Olajumoke OkunadeClear communication is one of the most underrated but powerful tools in freelancing. For African freelancers working with clients from diverse parts of the world, effective communication facilitates collaboration, fosters trust, encourages repeat business, and lays the groundwork for long-term success. Unfortunately, many freelancers unknowingly make errors in communication that cost them jobs, damage their reputations, or create unnecessary conflict.
These communication issues aren’t always about language or grammar. Sometimes they stem from assumptions, unclear expectations, cultural differences, or even poor time management.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common errors in communication that African freelancers make and share practical tips on how to avoid them. If you want to grow your freelance career, keep your clients happy, and stand out in a competitive market, this is the guide for you.
1. Assuming Instead of Asking
One of the most common errors in communication that African freelancers make is assuming what the client wants instead of asking for clarification. This usually happens when a brief seems straightforward, but certain aspects are left open to interpretation, like tone, style, target audience, or even deadlines.
Instead of seeking clarity, some freelancers proceed with what they believe the client meant. This often leads to revisions, dissatisfaction, and lost time. In worst-case scenarios, it may even lead to the termination of the contract.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. A simple message like, “Just to confirm, would you prefer the article to sound more casual or professional?” can save hours of unnecessary edits. When possible, restate the client’s instructions in your own words and request confirmation before proceeding. It demonstrates professionalism and helps prevent misunderstandings early on.
2. Poor Email and Chat Etiquette
Another significant part of errors in communication is using unprofessional or unclear language in emails and chat messages. Many African freelancers lose credibility simply because their communication style comes off as careless, rushed, or too informal, especially when working with international clients who expect clear and courteous exchanges.
Mistakes such as skipping greetings, using slang, writing overly brief or vague responses, or failing to follow up promptly can make you appear unreliable. Even sending large blocks of unpunctuated text on platforms like WhatsApp or Slack can frustrate clients and confuse.
Tip: Treat every message, whether by email, Upwork chat, or WhatsApp, as part of your personal brand. Use proper greetings, clear subject lines, and polite closings. Keep your messages concise but detailed enough to avoid back-and-forth confusion. Free tools like Grammarly can help polish your writing, and setting reminders ensures you reply on time.
3. Ignoring Cultural and Time Zone Differences
Working across borders is one of the biggest perks of freelancing, but it also introduces significant challenges, particularly in terms of culture and time management. One of the common errors in communication that African freelancers often make is failing to consider how different backgrounds and time zones can impact professional interactions.
For example, what’s acceptable or casual in your country may come across as rude or inappropriate elsewhere. Humour, idioms, and even emojis can be easily misunderstood. Likewise, sending a message at 10 PM Nigerian time might be seen as intrusive if your client is just starting their workday in California or fast asleep in Australia.
Tip: Always confirm your client’s time zone early in the relationship and use scheduling tools like World Time Buddy or Google Calendar to plan calls and deadlines. Be mindful of public holidays and cultural norms. When in doubt, keep communication respectful, simple, and neutral. The more culturally aware and time-sensitive you are, the more professional and reliable you appear.
4. Not Confirming Deliverables or Instructions
Many African freelancers fall into the habit of rushing into tasks without confirming exactly what the client expects. This error in communication often leads to wasted effort, missed deadlines, and unsatisfactory results, not because the freelancer lacks skill, but because the deliverables weren’t clearly agreed upon from the start.
Clients may assume you know what to do, while you may assume they’ve provided all the necessary details. This disconnect results in confusion about file formats, word count, tone, preferred tools, or even final submission channels. Without confirmation, you risk working hard on the wrong thing.
Tip: Before starting any project, send a short summary message confirming your understanding of the task. For example: “Just to be sure, you’d like a 1,200-word blog post on eco-tourism trends in Kenya, in an informative tone, submitted as a Google Doc by Friday, correct?” This small step builds trust and shows you’re thorough and dependable.
5. Overpromising or Underdelivering
In a bid to impress clients or secure a job, many freelancers make the mistake of overpromising, that is, agreeing to tight deadlines, complex tasks, or multiple revisions without properly assessing their capacity. This is a serious error in communication that often leads to burnout, missed deadlines, or poorly executed work.
Clients would rather work with someone who delivers what they promised, even if it’s basic, than with someone who promises too much and fails to meet expectations. Overpromising may get you the job initially, but underdelivering damages your reputation and reduces your chances of getting hired again.
Tip: Be realistic about your availability and skills. If a deadline is too close, suggest a more manageable timeline. If a task is outside your expertise, let the client know or recommend an alternative. Clear, honest communication helps set boundaries, manage expectations, and shows you’re reliable even if you’re saying “no.”
6. Poor Follow-Up or Client Updates
Many freelancers make the mistake of going silent after receiving instructions or even after submitting a task. This lack of communication leaves clients unsure about progress, causes unnecessary anxiety, and can make you seem disorganised or disinterested. Failing to follow up is a subtle yet damaging error in communication that affects how clients perceive your professionalism.
Clients value transparency. Even a simple message like “Just checking in to let you know I’ve started the task and will share a draft by Wednesday” can reassure them that you’re on track. It shows that you’re responsible, communicative, and engaged.
Tip: Set reminders to check in at key points of a project; when you begin, when you’re halfway done, and after delivery. Don’t wait for clients to chase you for updates. Proactive communication sets you apart and increases the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat business.
Conclusion
In freelancing, how you communicate is just as important as the skills you offer. For African freelancers working with diverse clients across borders, avoiding common errors in communication is essential for building strong, lasting professional relationships. From asking the right questions to respecting time zones and setting clear expectations, each step you take to communicate better adds value to your service and builds trust.
Want to learn more about growing your freelance career and mastering communication? Read articles on our blog. Also, join the AfricanFreelancers.com community and connect with others building sustainable freelance businesses across the continent.
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