There’s nothing more demoralizing than a client disappearing mid-project. One week everything is on track, and the next, messages go unanswered. No updates, no feedback, no payment. It’s not just frustrating; it jeopardizes cash flow and planning.
Why Ghosting Happens
Clients may ghost due to internal changes, financial issues, or indecision. Sometimes it’s avoidance — they don’t know how to express dissatisfaction, so they vanish instead. For solopreneurs, ghosting creates uncertainty, wasted effort, and stress.
Example 1: The Vanishing Startup
I completed a branding project for a startup. Midway, their CEO stopped responding. Weeks later, I learned they had paused operations. All my work was left in limbo, and the invoice remained unpaid.
Example 2: The Website Client
A client disappeared after I delivered initial mockups. My follow-ups went unanswered. Eventually, I had to write off several days of work as a sunk cost. It was a hard lesson about the importance of contracts and deposits.
How I Handle Potential Ghosting
- Upfront contracts. Deposits and milestone payments mitigate financial risk.
- Regular check-ins. Scheduled updates reduce chances of the client slipping away unnoticed.
- Exit plan. I clarify what happens if a client stops responding, including partial deliverables and prorated payments.
Conclusion
Client ghosting is a painful but common solopreneur challenge. Clear contracts, deposits, and structured communication reduce risk, protect finances, and maintain professionalism.
