We’re rolling into Keeping Clients Happy month but honestly, this month is going to focus on keeping YOU happy. Your clients are just going to catch some of that trickle down happiness.

 

I’ve talked a little about it before, but expectation management can solve SO many freelance problems…usually before they even happen. That’s why this month we’re going to go over 5 common freelancer problems that expectation management fixes — ahead of time.

 

#1 Excessive Rework and Scope Creep

I’m a big fan of giving my clients flexibility. I’m not one of those freelancers who has people sign 6-month commitments. I’ve been in positions similar to them and totally understand that things happen, so I’m not going to try to lock them down unnecessarily.

Still though, I keep tight reigns on two things from the jump…revisions and scope.

 

My proposals and contracts outline how many revisions my work includes, as well as length and depth (i.e. research required) to complete the work.

 

I also always send over outlines for approval before I get too deep into a project.

 

Some freelancers go as far as requiring formal, contractual signoffs on outlines, wireframes, etc. so that there’s no ‘confusion’ down the line. I personally also include rates for additional work if that scope does start creep too far out of bounds, they’ve got it in their heads that they’ll be paying extra.

 

Does it take more conversation and time from the beginning? Yes, but you know what? Any client that doesn’t have time to have a conversation to make sure we’re on the same page regarding expectations isn’t someone I want to work with.

 

So if you’ve been having issues with your projects ballooning, start talking about those ‘what if’ scenarios from the jump…and don’t hesitate to give a friendly heads up as to what poor planning will cost if things do get out of hand. Try that, and you’ll probably start to see your contacts rethinking a few things.  

 

 

Megan