Rules for Successful Client-Freelancer Working Relationships
So you’ve hired a freelancer to help you achieve your business goals. Now what?
It’s vitally important that you, as the client, do your part in fostering a positive working relationship with your contractor. Embarking on a new project can be overwhelming, especially if it involves technical aspects (such as web design). That’s why you’ve hired an expert!
But in order to make your project a success, you need to develop a solid working relationship, and be aware of some basic “rules” when working with a freelancer.
Rule #1: Respect the Freelancer’s Profession
Freelancers are often mischaracterized as inexperienced, amateurs, or part-timers. These are usually far from the truth. Most of us are experienced in our industry and take our job very seriously. Our livelihood depends on it!
We take pride in the work that we deliver, and we charge a fair price for our services. Don’t expect a reputable freelancer to work on ’spec’ or provide extra consultation free of charge. You wouldn’t ask for a free meal when you go out to a restaurant, would you?
Rule #2: Trust the Freelancer’s Expertise
There’s a reason why you decided to hire a contractor to meet your needs. They’re the expert! Let them do what they do best, which is to address your needs in such a way that positions you for the best chance of success.
Don’t try to micro-manage your project or play the role of designer if you’re not one. It’s OK to offer your opinion and give guidance, but try and do it in the form of desired end-results. For example:
BAD: “Can you make the logo blink and change the color to bright yellow?”
GOOD: “We’d like our company branding to stand out more. Is there anything you can do to achieve that?”
Rule #3: If You’re Not Sure, Ask!
Creative and technical projects can often be quite complex. Always make sure you’re on the same page as the freelancer. Ask clarifying questions if you’re not sure about something. Stop them before moving on to another discussion if you’re not fully up to speed.
It’s the freelancer’s job to not only deliver the final product you’re looking for, but also to guide you through the process every step of the way. A good freelancer can clearly communicate all of the ins and outs of your project in a way that is easy to understand and covers all of the bases.
Let there be no surprises due to a lack of communication.
Rule #4: Be Available & Punctual
Hiring a freelancer is not a ’set it and forget it’ situation. Don’t think that since you’ve already paid your deposit that you don’t need to be in touch until final delivery.
A successful project will require regular contact and sign-off on milestones. If you want your project completed on time with the best results possible, then take an active role when reviewing the freelancer’s work in progress.
Be available for scheduled meetings, conference calls, Skype chats, etc. Expect to receive questions and updates from your freelancer. Check your email daily so that you can receive and respond to these inquiries. This will ensure your project remains on a steady pace and avoids a stop-go-stop-go routine.
Rule #5: Respect the Freelancer’s Policies
Freelancers should make all of their working policies clear up front: Their general working hours, preferred method of communication, payment deadlines, technical requirements (such as file types to provide), etc.
Make sure you respect these policies. For example, most freelancers don’t appreciate “urgent” requests. We can’t possibly be available for immediate phone, email, or IM support all of the time. I assure my clients that I return all emails and phone messages within 1 business day (often sooner). This allows me to keep my workflow intact and avoid distractions.
I’ve even had clients who call me at 10:00pm on a Sunday night. Not OK.
Rule #6: Pay on Time
Every freelancer will tell you their biggest pet peeve are clients who don’t pay on time. This is an extremely unprofessional practice that happens all too often in client-freelancer working relationships.
This comes back to rule #1, respecting the freelancer’s profession. Payment terms should be clearly defined on the freelancer’s invoice. Make sure you pay on time in order to avoid stopping work on your project or potential late fees.
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