Good.
Decent.
That was the kind of client I had when I was starting out.
✅ He communicated properly.
✅ He was strict, but respectful.
✅ He told me clearly what he wanted.
✅ He did not micromanage me.
✅ And the best part, he trusted me and gave me a chance even though he knew I was a newbie.
I found him on Upwork. He was actually my first client and then became my second. I worked as his researcher and assistant for two months, and I got paid decently.
I know I talk a lot about bad clients and red flags, based on my own experience. But I want to be clear. I did not only experience bad clients. I also had good ones. Decent ones.
Not all clients are bad.
Just like not all freelancers are bad.
There are clients who know how to respect you, your time, and your boundaries.
These types of clients are rare. And when you find one, build a genuine relationship.
Treasure the connection.
Do not burn the bridge.
Always stay respectful, even if you are no longer working together.
Sometimes, clients like this can lead to referrals.
Mine did not give me any referrals, and that is okay. What mattered more was that he did not give me headaches while we were working together.
And honestly, that already counts as a good client.
One of the easiest ways to look professional as a beginner is having simple systems.
Forms for clients, payments, and requests matter more than you think.
This is what I recommend. 👇
Takeaways:
As a beginner, you won’t immediately know if a client is good or decent. That comes with time and experience.
But you will notice how they communicate.
Clear communication is often the first green flag.
A client who knows what they want.
A client who explains the outcome clearly.
A client who doesn’t waste your time or keep moving the goalposts.
You don’t need to judge the client’s personality or intentions right away. Just pay attention to how they communicate with you.
Most problems in freelancing start with poor communication.
And most decent clients reveal themselves by being clear from the start.
That’s usually your first signal.
You can also find me here:
Post to you soon 📩
Charmaine 🩷😊