65 Client Red Flags in 3 Minutes
1.9K views · 2024-12-01
Motion Design
In this video I give you 65 client red flags in three minutes (and 30 seconds).
I made this video because knowing which clients or projects you should take on or avoid can be the trickiest part of freelancing.
We’ve all had a project which started off well, but we ignored initial red flags like “the last two designers didn’t work out” or “we’re in a hurry!” And then slowly but surely the project went …. south.
The aim of this video is to give you examples of red flags, so you know what to look out for when starting a project with someone new. But this also applies to clients you already know. You don’t have to take every project they offer, and sometimes you should consider skipping a problem project to save your working relationship.
And sanity.
This isn't about clients having to be perfect, and I'll happily make MANY videos talking about how we as freelancers can do better for our clients. It's about developing an awareness of people and/or situations which can lead to bad experiences. You might choose to skip just one project with someone, but not rule them out completely.
It's not about absolutes!
We'll look at red flags before, during, AND AFTER the project, including:
► Unrealistic deadlines
► Scope creep
► Vague project descriptions
► Spec work
► Number of stakeholders
► Budget conversations
► Late payments
...and many more.
I’m a motion designer and editor but many of these red flags aren’t specific to my industry, and can apply to client relationships generally.
And this might sound simplistic, but trust me, if you can avoid bad clients or projects you’re more likely to land dream clients or projects.
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Get $50 off Motion Array [Affiliate link]: https://bit.ly/3Vsv4LV
Get $50 off Artlist [Affiliate link]: https://bit.ly/43UKqgU
This video isn't sponsored but if you subscribe I will receive a small commission.
=============================================================
You can find an extended version of this video on my sister channel The Video Shop Long Play, where I also outline WHAT TO DO when you spot client red flags:
► https://youtu.be/1cm90zNXVHA
=============================================================
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Should you look out for red flags?
00:00:23 - They want to knock down your rate
00:01:11 - They’re stressed
00:01:57 - Doesn’t trust you
00:02:26 - They contact you too often
00:02:50 - Scope creep
=============================================================
► Subscribe for more tutorials like this: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuJz7_aphxhoq8RdKbFE9Q?sub_confirmation=1
=============================================================
► If you have any questions just let me know in the comments.
► Find me: https://linktr.ee/TheVideoShop
I made this video because knowing which clients or projects you should take on or avoid can be the trickiest part of freelancing.
We’ve all had a project which started off well, but we ignored initial red flags like “the last two designers didn’t work out” or “we’re in a hurry!” And then slowly but surely the project went …. south.
The aim of this video is to give you examples of red flags, so you know what to look out for when starting a project with someone new. But this also applies to clients you already know. You don’t have to take every project they offer, and sometimes you should consider skipping a problem project to save your working relationship.
And sanity.
This isn't about clients having to be perfect, and I'll happily make MANY videos talking about how we as freelancers can do better for our clients. It's about developing an awareness of people and/or situations which can lead to bad experiences. You might choose to skip just one project with someone, but not rule them out completely.
It's not about absolutes!
We'll look at red flags before, during, AND AFTER the project, including:
► Unrealistic deadlines
► Scope creep
► Vague project descriptions
► Spec work
► Number of stakeholders
► Budget conversations
► Late payments
...and many more.
I’m a motion designer and editor but many of these red flags aren’t specific to my industry, and can apply to client relationships generally.
And this might sound simplistic, but trust me, if you can avoid bad clients or projects you’re more likely to land dream clients or projects.
=============================================================
Get $50 off Motion Array [Affiliate link]: https://bit.ly/3Vsv4LV
Get $50 off Artlist [Affiliate link]: https://bit.ly/43UKqgU
This video isn't sponsored but if you subscribe I will receive a small commission.
=============================================================
You can find an extended version of this video on my sister channel The Video Shop Long Play, where I also outline WHAT TO DO when you spot client red flags:
► https://youtu.be/1cm90zNXVHA
=============================================================
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Should you look out for red flags?
00:00:23 - They want to knock down your rate
00:01:11 - They’re stressed
00:01:57 - Doesn’t trust you
00:02:26 - They contact you too often
00:02:50 - Scope creep
=============================================================
► Subscribe for more tutorials like this: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuJz7_aphxhoq8RdKbFE9Q?sub_confirmation=1
=============================================================
► If you have any questions just let me know in the comments.
► Find me: https://linktr.ee/TheVideoShop