What to Do After a Discovery Call: Boost Your Freelance Service Business with Becflow
Learn how to turn a discovery call into a paid job with Becflow's invoicing and contract tools.
You just spent 30 minutes on a discovery call with a promising new client, discussing their needs and outlining a scope of work. But as you send them a follow-up email, you can't shake the feeling of uncertainty. Will they commit to working with you, or will they disappear like so many others? Don't let another potential gig slip through your fingers - this post will show you what to do after a discovery call to ensure you get paid.
Why this keeps happening
The problem lies in the lack of a clear agreement and payment structure. Without a contract or invoice in place, it's easy for clients to back out or forget to pay. And even if you do manage to get paid, the process is often tedious and time-consuming, leaving you to chase down payments instead of focusing on your business.
Real example
Take Sarah, a freelance web developer who consistently struggles to get paid for her work. Despite her best efforts, she's lost count of how many clients have failed to pay on time or even at all. She's starting to wonder if she's just not cut out for this freelancing thing - but what if she had a system in place to prevent this from happening?
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Send a Formal Proposal or Contract
After the discovery call, send a formal proposal or contract to the client outlining the scope of work, deliverables, and payment terms. Make sure to include a clear payment link and any necessary payment information. For example, if you're offering a package deal, include a detailed breakdown of what's included and how much it costs. This will not only help clients understand what they're getting but also give you a clear framework for what you'll be delivering.
Step 2: Use a Scheduling Tool to Set Clear Deadlines
Use a scheduling tool like Calendly or ScheduleOnce to set clear deadlines and reminders for clients. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. For example, if you're working on a project with a tight deadline, set a reminder for the client to review and approve the draft by a certain date. This will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute rushes.
Step 3: Incorporate a Payment Link
Incorporate a payment link into your proposal or contract to make it easy for clients to pay on time. This can be done using a tool like Stripe or PayPal, which will allow you to create a secure payment link that clients can use to pay via credit card or bank transfer. For example, if you're offering a retainer-based service, include a payment link in your contract so that clients can pay their monthly fees easily and on time.
Step 4: Establish a Clear Cancellation Policy
Establish a clear cancellation policy to protect yourself from lost time and resources. This should outline the consequences of cancelling a project, including any fees or penalties that may apply. For example, if a client cancels a project after the scope of work has been outlined, they may be liable for a certain percentage of the total fee. Make sure to communicate this policy clearly to clients from the outset to avoid any misunderstandings.
Step 5: Use a Project Management Tool to Streamline Communication
Use a project management tool like Asana or Trello to streamline communication and task management with clients. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everyone is on the same page. For example, if you're working on a project with multiple stakeholders, use a project management tool to assign tasks and track progress. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and avoid misunderstandings.
The Becflow solution
Becflow's invoicing and contract tools can help you turn discovery calls into paid jobs by providing a seamless and automated payment process. With AI-powered contracts and automatic reminders, you can ensure that clients pay on time and that you get paid for your work. Try Becflow today and start growing your freelance service business!
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