I’ve spoken already about how to behave as a professional writer and how to pick the right business writer. I’ve also talked about being your best self for the client. But the world is different these days. For many of us freelance writers, customers are not quite as plentiful, and we are all focusing on making ourselves the “perfect writer” for the customer. Is it possible? And if so, how? Read on to find out.

Can you be the right writer for a client?

In my experience, yes. Depending on who I’m working with, I’ve had to become different versions of my professional self. From formal to sassy, from communicative to virtually silent, transforming into who the client expects you to be is normal.

This isn’t specific to freelance writing, either. Anyone in customer service is most likely nodding in agreement or rolling their eyes at my very obvious statement. Either way, that’s fine. How do you find your way to be the right writer for a client each time? It’s simpler than you might think!

Tips for being the right writer for a potential client

Whether you’re impressing a brand new potential client or communicating with past clients considering coming back to work with you, take the same approach. Not only is it easier to remember when you use it with everyone, but it’s also effective for every person you cross paths with!

• Don’t try to be perfect: I made this mistake when I started getting clients coming my way during a dry spell. I tied myself in knots, professionally speaking, trying to be perfect so they’d work with me. But it just ended up freaking them out and/or frustrating them. So, don’t try to be perfect. Just be yourself as you always have been.

• Stick to your guns: There’s a reason that this blog post is not the first time I’ve mentioned this. Being “right” for the client means sticking to your guns, setting and enforcing your boundaries, etc. Regardless of your restrictions, you put them there for a reason. If your client asks you to deliver quicker than usual, accept a rate of pay lower than normal, etc., stick to your norms.  

•  Be ready to walk away: Don’t bend to them if you are working with a client who pushes you to do something differently. Sure, you may think that doing what they want makes you the right writer for them. But, it also teaches them that you are easily pressured into doing something you normally wouldn’t. Is that really what you want for your future if they were to do this every time?

The potential is out there

You have potentially good and bad clients waiting to draw you in. My two cents worth is this: if you use those tips above, you’ll attract and win the good ones. If you don’t, you’ll likely end up with more of the bad ones. I’ve learned this from experience as a professional writer, and I want to help those out there who might be in a situation to consider how to be the right writer every single time.

 So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my approach? How do you see being the right writer for a client?