The Ugly Truth About Freelancing: How To Deal With Difficult Clients

How To Fire A Client Nicely: 5 Ways To Say Goodbye To Clients From Hell 👿

I think it’s high time we address the elephant in the room… something that affects all my fellow freelancers and creative entrepreneurs…

Dealing with “difficult clients”.

From toxic clients, boundary-pushers, lowballers, late payers and everything in between...

We’ve all been there.

And trust me, I’ve been there many times throughout my career.

😖I’d lower my prices to unreasonable rates.
😒I’d let clients call me on weekends.
😣I’d work at all hours of the day.
😤And I’d agree to the most ridiculous turnaround time without a second thought...

But over the years, I’ve done a lot of mindset work to shift those negative and toxic client/freelancer dynamics.

Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned on setting *healthy* boundaries with clients and standing your ground in the face of pushback.

But let’s be honest…

Sometimes setting boundaries just doesn’t cut it.

When a client is toxic to the core and negatively affecting your emotional and mental health…

Oftentimes the best thing you can do is bid them goodbye. 👋

So at the end of this video, I’m going to share how to fire a client nicely… without burning any bridges or risking your reputation.

It’s gonna get juicy...

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[Noviceking-gsoj]

What I dislike the most are clients who say something like, "I love your work so much, but I just want it to be perfect, " and then continue to complain about every little detail.

[veronicabryant]

I can’t service my clients to the best of my ability if they treat me like dirt.

[lydiac]

I really needed this after today, I don't think they are a toxic client but theres deff something wrong coming away exhausted and frustrated at the end of the day, thanks for the advice :)

[DemetriPanici]

There are clients in freelancing and the agency world who are hard to deal with! Loved this one!

[eugeneolung]

Thanks so much for this Alex, I'm really going through a hard time with a client who treats me as trash. This is probably because I didn't set boundaries and clear expectations earlier 😢😢.

Your Video has made me realize it's time to finally "Fire the client" due to the toxic nature of our relationship.

Thanks once more

[SamVanderWielen]

"Stand Your Ground" is so useful, but SO hard. There's always the nagging voice that you're being mean and you don't want someone to be mad at you. 😮 Love this video - these were awesome tips!

[HeavenlyDivineTaro]

That is true. We have to be emotionally mature to have these difficult conversations. People just don't do what you want and many people can't read minds. When I learned to get up and go because people respond to action quicker than words I was given a gift.

[Typhillipspt]

I love your channel - so underrated! I’ve learnt so much. I’m not a copywriter but I’m still going to do your course because everything you do/say is GOLD 💰

[SundusAnsari-ckcp]

I just put my heads up after watching your video lol, Thank you for this

[emanuel_soundtrack]

this last one is hard, but i truly believe it. I am telling Upwork many things in this sense, that the platform is for people offering services not people “looking for jobs”. I said them to reword this

[richardbarnett]

Absolutely I like your enthusiasm and your education.

[dappeksha]

Superb Video to handle this kind of situation

[SamanthaThomas-dh]

Noelle sent me this video after I was stressing over how to handle a client interaction. lol This video helped me decide to have hard conversations and be willing to ride out the rocky with someone who isn't necessarily toxic, just a bit disorganized and uneducated about how to work with a copywriter. Thanks for this valuable advice, Alex!

[cassyvorster]

Thank u. I am an attorney and I confirm your suggestions are awesome. This vid helped me a lot

[AnchanaChandran]

I have no words to describe how thankful I am to you Alex. You're awesome and amazing. I wish nothing but the best for you ❤

[frittzilla]

Wow!! Alex this is awesome advice! I am literally going through this right now as an SEO!! I have been feeling so lost as a new freelancer and find it hard to communicate my boundaries sometimes because of fear of loss clients. I decided to be a freelancer for the independence and sometimes it feels like that’s being taking advantage of! Your videos have helped me a lot in my journey! Thank you!

[VoiceoverByIvy]

Never been this early to your video! I'm freaking excited to learn!! 💗

[aniket]

I've got a habit of liking your videos before watching even 5 seconds of it 😂

[juliachesbrough]

Wow, that was the EXACT video I was looking for. This was so helpful! Have a tough client right now and this video really gave me a great perspective and ideas on how to move forward. Thank you!!

[marka.clarkii]

Great video Alex. This is surely an important conversation to have as a freelancer. Not every client will be a dream client and dealing with these uncomfortable situations is mandatory for sustained success.