Claim Freedom: How To Manage Clients Who Ghost After Discussing Freelance Rates

Bimma Williams | March 18th, 2024

It's Claim Freedom Monday Y'all!

Here's some wisdom to help you attract paying clients.

Jumping into freelancing is sort like diving into the deep end without checking if there’s water in the pool. Exciting, right? But then, boom, you encounter a setback: clients who vanish into thin air right after you talk numbers. Ghosting isn’t new, but it sure is hella frustrating. It’s all good, though. Here’s a few ideas to help you handle the silence and turn things around.

Understanding Client Ghosting: Don't Jump to Conclusions

First off, hitting the panic button won’t help. When a client ghosts, it’s easy to think they’re just not that into you. But life’s messy, and sometimes stuff just gets in the way. Maybe they got swamped at work, or maybe they’re thinking things through. Remain calm and giving them the benefit of the doubt keeps the door open for future gigs.

Effective Communication: Following Up with Ghosting Clients

Now, about reaching out – it's all about that follow-up. Shoot them a message that’s chill but shows you’re still interested. Think of it as a nudge, not a push. “Hey, just circling back on our chat. Let me know if you have any questions or need more info. Looking forward to hearing from you!” Keep it light, keep it friendly. Sometimes, folks just need that push.

Moving On: Strategies For Facing Non-Responsive Clients

No word back? It’s cool. Not every client’s going to be a perfect match. There’s a whole sea of opportunities out there, and dwelling on one ghosting client can distract you from bagging other incredible projects. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep pushing forward.

Keep Pursuing Potential Clients

The freelance world’s buzzing with potential clients who’d dig your work. Stay active, continue to network, and keep showcasing what you do best. Every conversation is a chance to land a gig that clicks. Remember, for every client that fades into the ghost zone, there’s another one out there that values what you bring to the table.

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Let's keep it real: ghosting sucks, but it's part of the game. Keep your head up, stay proactive, and don't let the ghosts get you down. Remember, each interaction is a stepping stone toward building a resilient, flourishing freelance career.

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See you next week,

Bimma Williams

Co-creator / Host of The Claima Stories Podcast & Freelance Host​