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Aligning as you go

You know you’re hard at work, but your client doesn’t. Checking in throughout the order process gives clients peace of mind, a sense of control over the results, and the opportunity to offer feedback that can prevent revisions down the road.

Share updates on your progress

Proactively sharing updates on work progress with your client fosters transparency and builds trust. Regularly informing the client about the status of their project not only keeps them engaged, but also reassures them of the ongoing commitment and progress being made. This proactive communication can prevent misunderstandings and allow for timely feedback or course corrections if needed. It also shows that the freelancer values the client's input and is keen on delivering results that meet or exceed expectations, contributing to a positive reputation and potential future collaborations.

Ask clarifying questions

Rather than making assumptions, seek explicit understanding through questions to make sure your work is aligned with the client’s needs and expectations. This can prevent potential errors and rework, saving time and resources for both the freelancer and the client. It demonstrates a commitment to quality and attentiveness to the client's vision. By openly communicating and asking questions, freelancers can foster a collaborative and transparent relationship, ensuring that the final deliverables reflect what the client envisioned.

Share drafts for initial feedback

This iterative process allows clients to review the progress, provide input, and make necessary adjustments early on, avoiding significant revisions later. It's an opportunity for the freelancer to demonstrate their understanding of the project requirements and for the client to reaffirm their vision and expectations. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of the final product by incorporating diverse perspectives, but also builds trust and satisfaction by actively involving the client in the creation process. Ultimately, seeking early feedback on drafts is a proactive way to ensure that the project stays on track and meets the agreed-upon standards and objectives.

→ What should my first message after submitting the order/check in include:

Greeting and Personalization:

"Hello [Client's Name],"

Status Update/ next steps:

"I wanted to provide you with an update on the progress of your project."
"The next steps will include [outline the upcoming tasks or phases]."

Summary of Completed Work:

"So far, I have completed [list specific tasks or milestones completed]."

Request for Feedback:

"Could you please review the attached [draft, work-in-progress, etc.] and let me know if you have any feedback or if there are any changes you would like to make?"

Clarification Requests:

"If there are any aspects you are unsure about or need clarification on, please let me know."

Timeline Reminder:

"We are on track to complete the project by [remind of the agreed deadline]."
"If there are any changes or delays, I will inform you promptly."

Encouragement for Questions:

"Please feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns you might have at this stage."

Expressing Commitment:

"I am committed to ensuring this project meets your expectations and am here to make any necessary adjustments."

Closing and Sign-Off:

"Thank you for your time and cooperation."
"Looking forward to your feedback."

Template example:

Hello {username}!

Thank you for your order! It's in my Fiverr queue now, and will be delivered as soon as possible.

What to expect:

- {delivery item} by <Date>

I will send you my progress in X days and I look forward to a response within a X-day time frame to ensure I make it to our deadline in time.

What do I need from you at this point?

Availability for a mid-journey check-in to make sure I am going in the right direction. I’ll also require your input at various stages throughout the process.

I look forward to working with you and discussing your specific needs. If you feel like everything is clear and we are set to go- I’ll get right on it.

If you’d prefer, we can schedule a session to review the process. Let me know a convenient time for you so that I can arrange it. Otherwise - I’ll begin working.

If any further questions arise, please feel free to send them my way.

Best regards,

{Name}

When sending the first draft to a buyer, your message should include the following parts:

1. Subject Line: A clear and relevant subject line to indicate the purpose of the email.

Example: "First Draft of [Project Name]"

2. Greeting A polite greeting to address the buyer.

Example: "Hi [Client's Name],"

3. Introduction A brief introductory sentence to express hope that the message finds them well and to set a positive tone.

Example: "I hope this message finds you well."

4. Status Update Inform the buyer that the first draft is complete and ready for review.

Example: "I am pleased to inform you that I have completed the first draft of [Project Name]."

5. Attachment/Link Mention that the draft is attached or provide a link if applicable.

Example: "I have attached the draft for your review."

6. Overview A brief summary of what has been done so far, highlighting key points or features of the draft.

Example

[Highlight 1]: [Brief description]
[Highlight 2]: [Brief description]
[Highlight 3]: [Brief description]

7. Request for Feedback: Invite the buyer to review the draft and provide specific feedback.

Example: "Your feedback is invaluable at this stage. Please review the draft and let me know if there are any adjustments or changes you would like to make."

8. Guiding Questions: Offer questions to guide their review and feedback.

Example

"Does the draft align with your vision and goals for the project?"
"Are there any specific elements you feel need revision or improvement?"
"Is there any additional information or clarification you require?"

9. Next Steps: Explain what will happen next after receiving their feedback.

Example: "Once I receive your feedback, I will make the necessary revisions to ensure the final product meets your expectations."

10. Closing: Thank the buyer and express enthusiasm for the project.

Example: "Thank you for the opportunity to work on this project. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions."

11. Sign-off: A polite sign-off with your name.

Example: "Best regards, [Your Name]"

Example Template for sharing initial draft

Hello {Client's Name}!

I hope this message finds you well.

I am pleased to inform you that I have completed the first draft of [Project Name]. I have attached the draft for your review. Here’s a brief overview of what has been done so far:

[Highlight 1]: [Brief description]
[Highlight 2]: [Brief description]
[Highlight 3]: [Brief description]

Your feedback is invaluable at this stage. Please review the draft and let me know if there are any adjustments or changes you would like to make. Here are a few questions to guide your review:

Does the draft align with your vision and goals for the project?
Are there any specific elements you feel need revision or improvement?
Is there any additional information or clarification you require?

Once I receive your feedback, I will make the necessary revisions to ensure the final product meets your expectations. My goal is to deliver work that you are completely satisfied with.

Thank you for the opportunity to work on this project. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.