Working with Clients Remotely

Working with clients from a distance has become the new normal — and honestly, it can be pretty great once you get the hang of it. Whether you're a designer, developer, coach, or freelancer of any kind, remote work lets you connect with people all over the world, without ever leaving your home office (or couch!).

Here are some friendly tips and lessons I’ve learned from working remotely with clients — no tech jargon required.

1. Clear Communication is Everything

When you’re not meeting in person, your words matter more than ever. I make sure to be super clear in emails, messages, and calls. If I’m not sure about something, I ask. If I need to explain something technical, I keep it simple — no need to sound like a robot.

Bonus tip: I always follow up meetings with a short recap so we’re all on the same page.

2. Use Tools That Keep Things Organized

I don’t overcomplicate things. Just a few helpful tools like:

• Zoom or Google Meet – for video calls
• Trello or Notion – to keep projects organized
• Google Docs – for easy sharing and editing

Most clients are already familiar with these or can learn them quickly.

3. Set Expectations Early

Before starting a project, I lay out how we’ll work together. I include things like:

• How often I’ll give updates
• What’s expected from the client
• When payments are due

This avoids surprises and keeps everything smooth and professional.

4. Be a Real Person

Just because we’re working online doesn’t mean we have to act like machines. I like to say hi, ask how someone’s doing, or share a laugh. Being friendly and approachable builds trust and makes working together more enjoyable for everyone.

5. Respect Time Zones and Boundaries

If a client is in another country, I double-check what time it is for them before booking a call. I also make sure to set working hours so I’m not replying to messages at midnight — and I encourage clients to do the same.

6. Show Progress Often

Since they can’t look over my shoulder, I make a point to share regular updates — even small ones. A quick screenshot, a draft link, or a progress email helps clients feel involved and reassured that things are moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Working remotely with clients might feel a little strange at first, but it gets easier — and even fun — once you find your rhythm. With clear communication, the right tools, and a bit of empathy, it’s totally possible to do amazing work together, even from miles apart.

Thanks for reading! Got your own tips for remote work? I’d love to hear them. 😊