Are you coming off as a red flag?

Hellooooo!

How have you been?

It was my birthday this week, and yes, the annual ritual was completed.
Good luck, 2026 Nikita.

Since I just turned 28, I thought it was the perfect time to share 28 red flags — the ones you might notice in clients and the ones you might unknowingly give off as a freelancer.

But before, I want to say a warm welcome to all the new people here.
I’m so glad you’ve joined.

Here are a few things you’ll enjoy exploring:

• Freelance Toolkit 101

• Raise Your Rates!

• Find Clients on LinkedIn

Let’s get into it.

🚩 28 Red Flags (Freelancer Edition)

Here are 28 red flags, things you might spot in clients or signs that you might be the red flag to your prospects.

Each “💡” shows how to turn your own red flag into a green one.

1. Client: Constantly “restructuring” the project scope mid-way, but the budget never changes.
Freelancer: Saying “yes” to every revision request just to keep the peace.

💡 What to do: “I’d love to incorporate this; let’s adjust the scope or budget to match the new direction.”

2. Client: Takes forever to reply, then expects instant turnaround.
Freelancer: Overpromises on timelines to impress, then burns out or delivers late.

💡 What to do: “I can prioritize that, but I’ll need to extend the timeline to maintain quality.”

3. Client: “We’ll pay you once the project goes live.”
Freelancer: Starts work without a deposit or signed agreement.

💡 What to do: “I’ll send over the contract and 50% deposit invoice so we can officially begin.”

4. Client: Can’t explain their goals — only that they want it “viral.”
Freelancer: Doesn’t ask strategic questions before starting work.

💡 What to do: “Could you share what success looks like for this project?”

5. Client: Uses phrases like “easy job” or “shouldn’t take long.”
Freelancer: Undervalues their own expertise and charges accordingly.

💡 What to do: “I price based on value and outcomes, not just time.”

6. Client: Gives conflicting feedback from multiple team members.
Freelancer: Doesn’t clarify who the final decision-maker is.

💡 What to do: “Can we confirm who has final approval so we can streamline feedback?”

7. Client: “Exposure” is their main form of payment.
Freelancer: Accepts “exposure” gigs hoping they’ll lead to paid work.

💡 What to do: “Thanks for thinking of me. I reserve unpaid work for causes I personally support.”

8. Client: Treats freelancers like employees (9–5 availability).
Freelancer: Responds to messages at all hours to seem “professional.”

💡 What to do: “My working hours are [X–Y]. I’ll reply first thing within that window.”

9. Client: Keeps saying “just one more small change.”
Freelancer: Doesn’t define what counts as a “revision.”

💡 What to do: “My package includes two rounds of revisions; additional changes are billed separately.”

10. Client: Refuses to share key info, then blames you for not reading their mind.
Freelancer: Doesn’t request the right info upfront.

💡 What to do: “Before starting, I’ll send a quick questionnaire to make sure I have everything I need.”

11. Client: Micromanages every step instead of trusting your expertise.
Freelancer: Over-explains every move or doesn’t communicate at all.

💡 What to do: “I’ll keep you updated at key milestones so you can relax knowing it’s on track.”

12. Client: Misses their own deadlines but pressures you to rush.
Freelancer: Doesn’t enforce agreed-upon timelines or late fees.

💡 What to do: “If feedback is delayed, I’ll adjust the delivery date accordingly.”

13. Client: Doesn’t understand your value; only your hourly rate.
Freelancer: Sells time instead of outcomes.

💡 What to do: “I focus on the result this project will deliver, not the hours it takes.”

14. Client: Delays payments with random excuses
Freelancer: Avoids/is too scared to upset the client with a follow-up.

💡 What to do: “Just following up on the pending payment — please confirm when I can expect it to be processed.”

15. Client: Ghosts after delivery — no feedback, no testimonial.
Freelancer: Doesn’t follow up or ask for feedback.

💡 What to do: “Just checking in, how did everything go? Would you be open to sharing a short testimonial?”

16. Client: Wants free test work or full concepts “to see your style.”
Freelancer: Agrees without setting limits or compensation.

💡 What to do: “I can provide a small paid sample, or you can check my portfolio for examples.”

17. Client: Avoids video or phone calls “to save time.”
Freelancer: Avoids calls out of fear or lack of confidence.

💡 What to do: “Let’s hop on a quick 10-minute call, it’ll save us a dozen emails.”

18. Client: “We’re looking for a long-term relationship,” — but wants a discount first.
Freelancer: Says yes to underpaid ‘long-term’ gigs that go nowhere.

💡 What to do: “Long-term partnerships work best when we start with fair, sustainable rates.”

Did you catch the other red flag?

Overpromising!

I said I’d share 28… but only gave 18. 😅
If I’d given 30, you’d probably smile, but if I went all the way to 38, you might’ve felt overwhelmed and quit halfway through.

That’s exactly how it feels when we over- or under-deliver on client work, right? Haha.

Hope this one helped you spot a few of your own red (and green) flags!

What other client red flags have you come across?
I’d love to hear!

Wishing you only green forest clients 🌳

See you next Friday,

Love,
Nikita