Client Green Flags: What a Positive Business Relationship Looks Like

Business is all about relationships. It’s how individuals grow into agencies and freelancers expand into using contractors. Referrals, word-of-mouth, and positive reviews all help you build a solid foundation of repeat or inbound clients. 

But not all clients are green flags. Some are more effort than they’re worth (we call them PITA clients). But how would you know? Well, a few Remote ID members answered that question for you. 

9 Green Flags to Look For in Your Client Relationships

When it comes to clients, here are some of the green flags our members look out for. These are good indications about whether it will be a good or bad business relationship (and why!). 

1. Pays invoices on time

You work hard, you hand over deliverables on time, and you create a contract that clearly outlines timelines and payments. You’re a professional, after all.

A client who doesn’t respect or treat your service like the legitimate business it is? Red flag. A client who does? BRIGHT green.

2. Sends necessary documents before the deadline

Clients who prioritize sending the documents, files, and information you need to kick the project off are the best. This means you don’t have to rush to finish before the deadline. You have everything you need to deliver a quality outcome thanks to your client’s good time management skills.

3. Goes above and beyond in their onboarding documents

You spent a lot of time putting together a clear, thorough onboarding document for new clients. When they fill it out completely, you have the best chance of delivering exactly what they want. 

A client who takes the prep work seriously is a serious green flag. This relationship dynamic is likely to happen when you work with other business owners because they get it, y’know?

4. Shows that they care for the human behind the business

Clients who understand that you’re simply one person doing their best are underrated. But when they show you they care about you beyond the contract, you know this is a green-flag relationship that goes deeper than business.

5. Is mindful and respectful of the scope of work

Contracts exist for a reason. Clients often ask for work that’s out of scope or goes beyond what they budgeted for. If they ever pressure you to do unpaid or uncontracted work, this is a red flag. 

Green flag clients are mindful of what you both agreed on and never overstep without offering to pay for the additional hours they request you put into it.

6. Has clear communication (that never comes on the weekends)

Good clients don’t ghost you. They also don’t send emails, DMs, or texts as if they’re your only client. They especially don’t expect a response after hours.

Green flag clients communicate clearly so you know what they want from you. They respect your professional boundaries, which makes working with them easy and fun.

7. Never sends last-minute requests

Speaking of boundaries, a client who frequently adds on extra work or revisions last minute doesn’t respect yours. Especially if they don’t offer to pay a rush fee or understand that their request may not be possible.

A good client manages their time and asks for add-ons well in advance of when they need them (or happily pays the necessary fees). Look out for clients like this since this extra work leads to extra income – good news for you!

8. Understands and appreciates your value

Positive affirmations aren’t just for the mirror. A client who consistently praises and acknowledges your hard work is a keeper. It’s a wonderful feeling to work with people who appreciate what you bring to the table. 

Sometimes this looks like your client giving you a bonus or gift “just because.” Other times it looks like a heart-felt email sharing their gratitude for your impact on the last project. Either way, this is a green-flag business relationship.

9. Responds with “No problem, we love your work” to a rate change email

Inflation has us all in a tizzy. But while some stores increase their prices up to 25% (we’re talking to you, UPS…), you’re shaking as you suggest a rate increase of 10% to your current clients.

Good clients value your work and the impact you help them make. A rate change email should never be the end of a quality business relationship. If it is, it was never meant to last.

The Business of Relationships

You have the power to choose your clients or even fire them if it’s not working out. Yes, make sure to watch for red flags, but also be on the lookout for green ones. These are clients you want to keep close and treat well. Business can be tough, but quality clients make it all worthwhile!

Want to network with other business owners who know the value of green flag clients? Join our directory! Here’s what some of our most active, long-term members have to say:

I have been a member of Remote ID for just over a year and highly recommend it for any business owner/freelancer. This is a great place to grow your network and gain support from other successful entrepreneurs. –Jana Soli

The members are good at what they do, Erin and Chelsea don't let just anybody join the directory. If you choose to work with one of the members, you know for sure that the result will exceed your expectations. –Lotte Vanhalst

Are you looking to showcase your expertise (and get backlinks) from an incredible talent directory? RemoteID is the place. –Beth Chernes