Deliver Work and Get Great Reviews

Communication wins repeat clients

Most clients care as much about how you work as the result:

• Reply within a day, even if it's "Got it, I'll send the first draft on Wednesday."
• Ask questions early. It's better than guessing and redoing the work.
• Give updates before they have to ask.
• Warn early if you'll be late, with a new date. Never go silent.

Deliver professionally

1. Check your work against the agreed scope before sending.
2. Deliver in the right format: PNG and PDF, editable Canva link, .xlsx and so on.
3. Name files clearly: Bola-Kitchen-weekend-promo-square.png.
4. Write a short delivery note: what's included, how to use it, and how to request changes.

Handle changes and difficult clients

• Changes within scope (the agreed rounds): do them promptly and cheerfully.
• Changes outside scope: politely explain and offer a price. "Happy to add a fourth flyer. That would be ₦5,000 extra."
• If a client is rude or unreasonable, stay calm and professional, and keep everything in writing. On platforms, contact support early rather than arguing.
• It's fine to turn down work that doesn't feel right.

Ask for reviews and repeat work

Reviews and referrals are how freelancers grow.

• On platforms, politely ask for a review once they're happy: "I'm glad you like it! If you have a moment, a review would really help my business."
• For direct clients, ask for a short testimonial you can put on your portfolio.
• Offer a small discount on their next job, or check in a month later: "Do you need flyers for next month's promo?"

Balance it with school

• Set fixed hours for freelance work, and protect exam periods.
• Don't take on more than you can deliver well. One bad review costs more than one missed job.
• Keep a simple record of income and expenses. As your earnings grow, learn about tax obligations for self-employed income.

Try it

1. Write a delivery note template you'll send with every job.
2. Write a polite reply to a client asking for changes outside the agreed scope.
3. Write the message you'll send to ask for a review.
4. Block out your weekly freelance hours in Google Calendar.