Chapter 1: The Unpredictability of Freelancing

The life of a freelance copywriter can shift dramatically in just a few days. Last Friday, I faced rejection from three potential clients. They deemed my proposal too costly and expressed concerns about the time involved, suggesting I was trying to take advantage of their budget.

Yet, just a day later, I found myself in a completely different scenario. Three clients were eager to pay me right from our initial conversations. I thought I had hit the jackpot—money seemed to be falling from the sky!

But then, a warning bell rang in my head. "This seems too good to be true. What’s the catch?"

Client 1: The Peer in Distress

I decided to dig deeper into the situation. Jeremy, a fellow freelancer, was in a bind. He candidly shared that he had taken on a difficult client, and now he was desperate to offload the work.

"Please, Aldric, you’re my last hope! I’ll even pay you 10% more than the deal to take this client off my hands."

His plea raised numerous red flags for me. I responded, "I can't take on more clients right now; my schedule is full until May. But let’s grab a beer instead."

Client 2: The Overwhelmed Outsourcer

Next came a client who was entirely hands-off. "I need this done ASAP, and I’ll pay you 5% above market rates. Just say yes," he urged.

While I appreciate clients who want to delegate, some can be a nightmare. They pay upfront without reviewing your work, then come back at the end demanding revisions without any extra fees.

You might recognize this pattern:

• First payment: "Good job!" (without any feedback)
• Second payment: "Looks good!" (again, without checking)
• Final payment: "This isn’t what we wanted. You must revise it!"

Being compensated for our work is crucial, but clarity on expectations is equally important. Ensure the person who hires you is the same one who approves the final product.

Client 3: The Tyrant with Cash

In your freelancing journey, you’ll encounter difficult personalities—tyrants, bulldozers, and narcissists. This is not merely a freelancing issue; it's a human one.

My instinct when facing such clients is to flee. Their demands can erode your confidence. I recently ended a contract with a particularly challenging client who wanted everything done his way, disregarding my professional advice.

In hindsight, I realized that no amount of money was worth the toll on my mental health. After completing the project, I returned all the payments and sent him a firm email expressing that I wouldn’t work with him again.

Summary

I strive to attract more clients for my copywriting endeavors. Don’t misunderstand—I appreciate the income that comes from my work. However, not every client is worth the effort. Some can be so taxing that just the thought of engaging with them can ruin your day.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider cutting ties. It’s crucial to prioritize your mental well-being.

About the Author

As a contributor, I share insights from my experiences in life and business, as these shape our unique perspectives. Feel free to connect with me on social media!

This video titled "Copywriting Talks | Turning Down A Potential Client" discusses strategies for rejecting undesirable clients while maintaining professional integrity.

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