Happy Clients! Freelancer Customer Service
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about freelancer customer service. That means taking good care of your clients!
In freelancing, customer service is a BIG part of the job. Your skill gets you hired. But how you treat clients decides if they come back, tell their friends, and leave good reviews!
Why it matters so much
Each project is special work, so talking is part of what you sell! And on marketplaces, good reviews mean more people see you. Here are four habits!
Habit 1: Log in every day
On a marketplace, log in at least once a day, even if nobody wrote to you. Clients can see when you were last online! They usually contact freelancers who were online recently, best within the last 24 hours.
A quick, friendly first answer often wins the project!
Habit 2: Be super clear from the start
Say exactly what you’ll deliver, in what kind of file, by when, and how many rounds of changes are included in the price. Unclear things lead to arguments! Clear agreements protect you AND your client.
Send a little project plan, and keep clients updated!
Habit 3: Handle changes kindly
Clients almost always ask for changes after you deliver. That’s totally normal! Answer happily. If a change isn’t a good idea, explain why.
When you don’t recommend what they asked for, always suggest something else. Clients love an expert who helps them choose!
Misunderstandings happen. Stay positive and polite!
Habit 4: Never share bank details on a marketplace!
On a marketplace, NEVER share your bank details with clients. The website handles payments! Clients pay the website, and the website sends the money to the bank account you gave when you made your profile.
That’s why websites take a piece: they make it safe, and help solve problems.
Watch out!
Some people ask freelancers to work outside the marketplace, to skip the fees. That often breaks the rules, and you lose your payment protection. It’s also a common trick in scams! So keep all payments on the website.
Reviews
After a great project, kindly ask the client for a review. Reviews help marketplaces show your profile more. Your first few reviews are extra important, so take extra good care of your first clients!
Recommendations from happy clients are often the BEST way to get new work. Just like Norah from the freelancing examples!
Tricky clients
Most clients are lovely. But one day, you’ll meet a tricky one! Stay calm, and point back to what you agreed in writing: the job, the timing, and the changes. Clear agreements make these talks much easier.
Want more than agreed? Offer it as an extra paid service. And never argue in public reviews!
After the project
A thank-you message and an invitation to come back can turn one project into a long friendship!
Small and private
Great customer service costs nothing but attention! And starting costs very little. You’d be surprised! You can even give amazing service with written messages only. No face needed!
What’s next?
The next article shows how freelancing works, step by step. All ten ways to earn are in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help with your customer service? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
How fast should I answer?
As fast as you can, ideally within a few hours.
Should I give money back if a client is unhappy?
First try to fix it with the agreed changes. Then follow the website’s rules, or your own.
Why log in every day?
Clients contact freelancers who were online recently!
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What should I make clear?
What you deliver, the file type, when, and how many changes.
Are change requests normal?
Yes, totally!
Should I share my bank details?
Never on a marketplace!
Can I start for free or almost free?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start freelancing for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
