How to deal with difficult clients

We’ve all been there. 

You take on a client because you need the revenue. 

The project seems like a good fit, and you’re hopeful this will be a great partnership. But soon enough, the client starts asking for more than agreed, ignoring timelines, or making unreasonable demands. 

Your excitement turns into stress, frustration, and that sinking feeling that you’ve lost control.

I’ve lived this scenario too many times to count. And if you’re reading this, you probably have as well. But here’s something I had to learn the hard way: sometimes, we create these difficult situations ourselves.

If you are curious about some of my experiences, listen to my latest podcast episode:

The Client That Nearly Broke Me

I remember one client in particular. They had a big budget, and at first, I thought everything would go smoothly. But little by little, they pushed for more—more work, quicker turnarounds, constant revisions. I, being eager to please and not wanting to lose the business, kept saying yes. It wasn’t long before I was overwhelmed, losing sleep, and dreading every interaction.

Does this sound familiar? 

It’s easy to think of difficult clients as something that happens to us, but often, we play a role by not setting boundaries, not communicating clearly, or being too accommodating.

You might be thinking, “But I can’t afford to turn clients away. I need the business.” 

Trust me, I get it. 

But what you might not realise is that difficult clients do more than just stress you out—they drain your profits, your energy, and your mental health. 

The worst part? 

Sometimes, by not taking the right steps early on, we end up creating these difficult clients ourselves.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of trial and error:

Set Clear Boundaries from the Start

• Outline exactly what’s included in your services and what isn’t.
• Don’t be afraid to say “no” when clients ask for more than what was agreed.
• Protect your time by establishing firm guidelines on availability and response times.

Communicate Proactively

• Don’t wait for problems to arise—stay in regular contact and keep the client informed.
• If something goes off track, address it immediately rather than hoping it will resolve itself.
• Follow up verbal agreements with written confirmations to avoid any misunderstandings.

Recognise the Red Flags Early

• Be cautious of clients who bad-mouth previous providers or have unrealistic expectations.
• Erratic communication, constantly shifting goals, or emotional decision-making are clear warning signs.
• If a client expects you to “save” them or is overly reliant, it’s a sign that they’re not a good fit.

Manage Expectations Realistically

• From day one, ensure the client understands what results they can realistically expect.
• Be honest about what’s possible, and don’t overpromise just to secure the sale.
• Regularly check in to align expectations and avoid any surprises at the end of the project.

Don’t Create Your Own Difficult Clients

• If you avoid setting boundaries or fail to communicate properly, you risk creating the very issues you dread.
• Small issues, if left unchecked, can snowball into major problems that damage the relationship.
• Be brave enough to have the tough conversations early and often—it will save you trouble down the line.

Know When to Walk Away

• Not every client is worth the stress, and sometimes the best business decision is to walk away.
• If the client’s demands are unreasonable or the red flags are piling up, trust your gut and say no.
• Protect your business by focusing on clients who respect your boundaries and value your work.

The Cost of Inaction

If you don’t take these steps, you’ll find yourself in a cycle of difficult clients, missed deadlines, and sleepless nights. 

Every time you let a client push you beyond what’s reasonable, you’re not just sacrificing your profits—you’re risking your mental health and your passion for your business.

Start setting those boundaries, communicate openly, and be mindful of the red flags. 

By taking control now, setting boundaries and defining who is the right fit —the ones who respect your time, value your work, and make running your business feel rewarding again.

Ever had a difficult client? 

Ever made the mistake of creating one?