Generally, freelance copywriting jobs are great if you enjoy flexibility in your work, opportunities to grow and improve your skills, and build long-lasting professional relationships. However, there are times when you’ll have to break up with a client. It could result from a client that doesn’t respect your boundaries, pay you on time, have enough work to keep you busy, or other reasons to let go of the client. You could be overwhelmed with other projects or feel your work isn’t a good fit for the client. Unfortunately, many freelance copywriters are anxious or uncertain about how to break up with clients, but it doesn’t have to be a scary conversation. Follow these do’s and don’ts when breaking up with a client.
The Do’s
Do Attempt to Seek a Resolution Instead of Breaking Up
Even though freelance work is booming, Don’t be too quick to break up with the client, as good freelance copywriting jobs are difficult to find. Similarly, it’s challenging for the client to find a candidate with the right copywriting skills. Instead, assess the situation to determine if there is a resolution before breaking up with the client.
In most cases, the client wants to avoid disrupting their work, including finding a replacement for you. It’s often mutually beneficialSo to find a resolution instead of breaking up.
Don’t be too quick to break up; communication with the client could hold the key to finding a solution. Freelance work is hard to come by, so make it work if you can. It’s possible that the client is not aware of the issue that is pushing you to end the agreement, and if you can communicate the problem to them, they might be able to find a solution.
Do Leave the Door Open for Future Work
Life is full of changes. You never know when you might need to return to the client for future work, so it’s never a good idea to end the relationship in bad taste. You should complete all your obligations to the client, including finishing all your projects with the client and giving them reasonable time to find a replacement. Meanwhile, you can take steps to unlock new freelance copywriting jobs.
In addition, you can do a few different things to leave the door open for future freelance copywriting jobs with the client. Express gratitude for the work you did for them, and show interest in a future role with the client. Don’t forget to leave your contact information with the client to allow them to get in touch with you in the future.
Do Speak on a Human Level
Your client deserves to know exactly why you are leaving. You don’t have to be robotic or blunt, but you should be honest. If there is something wrong at their end, they should know about it. Communicate with them on a human level, which means don’t be overly formal.
It can be unnerving for some freelance writers to explain the actual reason for ending the agreement, which can hinder your relationship with the client in the future.
Do Provide a Next Step for the Client
Freelance copywriting jobs often end abruptly, which could cause disruption for the writer and client. Your client could be upset that you want to end the agreement, but helping them transition can end the agreement on a positive note.
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy and positive relationship with your client is to provide a next step for the client, such as helping them find a suitable replacement for the position you are vacating. If you know someone who would be a good fit, don’t hesitate to recommend them to the client.
The Don’ts
Don’t Burn Bridges
Yes, you can end your agreement without burning a bridge. You might need the client as a reference for your other freelance copyright jobs, or you might want to get back on board with them later. You should never ruin a professional relationship by ghosting a client, not completing assignments, or badmouthing them to other freelancers and clients.
If you are working in a team of freelance copywriters for the client, you should let your client know before any of your teammates, as the client deserves to know first.
Don’t Be Too Reactive
Take your time to assess the situation before communicating your decision to break up. This will help minimize the risks of making an emotional decision that you might regret. It’s best to take a few days or a couple of weeks to think over your decision to end the agreement.
In most cases, the client has to handle different aspects of their business, so any disruption can be frustrating. It’s natural for your client to be surprised by your decision and react poorly, so try to keep calm—even if your client doesn’t.
Don’t Ghost
Whether you have a termination clause in your freelancer agreement or not, ghosting is one of the biggest sins of a freelancer. Ghosting refers to suddenly becoming unresponsive to all forms of communication. Not only is it unprofessional, but it’s also unethical.
You never want to ghost your client, which will end your relationship in bad taste. Ghosting wastes your client’s time, can hurt your reputation, and make it more difficult to land freelance copywriting jobs in the future. It doesn’t matter if you are at the start or end of a project; you should complete your assignments or explain to your client why you cannot.
Don’t Do it in an Email
Just like you should never break up with a girlfriend or boyfriend over a text message, you should try not to end your relationship with a client by email. Instead, schedule a call or meet them in person to let them know that you have decided to terminate your agreement with them and that you are willing to facilitate a smooth transition.
If you can’t get hold of the client through a call or meet with them in person, use a professional email template. You may also send a contract termination letter through the mail; however, that could be too formal and might not allow you to communicate with the client properly.
Ending on a Good Note is Beneficial
Freelance copywriting jobs are all unique, but following these do’s and don’ts will help you end an agreement correctly, without ruining valuable relationships. Professionally and politely ending a client agreement will ensure that you protect your reputation, uphold your obligations to the client, and keep the door open for future work. Check out these resources to keep improving your craft as a freelance writer.
Author Bio
Ali Azhar is a contract copywriter with Content Workshop and a member of Copywriter Exchange.
At Copywriter Exchange, we exist to help copywriters thrive in today’s economy by connecting them with the resources they need to step up their game. Join now to access the best copywriting resources, including our templates, guides, and courses to help you grow your career, skills, and network.
