If you have been a freelancer for a while now, you may have had your fair share of potential and sometimes actual clients who professionally ghost.
This can be incredibly frustrating as a freelancer if the client has expressed interest in working with you, and you get excited about adding that extra income to your income for that project. However, I’ve discovered a few tips on how you can respond to a ghosting client situation. Here are my top 7 tips:
1. Email Track A Ghosting Client
As stalkerish as this may sound, this has played a major part in tracking my clients.
Downloading an email tracker to your browser extension notifies you when an email recipient has opened your email.
If I’ve emailed a client or prospect and they haven’t replied in a while but it shows they have opened it, I will use this as a ground to follow up sooner than if I didn’t have the tracker.
2. Chase A Ghosting Client
If you don’t hear back from someone immediately, don’t give up. It is worth pursuing and trying to chase up.
I’ve shared before that I once had a prospect that I hadn’t heard back from. After following up, she let me know my email had gone to her junk mail, and after conversing some more, she converted into a regular client. So stick to your true freelancer nature and be resilient!
3. Check Other Contact Avenues
If you have tried one way to follow up with a client and they haven’t replied. Try finding other ways to contact them, like their social media platforms.
4. Double Check Emails For Miscommunication
Sometimes, it may be an issue of miscommunication. It’s worth double-checking your previous messages with your ghosting client to see if they said they would get back to you by a certain time or if they suggested that they may be interested instead of a definite interest.
5. Don’t Take It Personally
Avoid taking it too personally if a client appears to be ghosting. 9/10, it’s nothing to do with you.
It could be that they are just too busy to get back to you at the time. As difficult as it may be to dwell on it, try not to take it too seriously as it’s more time an issue on the client’s end rather than yourself.
6. Check If They’ve Been Active On Socials
If they’re not replying to your emails, it may be worth checking if they are active or have posted on other platforms. Maybe leave a comment on one of their posts encouraging them to check their messages?
I would say leave this as one of your later strategies if you really need to get hold of them.
For example, if it’s a client you’ve done work for but have ghosted without paying. I hope it doesn’t get to this stage for you, though!
7. Know When To Let A Ghosting Client Go
If you’ve tried your best and the client is still ghosting, it may be best to let it go. You don’t want it to cause you too much stress. Know when it is the right time to let it go and move on.
I hope these tips have given you more guidance on responding to a ghosting client.
If you are looking for more detailed strategies to start your freelance career, check out my Beginner Freelancer E-course.
