Do’s and Don’ts for Working with Clients

Later this year will mark five years that I have been a freelance programmer. Over the course of the last few years I have seen many people try and fail to do freelance. No matter what you are freelancing in, whether it be writing, programming, designing, etc, these do’s and don’ts are pretty much universal and have to do with working with clients.

Take too long to respond. Whether it is a new client or a returning customer, don’t take too long to respond to them. Some say that you should get back to them within 12 hours, personally I try and get back to them within 3 to 4 hours max. Taking too long to get back to clients could cost you a lot of work.

Be as available as possible. Giving clients as many options in which to get in touch with you as possible will work in your benefit. Skype, AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Skype, Google IM are the main chat programs and most of the time you will be able to use them all in one program and not worry about using too many resources on the computer. Giving a client a phone number in which they could get in touch with you will also allow them to feel as though you are more open to those who are just available online. If you don’t feel comfortable giving out your phone number then try using Google Voice since it is free and can be disabled when you don’t want to be disturbed.

Make excuses. A client may be sympathetic that your grandfather is sick, but more than likely you are involved in a verbal or written contract with them and therefor the work needs to get done. If you absolutely need to break the contract then discuss it with them prior to it. Remember to act professional at all times, they are not your friend or therapist.

Make deadlines and stick with them. If you tell them it will take two days to do something then do it within those two days. If you can get it done before hand then your customer will be happy. I can’t tell you how many times a client gave me a bonus for completing a project ahead of schedule.

Start on a project that you have no idea what you should be doing. There is no reason to waste your time and theirs because you don’t have a clear goal in mind.

Ask questions. A lot of times your questions could be ones that the client never thought about and bringing up things that aren’t on their mind could show that you have an attention to detail.

Email previous clients everyday asking if they have anymore work. Annoying people is never a good practice and emailing them everyday will show that you have nothing better to do and that you are desperate for money. It could lead to them offering you less money than they would someone else because they know you need it more.

Sign clients up for a mailing list. Periodic emails wishing clients a happy holidays or shooting out an email every six months reminding them that you are available for work and what your rate is will help keep you in their mind.

Good luck.

Above all else, no matter what you are supplying to the client, you should be professional, kind, respectful, and courteous. Remember a client could always refer you to their friends and colleagues, plus they could have more work for you in the future, but won’t want to work with you if you aren’t professional, just like you wouldn’t want to work with them if they weren’t acting professional toward you.