-and-ghosted-me-without-paying.) Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence, even when you’re new. But, you can prevent it entirely, when you vet prospects more thoroughly.
It’s more common for a client relationship to end simply because you’ve maxed out the client’s budget, and they can no longer afford you. This is especially likely when you’re continually working to improve and broaden your skills. You increase your income potential dramatically once you start offering higher-value work, and some of your clients might not be able to keep up. You grew together as far as you could… and that’s okay.
Other times, the motivation to work with a certain client just isn’t there anymore. It’s a feeling you can’t put your finger on. Maybe you’ve worked with this client for half a decade, and now you’re looking for something new. That’s okay, too.
If you feel a hint of resentment after client work, that may be a signal you have outgrown a client’s budget or need a new challenge.
Before you let them go
You may have identified a client you would like to part ways with. However, before you do, follow these steps.
- Ask for a testimonial – It’s good to get in the habit of asking for testimonials right after you’ve worked with a client for a month. But, if you haven’t yet asked a client for one, now is the time. Better yet, ask them for a LinkedIn recommendation, so it stays on your LI profile, as well.
- Ask for referrals – Marketing managers hang out with other marketing professionals, just like freelance writers hang out together. Another good habit is to ask your client to refer you when they hear someone is looking for a freelance writer or copywriter. Even better, ask them to give you two names and permission to reach out to these prospects yourself, using them as a contact’s reference. You probably don’t want to do this immediately before letting a client go – that can create bad feelings. But, if you suspect you’ll be parting ways with a client in a few months, asking for referrals now is a smart move.
- Get feedback – I love to know throughout my collaboration where I could do better and where I’m crushing it. However, right before leaving a client relationship, it’s good to gather feedback on your working style, communication, proactiveness, collaboration and work ethic. Besides covering these specific areas, ask open-ended questions about their experience working with you.
- Market full-throttle – Freelance writers often turn in their termination notice before they have a full-fledged marketing plan in action. This can put you in desperate straits, if you don’t have any new work lined up. Save yourself the hassle and make sure you’re marketing at full throttle to fill this client’s spot.
How to let a client go?
Here are a few rules of thumb to follow when parting ways with a client.
Give ample notice
If you have a retainer contract, it likely specifies how much notice you need before exiting your contract. When that’s the case, be sure to give ample notice to honor your agreement. Sometimes an agreement is a little more informal. Perhaps you write a weekly blog post for a client and have been for a while, but there’s no stipulation anywhere about giving notice. In that case, give at least 30 days, so they can bring on someone new. Even better, discuss what works for the client and do your best to work with them on your exit strategy. You don’t want to burn a bridge, if you can avoid it.
State your reasons
You don’t have to tell your client why you’re leaving. But, if they ask or if you think understanding your reasons could help them work better with other writers in the future, consider letting them know. Communicate clearly and professionally, and keep it brief.
End on a good note
Let the client know you appreciated working with them for as long as you did. This is also optional depending on the circumstances under which you may be exiting the agreement. If this client has made life difficult for you, and you want to communicate as little as possible… still be professional about it, but don’t give them an opportunity to further complicate communication.
Refer another freelance writer
If you have a good relationship with this client and would like to help them find someone to replace you, offer to introduce them to two or three freelance writers you think may be a good fit for them. Make a professional introduction over email and avoid guaranteeing anything to either party.
To burn bridges or not to burn bridges
I’ve had client relationships end badly for many reasons.
When the client fails to hold up their end of the bargain in any way, you’re not obligated to make them feel better about it. Be professional, but let them know certain actions are not okay.
For instance, once a client of mine brought up issues with my work only to get out of paying me. They even threatened me by letting me know they had a legal team on retainer. I ended the relationship professionally and let them know their behavior wasn’t okay.
(Again, these kinds of difficult clients are rare – many writers never encounter them at all – but better to be prepared, if you do!)
Unless a client has violated a business boundary, don’t burn a bridge. I often go as far as checking in with the client a few months later to ask if my writer recommendations worked out.
If you go out on a good note, you may end up getting referrals from your ex-clients. What’s more? Some of your contacts may move to new businesses with bigger budgets or more interesting projects. If you had a good relationship with them, they’ll remember and use your services time and again.
There is a return on investment from simply caring about the businesses and people you work with.
Making room for new clients is a part of running a business and not something to shy away from. If you do it strategically and professionally, it doesn’t have to be a painful process… and is actually essential to your professional growth.
