How to recover as a ghostwriter, when you've lost a client?
Being a freelance writer is a bit like riding a motorcycle. There's the thrill of the open road and the freedom to go where you want, but there are also bumps, unexpected turns, and the occasional breakdown.
Losing a client, especially a big one, can feel like a major breakdown. You might feel lost, unsure of yourself, and worried about the future. But trust me, it's not the end of the road.
It's a chance to take a breath, learn a few things, and get back on track stronger than before.
Why Did They Leave?
The first thing you need to do when you lose a client is to figure out why. It's like trying to fix an engine – you need to know what's broken. There could be many reasons, and it's not always your fault.
But understanding what happened can help you avoid the same situation in the future.
Project Problems
Sometimes, it's about the project itself. Maybe there was a mismatch between what the client wanted and what you delivered. It's like when a band and a singer aren't on the same page – the music just doesn't sound right.
- Not seeing eye-to-eye: If you and the client had different ideas about the project's direction, it could lead to problems. Clients usually have a clear vision for their book or content, and your job is to help them achieve that, not push your own ideas.
- Quality matters: If your writing wasn't up to par, or if it got worse over time, the client might have looked elsewhere. It's like serving a dish that's not cooked properly – people won't want to eat it.
- Deadlines are crucial: Missing deadlines can really frustrate clients and mess up their plans. It's like promising to be somewhere at a certain time and then showing up late – it's not a good look.
- Organization is key: If your writing was all over the place, it could mean you didn't structure it well. It's like trying to build something without a blueprint – it's going to be a mess.
- Style mismatch: If your writing style didn't fit the client's preferred voice, that can be a problem, even if you get feedback. It's like trying to wear clothes that don't fit – it's just not comfortable.
- Know your limits: If you took on a project that wasn't in your area of expertise, the result might not have been what the client needed.
Client-Side Issues
Sometimes, it's not about you at all. Clients have their own reasons for moving on, and it might not have anything to do with your performance. It's like a store closing down – it might not be because the employees weren't doing a good job.
- Internal changes: Things like changes in leadership or company structure can affect a project.
- Priorities shift: A project that was important to the client might not be anymore.
- Money matters: Sometimes, clients have to cut costs, even if they don't want to.
- Loss of interest: Clients might just lose interest in the project or realize it's more work than they thought.
- Better alternatives: They might find another writer they think is a better fit.
- Unrealistic expectations: Some clients might not understand what goes into ghostwriting or give unclear instructions.
- Personality clashes: Sometimes, you just don't click with a client.
- Lack of feedback: Vague complaints from a client don't help you improve.
- Changing their mind: Sometimes, clients don't know what they want until they see a draft, which can lead to big changes or cancellation.
External Factors
Sometimes, things happen that are beyond anyone's control. It's like getting caught in a storm – you can't really do anything about it.
- Budget cuts: The client might have to reduce their spending.
- Strategic shifts: The client might decide to focus on other forms of content, like video.
- In-house shift: The client might decide to hire their own writers.
- Company trouble: In the worst case, the client's company might go out of business.
- AI competition: The rise of AI writing tools is changing the game.
Your Own Actions
While it's not always your fault, sometimes you might have contributed to the problem. It's important to be honest with yourself.
- Ignoring the client's vision: If you tried to take the project in a different direction than what the client wanted, they might have found someone who would listen.
- Missing the client's voice: If you didn't capture the client's unique style, that's a big issue.
- Being inflexible: If you weren't willing to make changes, that can cause problems.
- Not building relationships: If you didn't connect with the right people, you might be relying on less stable work.
- Wrong mindset: If you're not fully committed to ghostwriting, it can show.
How to Handle the Immediate Aftermath
When a client ends a contract, it's important to stay professional. It's like when you're in a tough situation – you need to keep your cool.
- Acknowledge it: Respond to the client's message quickly and directly.
- Show empathy: Even if you're upset, show that you understand their decision.
- Ask for feedback: Politely ask why they ended the contract. This can help you improve.
- Don't get defensive: Stay calm and professional.
- Offer solutions (maybe): If you think you can fix the problem, you can offer solutions, but be careful.
- Make it a smooth transition: Clarify the end date, finish up any work, and hand over any files.
- Send a final invoice: Make sure you get paid for the work you did.
- Be grateful: Thank them for the opportunity and wish them well.
If a client just disappears on you ("ghosts" you), try reaching out a few times. If you don't hear back, send a final email saying you're closing the project and sending an invoice. Keep records of all your communication.
Learn from It
Once you've dealt with the immediate situation, take some time to think about what happened. It's like reviewing a game – you want to see what you did well and what you can improve.
- Be honest with yourself: Look at the quality of your work, your deadlines, and your communication.
- Understand the client: Did you really get what they wanted?
- Look for warning signs: Were there any early signs of trouble that you missed?
- Think about your value: Did you provide more than just writing?
- Review your process: How can you be more organized?
- Consider your rates: Were your rates fair?
