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Unclear expectations from those you freelance for

  • amelia88 Level 1
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    Unclear expectations from those you freelance for

    One of the things I find frustrating about freelance work is that many places can be unclear in their expectations when they want something written. They might expect something to be written to a certain word count but not explain that to you, they might want things written in a more relaxed or more formal style, they might want it written to target a certain audience - and all those things play into how I write pieces. I've found myself having to ask a lot more questions as I've gone along in freelancing, to try and work out exactly what clients are looking for before I start a project.

    How do you deal with people who don't put forth their clear expectations from the start?

    #Freelance #Writing Articles
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    Barida

    Barida

    There is definitely nothing better than we can do that to talk it out with them at the beginning of the work. I mean that you cannot predict this is the way that your client want the work to be if you don't ask. So, what I do, is to ask the person the manner I should write in order to avoid issues later.
    6 years ago

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    fishbate

    fishbate

    I agree, talking to your client is the best way to prevent issues. Also you can try making a sampler and show your clients some options. This way your client can able to see a glimpse of your writing methods and can do some recommendations before you can start writing.
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    Exactly.. It's always best to establish communication so that you'll be able to connect with your clients. It could also actually start good relationships. And yes, giving a sample is very helpful.
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    That's actually the problem sometimes. As writers, we sometimes assume that we've understood the needs of our clients and that their minds won't change anymore. Unfortunately, after finishing the task and writing the full article with a hundred percent confidence, the client sometimes turn it down without even specifying the reasons why.
    6 years ago

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    jeffreyjose48

    jeffreyjose48

    That's not good. I believe that expectation most be clear. It must pointed out clear what they want from your freelancing job. The problem there if you don't meet their expectation is going to be bad. I hope you will not experience this often.

    I believe in meeting of expectations. What is expected needs to be met. How can those expectations supposed to be met if there is no clarity of it. You ask them question first.
    6 years ago

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    Steve5

    Steve5

    I think it happens really often. People don't give a clear set of instructions on what to do. And we end up violating their rules without being aware of it. So I can't say that we're to blame. But it hardly matters since they will assume that we're the ones at fault. This is why I avoid those with ambiguous conditions.
    6 years ago

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    Martinsx1

    Martinsx1

    It's true that there are some situations whereby a client wouldn't be clear enough in stating what he or she wants. Now, I wouldn't blame the writer to write with his or her own discretion but where I would blame the freelance writer is in failing to get all the details and instructions from the client on how the job should be. As a writer you are meant to ask questions if you are not given all the details.
    6 years ago

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    Steve5

    Steve5

    I'd say that it's not the writer's fault if they've actually asked and clarified more than once just to be sure. Lots of writers often ask repeatedly so that they know the client's conditions. The problem is that many clients fail to properly or completely inform the writer of their expectations. And so they end up dissatisfied and blame the writer for their faults.
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    Exactly. Clients will always think of the rule "the customer is always right" and will never have an open mind about their mistakes. Being a freelancer, we can't do anything about them because our salaries come from them and we are not bound by any contract therefore they are not obliged to pay us especially if they're not satisfied with our products.
    6 years ago

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    Steve5

    Steve5

    I know, right? It's totally unfair. I find it unreasonable whenever stuff like this happens. I hope more clients become self-aware of their faults. People like to put the blame on us freelancers. I'm sure in time they'll realize that they're the ones at fault. And by that time, we'll have moved on.
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    True.. In any services either it be full time or freelance, the customers are always considered right. That's why whenever I accept jobs, I always make sure to do everything faultless so that my clients won't have anything to complain about it. And, if ever they do I always slap them with facts so that they'll shut up.. And yes, I hope that someday, they'll be able to use their brains and understand that they are also at fault.
    6 years ago

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    jennyfermanuel

    jennyfermanuel

    Nice Unclear expectations from those you freelance for Good to see someone speaks up about this problem.
    Well I hope the clients will be more aware of every details they want the freelancer to do.
    6 years ago

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    fishbate

    fishbate

    That's true and it's a clients negligence but the effects are in writers time and effort. This is a very unfortunate reality. That's why writers now are the ones who take the initiative to ask the requirements and other details to prevent problems before writing.
    6 years ago

