Red & Green Flags to Look Out for in Clients

When you’re chatting with a new client, how do you determine that it’s a good fit for both of you? There can be a lot to look for when applying to new positions and getting to know a new client, but we’re sharing what to look for and what to avoid in your next project with these green and red flags to look out for in clients for freelancers. 

Green Flag: Paying quickly without needing to send reminders! 

While it might seem simple, not needing to follow up on every invoice you’ve sent to a client frees up time in your schedule to be spent doing other things! Instead of taking 5 minutes to log in and follow up through your invoicing software, you can spend that time engaging with your audience or replying to a couple of emails you’ve been avoiding! 

We are so thankful for clients that respect our time and want to get us paid for the work we provide for them! If you are a client that is sometimes forgetful when it comes to invoices, consider setting up auto-pay or talking to your freelancer about how you can create a system that works best for both of you. 

Red Flag: Buzzwords that don’t actually provide context on the position!

If a company is looking for a unicorn, ninja, or rockstar - that’s probably not going to be your actual job title. Phrases like these are flashy and exciting, giving you the idea that working for this company is fun! Unfortunately, phrases like this are associated with positions that don’t have a clear role, put a lot of unrelated tasks on your plate, and expect long hours for little pay. 

Look for a role that gives you a clear idea of what your day-to-day schedule will look like or what the bigger picture of the position is. Save time by only applying to jobs that you have determined you are a good fit for based on how well the description matches your skillset, passion, and goals.

Green Flag: They let you hold the creative reins!

Nothing makes us happier than when a client tells us, “I trust you!” If you’re in a creative field, it would make sense that you’ve been hired by a client to collaborate your aesthetic with their needs or vision. When your client is struggling to explain what they are looking for, but won’t accept anything that you’ve created or presented, this adds up to unexpected time spent potentially starting from scratch multiple times. 

Working with a client that is more of a micromanager or perfectionist can be challenging for creatives, so look for a project that lets you explore all angles and present something you’re truly proud of. 

Red Flag: Asking for free work or a sample project! 

While you might be willing to provide a sample or test project for free, the reality is this proves that the company doesn’t trust your portfolio or professionalism to show what you can do. If you are providing a proper portfolio and clearly explaining your skillset, there’s no reason to complete an unpaid project for a client. However, we do support paid trial-run projects, as this helps both you and your client decide if it’s a good fit in the long run! 

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a portfolio, work with yourself to create a sample project or examples that you can show to potential clients. Use any extra time for you, not for those unwilling to pay for your work. 

Before you sign your next client or extend the current contract, take a harder look at how things seem to be going with these green and red flags to look out for in clients for freelancers.

What has been a green or red flag for you in the past?