Three Questions to Ask Prospective Clients
As a freelancer, it can feel like so. Much. Work. to find new clients and projects. And working with a client who’s not the right fit for you and your business? Oof. Hello, burnout.
That’s why it’s so important to vet prospective clients upfront, rather than giving in to the temptation to chase after any project that comes your way. In addition to getting super clear on scope, here are the three questions I always ask when assessing whether a prospective client or project is the right fit for me.
Three Questions to Ask Prospective Clients
What’s their budget?
It’s important to make sure their budget is aligned with your rates before putting time and energy into scoping the work and developing a proposal. If the client doesn’t have a budget in mind yet, you can often get a read by saying something like “do you think your budget will land closer to $1,000, $5,000, or $10,000?” (adjusting the numbers based on the rough scope of the project).
Why is now the right time?
This question can be so helpful in uncovering context around the work. Are you going to be jumping into a fire drill situation? Getting a smooth transition as you step in for someone who’s going out on leave? Did the client just close a funding round and is looking to quickly scale? Understanding the underlying “why” is so helpful in assessing whether a project is the right fit for you.
What does success look like?
With this question, you want to make sure that the prospective client has a clear answer and a realistic sense of what’s achievable based on their budget, timeline, and resources. Is their idea of success something you can help them achieve - and are you excited about doing it?
It can be nerve-wracking to walk away from clients and projects that aren’t a fit, but your time and energy are among your most valuable resources as a freelancer and business owner. Saying no to work that’s going to leave you feeling frustrated, undervalued, or overwhelmed will create space for work and clients that energize you - and that’s going to help grow your freelance business in the long-term.