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    Steve5

    Steve5

    What's sad is that despite our efforts, they often don't include all the necessary details. We end up getting blamed for stuff they forgot to put. Freelance writers have to put up with a lot of injustice and negativity. But that only makes them all the better and wiser.
    6 years ago

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    fishbate

    fishbate

    I agree, that's why some writers take notes and have some requirement list to assure that what being written is only what is needed.
    Also some writers is the one that communicate more to assure a smooth transaction.
    6 years ago

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    Kakashi2020

    Kakashi2020

    Most job sites and micro Job sites who offer online work is just an intermediary between the the worker and the client but the real negotiations begins through chat, the problem with this is almost all of the time some descriptions of the work to be done are not initially indicated and what happens is additional work would be added but the price would be the same.
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    Exactly. And the worst part is, when you're a starting freelancer most of the jobs you'll get are cheaply priced and in order to increase your reputation, whatever the client tells you to do you'll have to do it. It's just sad that it feels like you're working for free because most of the things you'll do like revisions are free of charge.
    6 years ago

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    jaymish3

    jaymish3

    I agree with you 150% . Lack of clear instructions makes freelancing work so much more harder then it has to be. People just don't understand that they are diffrent types of writing and all you need to do is point your writer to which one you expect.Employers always blame writers for not producing work to the expected standard, but most instructions are not clear. I tend to skip jobs where I feel, the employer is confused or the instructions are not clear. They are some freelancing sites where the rate of approval is dismissal . This can't be purely the fault of freelancers. People also have to understand, that no one can write to your standards, after all they are not you.
    6 years ago

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    DenisP

    DenisP

    "This can't be purely the fault of freelancers."

    You'd be surprised. With the massive, worldwide availability of the internet, there are thousands of people out there who genuinely believe they are good enough to make money as freelance writers. They think they are deserving of praise and monetary rewards despite their English being subpar.

    I don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but I've seen examples of dismal writing through public forums. I do paid forum posting as a form of spare income, and as a result I get to see the writing of other fellow paid forum posters. People will unironically argue in broken English with forum owners as to why they've received a low rating. These are the same people who are also apparently doing freelance writing.

    I don't mean to discourage anyone from learning proper spelling and grammar, as being proficient in multiple languages is a wonderful thing. But you don't earn praise and reward by being sub-standard, and that is exactly what many aspiring freelance writers are.
    6 years ago

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    Martinsx1

    Martinsx1

    @DenisP The truth is that some people (so called writers) are too lazy to improve on their work, even when they have been on the job for a long period of time. There are tools which one can use to improve his/her writing and make it free of grammatical errors, spellings etc.

    One of these tools is grammarly, but most times these self proclaimed writers don't want to improve and get better and it makes a mess of the whole thing.
    6 years ago

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    DenisP

    DenisP

    I mean I can't say I disagree. A lot of people, somewhere along the line, had also developed huge egos. Maybe they worked for places with lower standards and had convinced themselves that they are good enough. Not just good enough, but excellent. They're genuinely convinced that their writing is great and become offended when someone criticizes it. As I had mentioned about writers getting into arguments with forum owners, I see these people giving owners grief and yet I could point out a minimum of five grammar mistakes in just their argument alone.
    6 years ago

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    DenisP

    DenisP

    The best way to deal with these circumstances is to simply ask. It may be a nuisance and take time away from your actual work, but the fact is that if you've already landed the work, you're best off getting the specifics so you're not wasting your time. You want to do the work right rather than having to rewrite it, or worse yet getting a bad reputation with the client.

    A lot of people don't like to think of themselves this way, but the fact is that we freelancers are servants. We have a symbiotic relationship with our clients, because without them we don't have work, and without us they don't have content. It is in our best interest to provide the most accurate work we can, even if it means biting the bullet and having to email them with specific questions.

    It might sound a bit patronizing, but you need to have pity on some people. If they are inexperienced with the industry then they might not know that there are certain conditions and requirements which writer's must know in order to provide work which is best suited for their site. After you question them, they will learn that it isn't as simple as saying "I want an article on this, and I want you to write it."
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    That's a good point - I do think that a lot of the time, the people who need content aren't even always sure what they want. It might be their first foray into the world of even managing other people, so I do try and keep that in mind when I am dealing with potential employers.

