Got Client?

So you landed your first freelance client – congrats!

You’ve moved past the mountain of free portfolio projects, and now you’re dealing with a real, live paying customer.

Exciting? Yes.

Terrifying? Absolutely.

Don’t worry, though; we’ve all been there, and luckily, this guide’s here to make sure you know what to do from "I’m interested" to "Let’s wrap this up!"

Taking a Project Brief (a.k.a. Not Just “hmm” “Ok” “Got it”)

Let's start with the client brief, that all-important session where you ask all the right questions, or at least pretend to.

You might think you know what the client wants, but trust me, assumptions are the freelancing graveyard.

Here’s your go-to plan:

• Ask the 'Big Picture' Question:

  "What’s the goal here?"

  Sounds simple, right?

  But you'd be surprised how many clients want a website "just because."

  So make them spell it out,

  Are they trying to grow sales, build a community, or just prove to their cousin that they do have a business?

• Get Their Vision:

  Clients often have Pinterest boards or vague ideas.

  Gently push them to show you what they love and hate.

  Screenshots, links, colors, layouts, themes – ask for it all.

  If they struggle, ask them to tell you about sites or brands they’re inspired by.

  Make them talk; you’ll thank yourself later (You can thank me too).

• Talk Deadlines and Budget. Yes, Right Now:

  The deadline should be realistic, so if they want a 50-page site by Monday, give them a reality check (professionally, of course).

  The budget?

  It’s essential to agree early, or you’ll risk those awkward “Oh, I thought this was included?” convos.

• Clarify Deliverables:

  Are you just doing the design, or is development included too?

  If the client mentions “adding a form,” clarify whether that means a simple form or a fully automated CRM integration.

  Basically, get them to clarify the fine print.

Managing the Project (a.k.a. Your Michael Scott moment)

Now that you’ve got the details, it's time to manage this project like “The Office” boss you are.

Here’s how:

• Set (and Stick to) Your Own Deadlines:

  You don’t want the client hovering over your shoulder every day.

  Break down the project into phases with mini-deadlines for each and make sure the client knows about them.

  This way, they feel involved, and you don’t get a last-minute “Can we tweak everything?” request.

• Keep Communication Clear and Regular:

  Schedule weekly check-ins to show them progress.

  It’s like relationship maintenance but with fewer date nights.

  Send short but clear updates, and don't be afraid to remind them of any delays that are on their end.

  Pro tip:

  Avoid the endless WhatsApp chat – stick to email or a project management tool so things don’t get lost in translation.

  

  Document Everything:

  Every tiny tweak, every little idea from the client, should go somewhere official.

  I don’t care if you feel silly emailing them to confirm the hex code for their favorite shade of Gray.

  It’ll save you a lot of hassle later.

• Learn to Say 'No' (again… Professionally):

  Sometimes, clients want extras out of nowhere, from “Can you just add another page?” to “Let’s add some SEOOOOOOOOOO.”

  Politely remind them of the scope, or, if you’re willing to add it, mention the additional cost and timeline adjustment.

  This keeps things fair and reminds them that you’re not working pro bono here.

Wrapping It Up (Smoothly)

As you approach the finish line, make sure you have:

• A Final Approval Stage:

  Before you click 'Deliver,' have a call or email check-in to confirm everything’s good to go.

  This way, there are no surprises when they suddenly remember an extra feature they "definitely asked for."

• An Exit Process:

  Handing over the project doesn’t mean “See you never bitch”.

  Make a list of any post-project tips or quick fixes.

  If you’re offering ongoing maintenance or updates, plug it here, too.

  And, of course, follow up a week or so after

  it’s good for feedback and potentially future projects.

Essential Tools for Freelancing Beginners

If all this sounds a little overwhelming, don't worry.

I’ve put together a freelancing toolkit that covers the basics.

From checklists to templates for projects, you’ll find everything you need to make freelancing a little smoother.

Check it out, and let’s get you managing projects. Get it here