There’s a TV advert for Fiverr that’s currently running in Australia. It shows ‘Marco’, the freelance web designer, being bought a cake by his latest client and being showered with online thanks by the people he’s worked with. It’s certainly a lovely sentiment but, unfortunately, it’s not an experience many freelancers (me included) will recognise.
As I’ve blogged about in the past, freelance workers are often seen as the emergency services. They’re the people you call when you’re in a jam and need an immediate solution to your pressing business problem – and there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with that. But when a talented freelancer DOES help you out of the business hole you’ve fallen into, it’s a good idea to tell them exactly how much you appreciate their help.
Here are just a few ways you could do this – and, in doing so, make your freelancers feel more appreciated, valued and loyal to you as their trusted client.
1. Don’t bring your freelancer into the project at the very last minute
Respect your freelancer and give them as much prior warning as possible that you have a project for them. Don’t bring them in with three days left until a deadline and expect them to work a miracle and turn around your eBook or website in a matter of days.
2. Appreciate that your freelancer has other clients and commitments
Your freelancer can’t drop their entire workload for the week, even if writing your urgent marketing campaign really is ‘a matter of life and death’. Freelancers are constantly juggling work and rearranging work to meet deadlines, so be sympathetic to this.
3. Give your freelancer constructive feedback and comments ASAP
Once a freelancer has sent over a draft of the work, please do get back to them ASAP. The quicker you review the work and give your notes, the sooner the freelancer can plan out their time, make the necessary changes and get you the Ver 2.0 you need.
4. Let your freelancer know once the project is complete
If you’re happy with the draft and the work is now complete, please do tell your freelance worker! You may be onto the next stage of design, publication and social media posts, but your freelancer will want to know that their hard work is finished and will soon see the light of day.
5. Say thanks for the work your freelancer has completed
Once all the loose ends are tied up and the project is complete, please remember to thank your freelancer. Whether it’s a virtual high five, a sincere thank-you email or taking us for an IRL coffee, we will greatly value your thanks and appreciation.
6. Thank your freelancer too when you praise your team
If you have end-of-year awards and shout-outs for your office team, remember that a freelancer also helped you over the line with that sales/marketing/IT target. Include your freelancer in the round-ups and appreciation – and maybe send them a Christmas gift to show you care too.
7. Don’t give your trusted freelancer the silent treatment
If your freelancer gets in touch asking about new projects, don’t just ignore them. You may have no paid work for them at present, but it takes five seconds to send a quick ‘We’ll be in touch soon’ email. Keep that relationship alive and you can always call on them later down the line when needed.
8. Remember that your freelancer relies on your business
Freelancers rely heavily on having regular clients and trusted relationships. If you need to end your relationship due to budget constraints etc, please do give your freelancer as much warning as possible. A month’s notice at least would be the kind thing to do.
Show your freelancers some love, and get it back in spades
Many freelancers work alone, doing the work you ask of them in their home office, at the kitchen table or squatting long-term in their local coffee shop. For me, personally, being part of a client’s team gives me a sense of purpose and belonging – a feeling you miss when you’re not working together in person with a team of fellow employees.
So, show your freelancers some love and make them feel like you truly value their skills, input and long-term commitment to your brand.
We should all be more like Dave Grohl, who recently posted his sincere thanks to every record producer, engineer and musician who helped his band Foo Fighters complete their latest album. These people will almost all be freelancers, working on projects for a band they admire and music they love – so don’t treat your business freelancers any differently.
Tell your freelancer you appreciate them today, and put a smile on someone’s face!
Going Freelance – your 101 guide to becoming a successful freelancer
If you’re a new freelancer reading this post, don’t be disheartened. There are kind, loyal and appreciative business clients out there – the tricky bit is finding them!
If you want to know the ins and outs of being a freelancer, ‘Going Freelance: Building Work Around Your Life’ is your guide to becoming a self-employed success story.
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