I’ve been a freelancer for quite a few years now and one of the things that really, really gets right up my nose is the way in which some clients just don’t give recognition for the full value that a freelance offers.
If you’re a freelancer you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s almost as though clients perceive you to have less value simply because you are a one man/woman band. I’ve had clients who even after agreeing a fee structure still try to haggle a discount on my services months down the line. It’s such bad form!
I can totally understand if the client believes that my contribution or overall worth is no longer relevant – but then fire me!
All writers have an inherent value to marketing strategy. Some more than others. A freelance writer offers added value in terms of hours spent perfecting copy, researching and liaison. In normal circumstances, such as when you employ an agency, a client will pay for every minute spent on their account at a set rate per hour plus all additional expenses such as telephone calls, emails, faxes, meetings, travelling expenses and advice so what is different when a client engages a freelancer?
Part of me thinks it’s the perception. He/she is a freelancer therefore they must be desperate for the money ergo I can fleece them. I freelance for the freedom and because I have children that I like to spend time with but irrespective of the reason I’m appalled every time a client tries this on with me.
My biggest issue is that I’m not just a writer. I have over 16 years in marketing and advertising with some of the world’s most renown advertising agencies and I add value by giving this expertise and knowledge away freely to my clients in terms of building their online visibility. I view it as part of my offering. Unfortunately it does leave me open to abuse as clients come to expect that for the price of writing they will automatically get an experienced marketer to advise them on their online advertising and social media strategy.
Don’t get me wrong, most of my clients are great to work with and we build relationships of trust and loyalty over a period of time that both sides enjoy the benefits from. It’s just those odd few that tend to take an arm when offered a hand.
I had a client who constantly asked that I just quickly email or telephone someone for him as he was away or too busy with no regard for the fact that it had nothing to do with me or that it would cost me money and time that I wouldn’t be reimbursed for. Carelessness on his part or just inconsideration?
As a potential client to freelance staff I’d urge you to remember the reasons that people freelance and what benefits that gives you. For example:
You only pay for the work done.
Freelancers tend not to charge for the small items like meeting time, phone calls, faxes.
Freelancers always end up giving hours for free like in meetings or during research.
Freelancers are often multi talented and give added value.
You pay against an invoice so there’s no payroll concerns.
You can choose a specialist in your field.
You get more out of a freelancer as their reputation depends on a job well done.
They work odd hours and are generally available out of hours and on public holidays!
To a freelancer, client is King.
You can tell your clients you have a larger, experienced team than you really do.
Freelancers have useful networks for you to use.
Freelancers have a myriad of experience for you to draw on.
Freelancers are negotiable. The more work you give them, the lower the rates.
In return for all that freelancers usually only expect a few things in return:
A tight brief.
A client who pays promptly.
A respectful and mutually satisfying relationship.
Freelancing is a wonderful way to work but not if your clients are abusing the relationship. Personally, I’d rather say no than work for a client with that mindset but I do know there are other freelancers out there who really need the money.
My advice to all freelance writers is that they stick to their guns where costs and timings are concerned. Don’t be afraid to ask for a proper brief and get your costs approved upfront. Genuine clients and those who really value your expertise won’t object to paying you 50% upfront on an assignment with the balance on delivery.
To the potential clients, please try to remember that we’re part of your team and we appreciate loyal clients.
