7 Ways to Set Boundaries with Your Freelance Clients
Boundaries are healthy. They help you feel empowered to do your best work. They let you control what you allow into your life and what you don't. That’s important when you’re a business of one – no one is going to set boundaries for you. How can you go about setting boundaries with your freelance clients?
And more importantly, how do you enforce those boundaries without coming off as rude or unprofessional?
I asked seven freelancers what boundaries they maintain with clients for better relationships. Here’s what they shared:
Ask for Advance Payment
One boundary I've set is that my clients always pay me before they receive any work from me. I'm not an "on-demand" service, so I don't deliver any content until the client has paid for it. This way, if they decide not to use my services after all—or if something comes up unexpectedly and they need more time or information—they're not left hanging without a final product or invoice.
I also make sure to give my clients as much information as possible about what their expectations should be before we start working together. If they have questions or concerns later on down the line, I want them to know that they can talk directly to me about those things instead of just assuming things will be okay for them even though they aren't.
Shaun Connell, Founder, Writing Tips Institute
Set a Strict Deadline
One boundary that I always set with my clients is a strict deadline. I never start a project without knowing when the client needs it, and I always make sure to deliver on time (or early). This boundary has served me well because it shows my clients that I'm reliable and that I take my deadlines seriously. It also helps to keep me on track and prevents me from getting too overwhelmed with work.
If a client tries to push me on the deadline, I politely remind them of our agreement and ask if there is any flexibility. If not, I stick to my original timeline. This has been an effective way to set and enforce boundaries with my clients.
It's never easy to set boundaries with clients, especially when you're first starting out. You want to be seen as professional and easy to work with, but you also don't want to be taken advantage of. It can be a delicate balance, but it's important to find a way to set boundaries that work for you.
Benjamin Basic, Content Writer, Fast Food Menu Prices
Insist on a Quote Before Beginning Work
I have a very specific boundary that I set with my freelance clients: they must be able to afford what I’m giving them.
I enforce this by insisting on a quote before I start working so I can make sure they will be able to afford what I am offering. If they don't have enough funds available, they need to find another freelancer before they hire me.
It is important for me to keep this boundary because if the client doesn't have enough money or resources to do their project, then it won't be a good experience for them, and it will waste my time as well.
Amer Hasovic, Content Writer, Love & Lavender
Define Your Hours
As freelancers, it's easy to find yourself answering emails or calls in the early mornings and late nights, dinners out with friends, or when you should be sleeping. We're constantly on the grind, communicating with clients and working on projects, so if we have spare time, we use it for work. During the contract phase, I add a clause where I write the days and hours that clients can contact me and expect a prompt response. If they contact me outside those hours, it's up to me to respond when it's convenient. And it sets expectations and clarity for both of us.
No Phone Calls or Emails on Weekends
When working as a freelancer, it is important to set communication boundaries. Sometimes people are convinced that you're constantly in work mode since you are a freelancer. Then, they call or write emails late, on weekends, or during holidays. Therefore, it is vital to establish good communication practices regarding contact hours, response timescale, and contact methods.
For me, the most important thing was to let clients know that weekends are not the right time to contact me, especially by phone. If they write an email on Saturday, they can expect a response on Monday. Even if I devote those days to work, I want to avoid dealing directly with customers, their concerns, or problems. The same goes for public holidays or days off. It's not worth forgetting that as freelancers, we also need rest, and depending on the nature of our work or the intensity of our duties, we want to enjoy the benefits of the weekend.
Nina Paczka, Community Manager, Live Career
Scope: Stick to It!
It's easy to lose yourself in a project, particularly when it comes to scope. Clients tend to change their minds and/or request new things mid-project. This is to be expected. We as contractors need to be able to manage these requests gracefully and provide guidance.
***REPEAT AFTER ME***
"JUST BECAUSE I LIKE MY CLIENT AND I'M A NICE PERSON DOESN'T MEAN I SHOULD DISCOUNT MY WORK/VALUE OF SAID WORK."
A basic list of "To Do" items can make or break you when it comes to managing boundaries.
I prefer simple and straightforward steps like this:
1. Address that the new request is out of the initial project scope but that you want to work with them.
2. Provide a quote for the additional work requested.
3. Continue to work on the currently agreed-upon project, so as to not delay progress which could result in missed milestones/due dates.
Work with your client and communicate, this isn't personal--it's business. They will appreciate the boundaries you establish!
Lindsey (Linds) Pfeiffer, SEO | Digital Marketing | Sales, Freelance
Select Your Channels of Communication
I run my business primarily via traditional business hours and prefer email over Slack/WhatsApp/social media messages because the latter can easily get buried. I hate missing important messages! I let clients know they can add me to their Slack channels, but I only check it a couple of times a day because I'm writing. My clients understand writers need to concentrate.
Jennifer Phillips April, Copywriter and Content Strategist, Write Words Marketing