When a Freelance Writing Client leaves you
If you are a freelance writer, you are sure to lose clients from time to time. This happens to the best writers in the world, and it is not something that you can avoid. With that being said, you should not simply let a freelance writing client walk away. This is not to say that you should stalk them, but you should do a few things before ending the relationship.
1. Try to get an explanation as to why the client wants to stop doing business with you. Last week I had a client drop me, but he also explained in the same email that it was not my fault. The client was more or less a middle man, and the person on the other end of the deal was hanging it up. While it was a shame to lose this client, at least I know that it was nothing I did wrong.
Remember, a client may leave you simply because they have no work available at the time. This is quite common when working with webmasters. Once you produce the appropriate content for them, they may not need your help anymore.
2. Make sure that the client knows you are willing to work with them again in the future. Using the same example as above, I let the client know that while I was disappointed, that I would also love to be considered for future work. Believe it or not, if you show your interest, this will often times work out to your advantage in the future. This morning I woke up to an email from a client that I last worked with in May 2006. You never know when somebody will come back to you in the future.
3. If they tell you they no longer want to do business because of something you did, try to make things right before ending contact. After all, you always want to make sure that your clients get what they pay for. You may not see eye to eye with them, but you should at least offer to make things right before going your separate ways.
It is never a good thing when a freelance writing client leaves you. But unfortunately, this is sure to happen from time to time. Use the three tips above the next time a client tells you that they have no more work available.Â
