Do you shy away from Small Clients? Rethink this Decision
Some freelance writers only want to work with large clients. This includes national publications, large websites, and companies with 500 or more employees (on average). Does this sound like you? If so, you may want to rethink this decision. While there is nothing wrong with working with large clients, those that are smaller have a lot to offer as well. Not taking the time to work with small clients may be holding back your progress as well as your income.
Why do some freelance writers shy away from small clients? For one, they think that small clients pay less. I have found this to be true and false. I have small clients, one man shows for that matter, that pay good money. But of course, I have also worked with small clients that are trying to save money because they are on a tight budget. The lesson to be learned is that you should not “stereotype” potential clients based on size. Just because a company or publication is small does not mean they will want you to work for peanuts. Some of them realize that paying competitive rates is the best way to receive quality content.
Do you feel that all big clients are great to work with and pay above the industry average? This is a myth. Just like small clients, those that are large can skimp on money and be difficult to work with. In fact, I have found that so-called large clients can be more difficult to communicate with because there are many people involved and a lot of other things going on around them.
If you want to grow your career and income you need to realize that every client, regardless of size, has the potential to help you in many ways. Don’t shy away from small clients because you think they are “minor league” and cannot pay you what you are worth. This is definitely not the case across the board.
January 8th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I’d definitely echo this. Assuming the client is reliable, there’s something quite reassuring about the person who commissions/receives your work also being the one who signs the check (or clicks the PayPal button).
Incidentally, is there any way you could include a Reply/Comment link in the e-mailed version of your posts? It might be a useful reminder to people who might offer feedback but are so used to just reading messages and hitting delete.
January 8th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
There are a lot of seemingly small clients who do pay better than large companies.
No small clients or large clients — just clients. They bring food to the table and I like them for that. Some can be itchy bitchy, but that’s a part of the package.
As long as you deliver, there shouldn’t be a problem.
Chris, As John suggested, it helps if you can have a “email when comments show up” system here
January 8th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
John - Thanks for the comment. To get to the post all you have to do is click the title in your email and you will be here to leave a comment. I hope that helps!
Ashwin - You are right, but for whatever reason some writers see clients as big and small - me included. Fortunately, as you mentioned, all money spends the same.
January 18th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
For me, small clients are the best clients. I’d sooner go after a smaller client than a large company. There just seems to be better communication, and it’s always so much easier to stay on the same page.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:43 am
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