Client MIA? Turn Ghosting into a Growth Opportunity

Being ghosted by a client is not a good feeling, but it's a common experience in the freelancing world. Here's how to navigate it and bounce back.

It's a familiar scenario: you've put in the work, invested time, sent the proposal, maybe even started the project, and then... then... then...no reply. Your client has vanished into thin air, leaving you wondering what went wrong. While it's easy to get caught up in frustration or self-doubt, getting ghosted is often less about you and more about a client's changing priorities, internal issues, or simply poor communication skills.

Why It Happens (and Why It's Not Always You)

Clients ghost for a variety of reasons that often have nothing to do with your work quality:

• Budget changes: Their financial situation may have changed unexpectedly.

• Restructuring: New management or staff changes can slow projects.

• They are not that ready: The project might have grown beyond their initial vision, or they realized they weren't ready.

• Poor communication: Some people just aren't good at delivering bad news or closing out projects.

• They got another option: Sometimes, another provider might have offered a different solution, most of the time, cheaper option.

Moving On and Landing Your Next Gig

While it stings, dwelling on a ghosting won't help you or your business. Here's how to move on and quickly secure your next job offer:

1. A Gentle Follow-Up

Don't spam them, but one last polite, non-pushy email can sometimes work wonders. Focus on being respectful and clear about your purpose. Keep it concise and open-ended. Something like:

"Hi [Client Name],

Just checking in on the [Project Name] project. I haven't heard back and wanted to ensure my last message didn't get lost. Please let me know if there's been any change on your end. If you're no longer proceeding, I completely understand.

Best regards, [Your Name]"

Give them a few days. If there's still no response, it's time to let go.

2. Re-assess and Learn  

Take a moment to “objectively” review your interactions. Did you miss any red flags? Was your communication clear? Is there information that is not set clearly?  It is best also to shift your perspective and not dwell much on self-doubt. This isn't about blaming yourself, but about identifying any areas for improvement in your process for future clients.

3. Improve Your Client Pipeline

It’s best always to review your client list. Never rely on just one or two potential clients. Continuously network, market your services, be flexible, and have multiple leads in your pipeline. This way, if one falls through, you've got others to pursue. Diversify not only your clients. Never give up on networking. Be visible on platforms such as LinkedIn, conferences, freelance marketplaces, events, and even referrals.

4. Outreach and Network

Reach out to past clients, colleagues, and connections. Let them know you're available for new projects. Referrals are often the quickest path to new opportunities. Update your LinkedIn profile and relevant online portfolios to reflect your latest skills and availability. Build a strong online presence.

5. Upgrade Your Skills & Portfolio

Your greatest asset is your skillset. Use this downtime to your advantage. Take an online course, masterclasses, update your portfolio with your best work, or create new samples that showcase skills you want to highlight. A stronger portfolio makes you more attractive to potential clients.

6. Improve Your Outreach Strategy

Are your proposals engaging and client magnet? Is your initial outreach clear and direct? Perhaps this is the ideal opportunity to refine your approach and make a stronger first impression. Focus on the value you bring to potential clients. Always check on what their needs are and offer solutions and options. Every client has pain points; what are they dealing with? That’s your entry. Give it your best shot. You’ll never know when they'll reach out to you or contact you.

7. Stay Consistent and Persistent

Rejection, in any form, is part of the journey. Don't let one ghosting experience derail your motivation. Always shift your perspective. Dust off and move on. Easier said than done, but shifting your mindset always helps. Maintain a positive mindset, learn from every interaction, and keep actively pursuing new opportunities. Your next great client is out there! And do not forget that even in the season of waiting, there should be joy and opportunities.

Uncover more tips for remote work mastery.

Work Smarter at Home: The Freelance Productivity Toolkit

Do you feel your home office is more of a comfy couch than a command center? Discover the secrets to laser focus and skyrocket your freelance productivity with our essential toolkit. (We mean tips).

Working from home for a novice can be overwhelming, especially when starting. The line between the relaxation your home provides becomes blurred when you begin working in that same space and can affect your level of productivity. However, there are helpful ways to make this transition easier. These tips ensure productive working days despite the temptations of comfort and leisure.

Set a Routine and Stick to It

Working remotely and managing your schedule presents an initial challenge for many. The demands of home life can feel immediate and pressing, vying for your attention alongside your work tasks. This dual pressure can feel overwhelming. When the boundaries are set, distractions can be lessened as you establish a routine that works for you. When you have a routine, there is a balance between your personal life and work. Sticking to a schedule that works best for you will help you stay consistent as well. The mind becomes more relaxed, and thus routines provide structure and foster self-control. 

Set up a Dedicated Workspace

In the same way that a routine helps you set the boundary between work and other aspects of your life, setting up a dedicated workspace can also produce the same effect. For example, the bedroom is a place for relaxation, and our body knows this. That's why it's easier to fall asleep in the bedroom rather than, let's say, the living room or any other area in the household. This is because the brain associates that specific area with rest. Setting up a dedicated workspace and continuously staying in that area during work hours can help you in the long run by training your brain's association with the area for work. This association can help you focus, and will significantly boost your productivity in the long run.

Take a Breather Once in a While

Some would say that taking breaks is a lazy habit, or that it is a sign of not being productive enough. However, studies say that taking breaks between working hours reduces the possibility of burnout and mental fatigue, both of which could negatively impact one's productivity levels.

Remember, you are your greatest asset. Although dedication is a good work ethic, allowing yourself to rest is essential and beneficial, both for your career and your well-being. Resetting your mind after a short rest can help improve your focus and concentration, allowing you to finish tasks faster and stress-free. It refreshes your creativity and energizes you.

Set Clear Realistic Goals

Keeping a to-do list and creating a timetable, for example, can help you organize your tasks and do them promptly. Moreover, visually tracking your progress can significantly enhance motivation and self-assurance. By establishing project timelines and adhering to them, you can effectively combat procrastination.

It's important to remember that every freelancing journey is unique. Remember, Be confident in your journey, and be kind to yourself throughout.