DiscoverThe Marketing Freelancer: Unicorns Unite#263 Ask Emily: How to Handle Negative Client Feedback as a Freelancer
#263 Ask Emily: How to Handle Negative Client Feedback as a Freelancer

#263 Ask Emily: How to Handle Negative Client Feedback as a Freelancer

Update: 2025-10-03
Share

Description

A client you admire tells you you’re not worth your rate… Ouch, right? That kind of feedback can rock your confidence and make you question everything, especially when you’re trying to grow your freelance business. But here’s the truth: no one else gets to decide your worth.

In this Ask Emily Anything episode, I’m answering a powerful listener question from Nai, an operations assistant, who asked: “How do you keep momentum and show up confidently after receiving discouraging feedback from someone you look up to?”

Listen to learn more about:

  • The truth about negative feedback and why it’s about THEIR lens, not your worth
  • Practical ways to articulate your value so you attract clients who happily pay your rate
  • What to do when outcomes and client expectations don’t match up
  • Using this situation as a learning moment, not a confidence killer 

If you’ve ever felt knocked down by a client, a mentor, or even your own inner critic, this episode will give you the pep talk, strategy, and encouragement you need to stand tall. Keep building the business YOU want!

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com


Links Mentioned in the Show: 



Episodes mentioned:



Question Submitted by Nai:



Connect with Emily:



3 ways we can work together: 

  1. Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.
  2. Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!
  3. Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.

  >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

#263 Ask Emily: How to Handle Negative Client Feedback as a Freelancer

#263 Ask Emily: How to Handle Negative Client Feedback as a Freelancer