    I'm getting more into the habit of asking people if they want me to write up a proposal for what I assume they want or need. This has helped a lot with me as the writer identifying what I think they want - and any grey areas are worked out as a team.
    6 years ago

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    ballyhara

    ballyhara

    Totally agree. I had an issue quite some months ago, while I was freelancing, and one of the sites made me a warning. I wrote some lines to one of the managers, he did some recommendations, and I answered back by sending my work, showing that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to. He realized I was doing my job, but he never apologized, or never told me why they were warning me. Honestly, that got me confused and irritated, because a simple explanation wasn't that hard. How am I supposed to know what they want, when they don't even know what they want either?
    6 years ago

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    DenisP

    DenisP

    All things in life are a learning experience, and if you've never worked with a freelancer before, you might not always know if it's necessary to lay out conditions beforehand. It's obvious to us because we're writers, but people who don't write for a living actually might not be at all familiar with the writing process. Heck I know when I was starting off, I thought there wasn't much to it. I quickly realized it's harder than it seems, but only because I didn't already have my personalized structures and formats to follow. I certainly wouldn't expect someone who isn't a career writer to view things from that perspective.
    6 years ago

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    Martinsx1

    Martinsx1

    The truth is that there will always be people who are made this way and there is nothing one can do about it other than ask the questions like you do in order not to get a complaint once you have the job finished which could result in going back to redo the job again and it's very frustrating.

    Once a client is not specific well in what he asked for, better ask questions but let it be in a polite manner and I'm sure that everything would turn out to go well.
    6 years ago

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    aeon

    aeon

    You're right. A simple questions are enough to know exactly what the client wants. It's really hard to apply the attention to details attitude if there're no details at all.
    6 years ago

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    treecko142

    treecko142

    I initiate the conversation from the very start. Basically, I already have a list of my very own frequently asked questions that I send to the client so that I can more or less know what they expect of me.
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    If you don't mind me asking, do you have a complete list of what you usually ask? I've got a few questions that I usually double check with clients (length, writing style ie. formal, advertorial, more down to earth/relatable) and when they need it completed. But if you've got any other questions you cover, I'd love to know!
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    Exactly I always make sure to ask them beforehand. If they don't reply I don't start writing at all even or I don't accept the job. If I did accept and they're not contented with it, I always make sure to contact them and ask them about what parts of the article are not good enough to meet their standards.
    6 years ago

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    Barida

    Barida

    This is right in the sense that communicating better with the client that you are handling the job will ensure you get the best out of it. I have always ensure that we talk often when a work is giving to me since it is through that that I get to understand them the more.
    6 years ago

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    jaybee19

    jaybee19

    Exactly. Communication is the key to understanding. When I started freelancing, even if it's concerns about the sites I'm a member of, I always contact the support and never ever release an article or whatsoever just to release my frustrations. I ask them about what's wrong and what should be done and since then I've become a freelancer who always asks my clients similar to what I do with the site owners/support. I'm actually very thankful that it has become my habit and hopefully it'll never change.
    6 years ago

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    aeon

    aeon

    Don't have any personal experience about this, but I think as a writer, or what ever career you have, you should always have plan b, or another recommendation to the clients if they don't like your first proposal.
    6 years ago

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    Barida

    Barida

    Having a plan B is a nice idea, but we should try as much as we can to realize that it is not the best move to make. I mean picture a scenario where you are making two different copies of a topic with hope that one will be accepted. Then, tell me what happens when both are rejected?
    6 years ago

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    aeon

    aeon

    Well, You can still use that. They are not the only clients who looking for that article or what ever topic you made, and other clients are not the same with that demanding one.
    6 years ago

