In 2022 I thought I'd landed my dream client.

A 7 figure ecom brand that needed a copywriter and email list manager.

On paper, they were ideal.

They generated consistent profits.

They had a loyal audience.

They had amazing products.

I couldn't be more excited to work with them.

But things quickly went sour.

The CMO was a nightmare to work with.

He didn't respect copywriters and outright refused to take recommendations.

He also sent me 20+ messages a day and demanded last-minute work.

After 2 months, I called it quits.

I hated writing for the brand, and it started to impact the work I was doing for other clients.

After reflecting, I realised I'd ignored a lot of red flags.

And if I didn't I would have saved myself a lot of sleepless nights.

Here are the top 5.

1) "I could do this myself". During the call, the CMO said that he could do the work himself. If someone ever says this it means they don't respect your skill. If they don't respect your skill they won't appreciate the work you do.

2) Refuse to take advice. During the first week I sent the CMO a list of potential topics we could cover in emails. He rejected every single one of them, claiming he was the "expert." If someone won't even consider your suggestions, they're going to be a pain.

3) Micromanagement. Despite not being an employee, the CMO would message me 20+ times a day to ask me what I was working on. Even if I'd already completed the emails, he'd message me asking for edits.

4) Discounts. Before we accepted the contract the business asked for a discount for the initial month. It was a case of disputing $500. Clients who value your services won't ask you for discounts. If someone wants 20% off, tell them you'll deliver 80% of the work.

5) Constant bad feedback. Now, don't get me wrong. Feedback is a great tool and in general I wouldn't call most feedback bad. However this client was writing 2 sentences about a comma instead of just deleting it (which would have been dramatically incorrect, but oh well...) If your client is complaining about the small things, imagine how bad they'll be if something actually goes bad.

You can pick up on red flags during the initial call, but sometimes prospects will hide them.

This is why I always recommend you suggest a probation period of 1 to 3 months.

During those months get a feel for what it's like working with the client.

If they start showing red flags, it could be time to get rid of them.

If they're great to work with, you extend the contract.

Best of all, you get to discover if you're a good fit.

It's a win-win for everyone.

Have a great week.

Copy "avoid bad clients" Maverick

P.S. It can be tempting at times but don't work with a client just because of the money. Money is great, but enjoying your work and the people you work with is just as important.

P.P.S. What do you think of the new format? Do you prefer longer paragraphs instead of spread-out bullet points?

Let me know!