I have been freelancing as a copywriter in Dublin for just over 2 years now. So in many ways, I’m still very green. However, that has not prevented me from coming across some very colourful and diverse clients so far. We can all agree that every industry has its fair share of characters that make things both interesting and frustrating. Such is life, right?
So without further ado, let me talk a little about the type of copywriting clients I’ve worked with so far. Each client falls under one of the below groups at least.
1. The Cheapskate.
This is the client that would try to get as much value as possible from you, while trying to pay you peanuts in the process. Granted, you will find clients that are very hands-on because of the very small size of their business, or simply do not have a lot of liquid cash and have very little idea about how you can help them.
When this happens it is up to you, the copywriter, to explain what you do and how you can help them.
But the cheapskate I’m referring to here is the one that truly understands your value to their business, but will still try to cheat you just because they can. Keep your eyes peeled for these ones.
2. The Hands-Off Client.
This one is a dream client to work with. This type of client usually wants someone else to worry about marketing strategy, while they focus on other things. Other times, they simply have no idea what they want or what’s going on in their business.
Regardless, they trust that you understand their business needs, and will allow you to do your work freely and independently, with little interference.
The only thing they want in return is results, and will reach out on rare occasion to briefly discuss strategy.
3. The Final-Say Client.
This is the one that scrutinizes your every work and will frequently make changes before publishing it.
This client can be a nightmare to work with if you’re not ready, or if you’re the type of copywriter who becomes attached to their work.
It is important to remember – a copywriter should never become attached to their copy. It prevents you from being objective, and close-minded to any form of criticism.
This type of client is usually either a control freak, or a client with high standards. You will know the difference by the quality of changes they make to your submitted copy.
4. The Over-Communicator.
This one makes you regret why they have your phone number.
They will ring you every time they can because they probably think you’re now family. They consider text messages, voice messages, WhatsApp & emails to be a complete waste of time, and fail to consider that you also have other clients besides them.
To prevent this, it is important that you communicate this respectfully to the client and set professional boundaries.
5. The Tech-Unfriendly Client.
This client is fatally allergic to any form of contact. Does not check messages or emails, and is hard to reach by phone even in urgencies.
The best way to deal with this type of client is to keep a concise log of all the times you tried to get in contact with them, and stick to your deadlines no matter what.
That way, you do not give them an opportunity to mess with your money when the time comes for them to pay.
6. The One.
The One is the client that does not bargain when you mention your fee, is very agreeable and cooperative, provides you with whatever tools or information necessary for you to carry out your tasks, and then leaves you be.
The search for this client still continues.
And there you have it – the various types of copywriting clients I have worked with so far. Can you relate? Regardless of what you do, let me know in the comments if you have encountered any of the above. Or what other type of clients you have encountered in your line of work.
