Being a freelancer has its advantages, but it also comes with many responsibilities. You are
your own manager and are therefore in charge of interacting with your clients. This requirement makes communication a key skill for every freelancer.
Let’s discuss a few communication that freelancers need to avoid if they want to be successful:
Not standing out among the sea of freelancers.
Many freelancers are vying for the same or similar projects as you. If you follow the same templates of offerings typical in your industry as a freelancer, you will go unnoticed.
Find a way to stand out with your proposal or online profile.
Not following up on projects after sending the initial proposal.
Many freelancers make the mistake of sending proposals or applying for jobs and then forgetting about them if they do not get a response.
The key here is to follow up on your applications and maybe even go the extra step to ask what you could do to be a better match.
Not communicating timelines clearly.
Freelancers usually build a reliable reputation which helps them get work through referrals, reviews, and word of mouth. In order to have a reputation of being reliable, you must actively communicate the projected timelines of delivery.
Adhering to these timelines would also enhance your reputation!
Not setting up the right expectations or communication schedule.
As a freelancer, you would need to update your clients of the project’s status. They may not require an update about every little detail, but weekly status reports are typically the norm.
Establish a schedule for status and other updates early to ensure smooth communication.
Using multiple channels of communication.
Everyone is wired into multiple communication channels in today’s world ranging from text to messaging services to social media chats. Using many of them to communicate with clients is bound to lead to slip-ups and gaps. The best strategy is to use two to three channels so that it’s easier to stay on top of them.
Use these tips, and you will avoid the common pitfalls that many new freelancers face.