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    Kakashi2020

    Kakashi2020

    That is what I hate most with clients, that's why it's better to work in sites that I won't have to talk to or reason with clients, third party sites which pays me for whatever I've finished, no questions asked as long as what I've submitted is correctly done. Direct contact clients, almost all the time have some additional work they want to be done, but doesn't really want to pay additional cash for it. They would give additional info whenever Ive submitted a partial tranche of the content ordered so what happens is, I have to edit everything again while the deadline for its submission remains the same.
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    You hit the nail on the head for a lot of my frustrations. I also feel like a lot of places don't understand the amount of work that goes into writing pieces - the background research, for instance - and they think things just materialize, when in actual fact there's loads that goes on behind the scenes to get a well written advertorial piece completed.
    6 years ago

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    Corzhens

    Corzhens

    I once had joined a forum that required American English. Since I had been joining forums and had no problem with my English so I joined. But after a few posts, I got a note from the admin that my English is not American so my membership will be banned. That was a courteous act from the admin who I think is the owner of the forum. Until now I am still thinking about that issue - what really is American English. Anyway, that was just one forum but I am now careful in joining forums.
    6 years ago

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    Jeane

    Jeane

    One difference you just but must notice is the spelling differences. That shouldn't be an issue if you are using a spellchecker that uses a U.S english dictionary for reference.

    Another notable difference would be how some words mean one thing in British English and another in American English. An example is the word "bug." While it has many meanings, one of them (in American English), is an insect. That is but one of the many words which if not used correctly would show that you aren't that familiar with American English.
    6 years ago

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    TheArticulate

    TheArticulate

    Most of my freelance work happens offline, and in the form of video and photography for clients. When it comes to video, I've found that people usually default to my opinions and expertise, so I don't have to ask them about things, since they're relatively clear on the fact that they want me to just do what I do.

    When it comes to photography, I have no problem talking to the client and asking questions to find out exactly what they want or need from my work. I don't want to start shooting photos and then find out that I'm doing it completely wrong, or in a way that's not suitable to their needs. It's all about communication. Maybe it's because I'm a people person, but I don't have a problem voicing questions to make sure the job gets done right.
    6 years ago

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    mitan143

    mitan143

    Clients with unexpected expectations which they did not clear in the first place is quite troublesome, though I don't mean that it is their fault not to tell it earlier because they have still the right to check the quality of your work. But there are also some cases that clients are asking more demands or are complaining a lot which is actually not reasonable for what they have requested to be done. Despite of those circumstances, I don't blame my clients for complaining a lot or for asking more which does not included in the agreement in the first place. I used to respect whatever my clients' feedback as long as it also does not giving me so much trouble. I can also take those complaints and expectations as my future guide in order to initiate what may the clients want to expect to their request on my next project or work.
    6 years ago

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    Kakashi2020

    Kakashi2020

    Whenever I have a client that changes things or gives additional instructions at midstream if it's just easy edits then it's no problem but if it affects the content that I've made or making in a big way then I simply tell them to pay double, which they would decline then ill just drop the order. That's why whenever I'm doing something, like an order, if it's deadline is 2 days I'll just do it on the second day. Because a lot of clients are not fair, they tend to ask for more without paying more.
    6 years ago

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    Kakashi2020

    Kakashi2020

    I think it would be better if you would clear things first with the client before accepting the job and also it's best to tell them beforehand that any additional instructions with regards to the the written content would be charged accordingly.
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    I think that’s a good approach - I usually give them an idea of what I expect that they want and go with that but I should also advise them that any revisions will be charged accordingly as well. After all, time is money!
    6 years ago

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    coolavender

    coolavender

    I typically clarify things first if there are vague instructions in any writing assignment. It's better than assuming and then wasting my time by revising the work later. I've learned my lessons well from a past writing assignment that I had to revise substantially just because I had wrong assumptions about that project. I guess we can expect to encounter issues when dealing with a new client but we can minimize problems through proper and timely communication.
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    Yes I guess a big part of that can be attributed to never assuming anything...it's easy to think you have the right idea and an understanding of what the client wants, but without thoroughly talking things over it can be easy to see where things might go wrong!
    6 years ago

