One of the biggest worries copywriters (and freelancers in general) have is: what if I do a project…and then my client doesn’t pay me?
First, the good news: this is so unbelievably rare. Clients are running businesses. And, if they want to stay in business, they’re going to want to pay you (and any other service provider they work with). But, what happens if a client, for whatever reason, doesn’t pay on time? This week’s episode takes you through the four steps you want to take to handle late payments (and step 1 starts before you even send your invoice!).
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Watch the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[1:00] Nicki prefaces the podcast by explaining that the scenario they are covering VERY RARELY happens. But they think it is important to cover to ease concerns, especially for new copywriters.
[2:30] What’s far more likely to happen, rather than clients not paying their copywriters, is that the payment is slow to arrive or is on a different schedule that the copywriter anticipated.
[4:15] There are a lot of different payment timelines that companies may have so it’s important to get that information first, to avoid unnecessary concern.
[7:00] Having a consistent way of tracking invoices and organizing information can be a way to keep track of payment structures that companies have already implemented.
[11:00] It’s okay to send a follow up email to your client, but give them the benefit of the doubt. They will appreciate the heads up!
[14:30] If you are of the small percentage that this happens to, a client doesn’t pay you and you can’t get in touch with them, look back at potential red flags, learn from what happened, and move on. It is probably not worth it to pursue legal options.
[18:00] It’s hard to separate our emotions from the facts. But it’s important to recognize there are so many potential clients out there and there is no reason for you to not be paid what you are worth.
[21:00] If you are working with a repeat client that is often behind schedule with issuing payments, it’s okay to charge them more or account for the extra time you will use tracking them down for your payment.
[25:50] Copywriting work is way too valuable to give it away for free, if you have a client that has been slow to pay in the past, you DO NOT have to work with them again.
[29:30] Avoid a scam by doing your due diligence. An established company will always pay their employees.
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About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
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Last Updated on September 10, 2023