- Adapt to changes: Do you need to change your services to keep up with the market?
- Don't rely on one client: Do you need to find more clients to be more stable?
It's important to be kind to yourself during this process. Don't blame yourself or get stuck in negative thoughts. Losing a client doesn't mean you're a failure. Focus on what you can learn and how you can grow.
Think about what you did well too. Recognizing your strengths can give you a boost of confidence. Try to see things from the client's perspective as well. This can help you understand the situation better.
Build a Strong Foundation
To attract new clients, you need a good portfolio and a strong online presence. It's like showing off your skills to potential employers.
- Showcase your work: Describe your past projects without giving away confidential information.
- Create samples: Develop dummy content that shows your writing styles and tones.
- Get permission: If you can, share excerpts from your work with potential clients, but only with permission and under an NDA.
- Get testimonials: Positive feedback from past clients can really help your credibility.
- Use case studies: Anonymized case studies can show how you've helped clients.
- Focus on results: When describing your work, focus on how it helped clients, like increasing engagement.
- Include a permissions clause: In future contracts, include a clause that allows you to use the work in your portfolio, with some limitations.
- Maintain a private portfolio: Keep a record of all your ghostwritten work for your own reference.
- Share your expertise: Write blog posts or articles about ghostwriting to attract clients.
Your Online Presence
- LinkedIn: Make sure your headline and summary clearly state that you're a ghostwriter and highlight your skills. Share valuable content and engage with others in your industry. Ask for recommendations to build your credibility.
- Website: Your website should be a central hub for your business. Include a portfolio, a blog, and a way for people to contact you. Optimize your website for search engines and display testimonials.
Expand Your Network
Networking is crucial for freelance writers. It's like making connections in any industry – it can lead to new opportunities.
- Online networking: Use LinkedIn, Twitter(X), Facebook groups, and online forums to connect with potential clients and other writers. Write guest posts for relevant blogs and use platforms like Medium to share your expertise. Be careful with low-paying opportunities, but consider using platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Offline networking: Attend writing conferences, workshops, and literary festivals. Go to industry-specific events and join local business organizations. Host or participate in meetups and reach out to people for informational interviews.
When you network, focus on building genuine relationships and offering value to others. Always have business cards ready.
Building strong connections requires being authentic and engaged. Focus on quality over quantity in your relationships. Be yourself, show interest in others, and offer help when you can. Follow up with new contacts and stay in touch with past clients. Consider joining professional organizations for ghostwriters.
Find New Opportunities
Finding new ghostwriting work requires being proactive. It's like hunting for a job – you need to know where to look and how to present yourself.
- Use platforms and job boards: General freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can be a good starting point. Specialized platforms can also be helpful. Check job boards like ProBlogger, use LinkedIn's job search function. Consider joining professional organizations.
- Craft compelling pitches: Tailor your pitches to each client and project, showing that you understand their needs. Highlight your relevant experience and your ability to adapt your writing style. Include writing samples that are relevant to the project. If you can't share ghostwritten samples, offer to create a short, tailored sample. Clearly explain the value you'll bring to the project and be professional in your communication. Follow up on your pitches.
Build Strong Client Relationships
Building long-term relationships with clients is crucial. It's like any relationship – it needs trust, communication, and effort.
- Communicate effectively: Be clear, consistent, and prompt in your interactions. Respond to inquiries quickly and provide regular updates. Practice active listening and ask questions to make sure you understand the client's vision.
- Be professional: Meet deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and honor your contracts. Be transparent about your process and set realistic expectations. Build rapport with your clients and show interest in their goals. Seek feedback and be flexible.
- Add value: Go beyond just writing and offer strategic insights. If you have other skills like SEO or editing, offer those services too. Be proactive, suggest ideas, and try to exceed expectations. Stay in touch with clients even after the project is done and offer repeat clients preferred rates.
Future-Proof Your Career
To avoid problems in the future, it's a good idea to diversify your services and adapt to changes. It's like not putting all your eggs in one basket.
- Offer different content formats: Don't just write books. Offer articles, blog posts, speeches, social media content, and more.
- Explore different niches: Don't limit yourself to one industry. Find niches that interest you and match your skills.
- Develop additional skills: Learn things like SEO, content strategy, editing, and marketing to make yourself more valuable.
- Consider co-authoring: Collaborate with other writers to diversify your work.
- Create your own products: Develop ebooks, online courses, or templates to generate passive income.
- Offer consulting or coaching: Help aspiring authors or businesses with their content strategy.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and be willing to learn new things. Be open to using new tools and technologies. Invest in your professional development and experiment with new ways of doing things.
Embrace the Journey
Losing a client is never easy, but it's a part of the freelance life. It's like facing challenges in any journey – they can make you stronger. By being proactive, professional, and reflective, you can bounce back and build a successful career.
It's about learning from your experiences, building strong relationships, and being adaptable. That's how you navigate the ups and downs of freelancing and achieve lasting success.