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    MittensFXX

    MittensFXX

    This is the main reason I stopped doing freelance work.Many buyers are unclear with what they are really ordering and how they wish their content to be written.In my opinion,you should try to find work from people that know what they want and offer good money for your hard work.
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    It's one of the hardest things about being a freelancer. Sometimes I think people assume it's simple working for yourself, but it's actually really tough dealing with lots of different clients and managing a whole host of different expectations. Sometimes I've wanted to just throw it all in and give up!
    6 years ago

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    mdayrit

    mdayrit

    There is nothing wrong in asking your client his expectations regarding the job. It is better than working too hard on the project then later on revising it just because what is needed is different from what you did. I suggest that you list down all things that you need to clarify and send them in one go. This is to save time and effort, as well as prevent the need of asking too many times. Other clients might not be happy having to exchange messages several times just to answer questions.
    6 years ago

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    amelia88

    amelia88

    Definitely finding that being more direct is helping! I think that ultimately if the client wants things done to their standards then exchanging several messages is par for the course.
    6 years ago

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    Marako0406

    Marako0406

    It's really best to clear things out and asking wouldn't hurt just to make sure that you'll get all things right before starting to work on something. It's really frustrating if the results of your effort and hard work is not what they're expecting so to prevent this from happening, details of the freelance work should be crystal clear and ask anything you need to know because this will save you at the end of the day.
    6 years ago

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    jennyfermanuel

    jennyfermanuel

    Correct. It is a must to be clear on what exactly the job you need to do. But why not try to contact them and ask them your concerns? That way you are helping yourself and you are also helping them see whatever problems needs to be fixed.
    I think it would be better if they give something like a rubric or a clear expectations for the free lancers to meet.
    6 years ago

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    Chinet23

    Chinet23

    I can see that this is one of the challenges when it comes to freelancing. If there is no clear communication then conflicts might arise. To save time and effort and avoid rework, it's better to set things clear from the beginning. There are times though that we cannot guarantee everything will turn out alright or run smoothly. But at least, we can limit the instances of this through communication.
    6 years ago

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    jaymish3

    jaymish3

    Yes I agree, when doing freelance work communication is a key. The single most important thing to do when you get an assignment as a freelancer is to be absolutely clear about the instructions. If you are not clear or are confused or don't understand the instructions then don't take the assignment. Most freelance work is done on the internet. It is not uncommon to find that people from different countries that have different languages are working together. In this situation miscommunication is common.
    6 years ago

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    Aeolos

    Aeolos

    Since they are the customers, they are always right. I mean they have the right what to expect what they want from the work they given unto us. From the very beginning, I always ask them what topics is clearly want to discussed and what would be their views on it. I would give them a rough outline of the article and ask for approval. Upon giving the final output, I would explain how did I approach some ideas to the customers which can be help their confusion sometimes. I always make this steps to ensure their is a good understanding between me and the customers.
    6 years ago

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    beerthooyah

    beerthooyah

    Since we as writers are the one who will be doing the work. We should be the one to set expectations for those people who are hiring us for a specific project. We should be the one to initiate and make it clear from the very start what the outcome should be that will satisfy the client.
    6 years ago

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    romyter013

    romyter013

    Love this topic. Its better to know first before you joined so we know what to expect. Communication is the key so you will know the limit that you can do, not doing it too much then its not paid. And joined on a website where you joined, better first read all the rules and regulations they have so you can as sure you get can your payment because you are following their rules.
    6 years ago

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    jpk0007

    jpk0007

    I think that getting precise instructions about what is expected from you in a particular assignment is very necessary for getting a good quality article. the client will always benefit if he clearly tells the writer what he wants and how the writer should go about it. if the client, however, is himself confused about what he wants from the article then it is likely that he will not be able to instruct the writer about anything. I guess then the writer, if he has some experience in the field, will have to take the initiative and ask appropriate questions o the client and get a clear idea of what is expected from him.
    6 years ago

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    jaymish3

    jaymish3

    I agree@jpk007, that's why I always insist that before you source out your work to freelancer you should know a bit about the work. Try writing the articles yourself first, in time you will learn what you are looking for in an article and what you expect. This is the only way that you can give up clear instructions. You also have to remember that no one can write like you, so you need to learn to judge freelancers objectively. If the job description is not clear, I'm not taking the job.
    6 years ago

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