Freelancers know too well the struggles of landing a client. That’s especially true for newer and intermediate freelancers. Therefore, when an opportunity to bag multiple clients comes along, most freelancers will always embrace it.
Unfortunately, managing multiple clients is not an easy task. It requires a great deal of organization and prioritization. So, you must improve your project management skills.
Fortunately, you can manage multiple clients and make your freelance job easier with the help of the right practices and tools. We’ve compiled four tips to help you satisfy all of your clients while producing high-quality work.
Managing Multiple Clients Successfully
1. Prioritize your tasks
The truth is that not every project is made equal, and different projects have different deliverables. Each client will have distinctive needs, budgets, and objectives. Some freelance writing or editing jobs also require basic graphic design services, while others require only written output. Some tasks will pay more than others, depending on the complexity. Therefore, keep track of where you’re receiving the best value for your money and effort.
If you break down each project and decide which ones to prioritize first, you’ll be able to complete them all sooner or later. You must develop a strategy for prioritizing tasks. You can use a prioritization matrix to identify which tasks must be accomplished first.
A prioritization matrix, like the one shown in the image below, helps you prioritize your tasks to ensure you don’t overlook crucial jobs while managing multiple clients.
Make a list that includes all your tasks in one place. Determine what’s essential based on your actual goals as a freelance writer. Consider what may require more time and effort and identify where you have the tightest deadlines.
2. Plan your week
Weekly planning is essential for organizing your weekly goals and priorities. Planning your week saves time, increases productivity, and allows you to do more. You also become more organized and gain control of your schedule, allowing you to focus on your top goals for the week.
So, set aside some time to sit down and organize your week. Set a clear idea of where you are currently and what progress you want to make by the end of the week for each client. When making a plan for the week, note any changes to your schedule, and determine where you need to pick up the pace.
A systematized way of doing things will greatly help especially if you work with multiple people or have a team. To start organizing your week, determine the average number of hours you anticipate working each week for each customer. This spreadsheet, for example, lists each client’s hours per week, minutes per day, rate, and expected weekly profits.
It’s also a good idea to create a project timeline system to keep track of various deadlines and make changes as needed. Use a project management tool like Trello to track what you’ve completed, what you’re working on, and what is coming up next.
3. Set expectations with your clients
To meet your client’s needs, you must accurately define their expectations and provide enough hours as promised. You must be explicit about your ability while speaking with clients, especially if they’re paying you per article or social post.
To set realistic goals and expectations, ensure they’re detailed, measurable, reachable, timely, and relevant. Create a list of the things you need to complete, decide how you will accomplish them, factor in the time you need to do your research for articles, and establish an internal deadline that you’ll be comfortable with.
You must consider deadlines in the context of your overall workload. When you consider your workload as a whole, rather than simply on a client-by-client basis, you’ll be much more realistic when setting deadlines and avoid overextending yourself.
Setting clear boundaries with clients is also essential when you start a business as a freelancer. Inform your clients about how often you check your emails and when you are available for phone calls.
The message below, for example, informs consumers of when they may contact them and what they should do while they wait. There are also features within the iPhone and other Mac mail alternatives that enable you to automatically inform clients that you have your notifications paused. Forbes also provides a good guide on setting healthy boundaries with clients.
That way, you may help structure the journey of your client. It is also critical to effectively communicate with your clients for the entire process to be productive. You must maintain a concise, straightforward, and context-driven communication style.
4. Keep reminders for essential tasks
When dealing with multiple clients, it’s so easy for certain tasks to fall through the cracks and be forgotten, particularly if you’re working on multiple articles at the same time.
This is dangerous because a few forgotten tasks can ruin your entire schedule for the week. Worse still, you may disappoint and even lose a client when you fail to deliver a project on time. That’s why reminders are so critical.
Fortunately, today’s technologies provide tons of tools to help you set reminders and stay on top of all your tasks. Your reminders will be most effective if you rapidly clarify the exact tasks you need to perform and why they are vital.
When you set your reminders, be as precise as possible. Each reminder should include at the very least a particular time and date for the reminder, the tasks it relates to, and any personnel you need to consult.
Managing Multiple Clients Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
There’s no denying that managing multiple clients as a freelance writer can be hectic and time-consuming. But, staying on top of all of your different assignments, deadlines, and relationships is essential if you want to cultivate a positive and professional reputation.
You must put extra effort into organization and management throughout your freelancing career to stay ahead of the competition. Put these tips to use, and you’ll be able to simplify your workload, stay organized, and retain delighted clients.
About the author
Baidhurya Mani is the founder of SellCoursesOnline.com. He regularly shares tips, tools, and strategies to help creators and entrepreneurs build a successful online course business.
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