3 Things Professional Freelancers Do at the End of a Gig
Most freelancers hop from gig to gig. That means a lot of endings. Sometimes, a one-time project turns into a repeat client, but sometimes your client disappears forever.
If you’re careful, you can use your “goodbye” to increase the probability of working with a client again. And since keeping a client is about is way more easier than finding a new one, there’s no excuse for not following these 3 simple steps at the end of a gig.
1. Tie up loose ends
Double check that you’ve fulfilled all the aspects of the project as agreed upon. Send a confirmation email to get it in writing – “We’ve done X and Y as agreed; are we ready to confirm this is the final draft?”. Send out a final invoice and confirm its receipt. There is nothing more irritating than trying to collect months after you’ve finished a project. Do all the nitty-gritty, little finishing details.
If you’ve been working out of the client’s office, clean up your workspace. That may seem obvious, but that kind of small courtesy goes a long way. You don’t want to be remembered as “the freelancer who left Cheeto-dust on everything”. Think of freelancing like camping. Play dead if you see a bear, leave the environment just as you found it.
2. Say “Thank you”
When you’ve finished up your gig, send your client a quick “Thank you” email within a day or two of completion. Make sure you include your contact information, as well as an explicit invitation to work together again. It doesn’t have to be long, fancy or awkward.
Boom, the seed is planted! Some older guides suggest cards. But email is preferable, if only because its searchable when they’re looking for your contact information in the future.
This is also the time to politely ask for testimonials or feedback, if you’re interested.
3. Connect on social networks
Connect with clients on LinkedIn, X and even Facebook, while they’re still your clients. That link will outlast single projects. Connecting to current clients makes them “colleagues” – rather than employers – and builds relationships. When they’re scrolling through their contact list later, they’ll think of you for future projects.
Note: Only connect on platforms where your tone is fairly professional, or at least in sync with your client’s.
By following these 3 fairly easy steps, you’ll ensure that as few clients as possible disappear forever.
SOURCE: Freelancers Union
