Losing Your Biggest Freelance Client: 7 Ways to Bounce Back

Let me guess… You just had your contract ended with your top-paying and biggest client?

You had them for maybe about some months to a year, things were just fine until they weren’t.

Now you’re left puzzled about what just happened.

You don’t know what to do because you’re used to the pay, lifestyle, and setup that you once had because of them.

If you’re here because you’re looking for ways on how to recover, bounce back, etc., then you’re definitely in the right place.

Take it from someone who has lost big clients not just once, but too many times. After you’re done reading here, hopefully, things will get a bit better for you.

Is It Normal to Lose Your High-Paying Freelance Client?

Honestly? It is. Despite me wanting to say that ‘it depends’, more often than not, even the most professional, well-performing freelancers get let go from their top-paying client one way or another.

The reason? Well, we don’t know exactly – but we’ve speculated some possible reasons in the next section.

Reasons Why You Lost Your Top-Paying Freelance Client

Cost-effectiveness, competitive disadvantage, and misalignment with the client’s goals are the top reasons we can speculate. These are solid explanations for why you were let go, with more details discussed below:

Competitive Disadvantage

Sometimes, you lose clients because someone else seems like a better fit. Maybe another freelancer has a flashier portfolio or a specific skill set your client now needs. It’s not personal—clients just want the best bang for their buck.

Cost-Effectiveness

Let’s be real—clients are always looking for ways to save money. If they find a freelancer who charges less or a tool that gets the job done for cheaper, they might make the switch. It doesn’t mean your work wasn’t great; it’s just business.

Misalignment with Client Needs

Sometimes, clients leave because their needs weren’t fully met or their goals changed. Maybe there was a miscommunication or you didn’t adjust quickly enough to their shifting priorities.

All of these reasons, and more, are what caused you to lose your client. Now, if you’re looking for fixes or how to overcome this slump, I suggest that you read the main topic we’ve prepared below.

How to Deal With Losing Your Biggest High-Paying Client as a Freelancer?

Losing your biggest client as a freelancer can feel like a major setback, but it’s also a chance to regroup and come back stronger. Here’s how to navigate this bump in the road:

1. Give Yourself a Breather

It’s natural to feel down after losing a major client. Take a short break to process it. Remember, setbacks are part of freelancing and don’t define your future. Use this time to think about what went well and what could be improved in your work.

2. Revisit Your Budget

With a dip in income, it’s smart to reassess your spending. Look for ways to cut back, like cooking at home more often or pausing non-essential subscriptions. This can help stretch your finances while you look for new gigs.

3. Spruce Up Your Portfolio and Skills

Use the extra time to update your portfolio and learn new skills. This not only makes you more appealing to potential clients but also keeps you engaged. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to stay current in your field.

4. Reach Out to Your Network

Let past clients and industry contacts know you’re available for new projects. Personal recommendations can open doors to new opportunities. Attend industry events or join online communities to expand your network.

5. Diversify Your Client Base

Relying on one big client can be risky. Aim to work with multiple clients to create a more stable income. Explore passive income options like creating digital products or collaborating on projects with other freelancers.

6. Explore New Opportunities

Check out freelance platforms, attend industry events, and engage in online communities to find potential clients. Tailor your pitches to meet the specific needs of each prospect. Optimize your profiles on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to showcase your skills and attract new clients.

7. Stay Positive

Keep your chin up and see this as a chance to reset. Engage in activities that boost your mood and keep you motivated. Practicing self-care, setting new goals, and focusing on your progress can help maintain a positive outlook.

By following these steps, you can bounce back from losing a major client and set yourself up for future success in your freelancing career.

FAQs

How can I stop relying too much on one client?

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try to spread your gigs across various clients and industries. It keeps things fresh and gives you a financial cushion if one client drops out.

What’s my first move after a big client walks away?

Take a deep breath and check your finances to see where you stand. Update your portfolio and shout out to your network that you’re on the lookout for new gigs. Acting fast can open up new opportunities sooner than you think.

How do I deal with feeling down about losing a client?

It’s totally normal to feel bummed out. Talking it out with other freelancers or a mentor can really help. Just remember to stay professional if you’re discussing it with the client who’s leaving, no matter how the split went down.

Why should I ask for feedback from clients who leave?

Feedback is crucial—it gives you the scoop on what’s working and what’s not. Use it to fine-tune your approach and avoid future slip-ups. It makes you a better freelancer and more attractive to new clients.

What’s the silver lining when a client ditches me?

Look at every setback as a chance to improve. Figure out why they left and what you can change. Then, use those insights to step up your game. This helps you avoid similar issues in the future and makes you stronger.

Conclusion

Being a freelancer myself, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of the profession—and losing big-ticket clients is no exception.

Personally, my comment on your current situation would be the same as what I’ve said above, with the addition of this logic: ‘If you were able to land that client, then you can definitely land another one.’

It might take time, be hard, or even depressing at times. But for us freelancers, it shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all reason to quit. It’s part of the journey to success, and overcoming this situation is what defines you.

If you want to read more topics from another freelancer, then I highly suggest checking out our blog here on JRW.

You can find topics like ‘Performance Marketing Interview Questions‘, ‘Web Designer Interview Questions‘, and more.

With that said, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this topic.