When you’re new to freelance dental writing, it’s natural to feel excited about landing your first few clients. I remember that feeling well. After all, someone is willing to pay you to write about a field you know inside and out. It feels like a win, and often, it is.
But as I’ve learned since I first started writing dental content back in 2010, not every client is a good fit. Some projects start with promise but slowly unravel. Others give off signs from the very first email. The key is learning to spot those early warning signs so you can protect your time, energy and peace of mind.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the most common dental writing red flags I’ve encountered (and, occasionally, ignored) in my freelance career. Hopefully, they’ll help you feel more confident about saying yes to the right projects, and no to the wrong ones.
Why Red Flags Are Easy to Miss
When you’re starting, it’s tempting to say yes to everything that comes your way. I completely understand that. Whether you’re trying to build your portfolio, replace your income or simply prove to yourself that you can do this, it can be hard to say no. You might even feel guilty for questioning a potential client’s request.
But here’s the thing, red flags aren’t always obvious. They’re rarely bold or dramatic. More often, they come through as vague language, slightly awkward interactions or a nagging feeling in your gut that something doesn’t feel quite right.
I’ve missed a couple myself over the years, so from first-hand, experience, let me share some of the common signs I now look out for.
Common Red Flags in Dental Writing Clients
1. “Just go with your gut, we trust you.”
At first glance, that might sound flattering. And of course, creative freedom is lovely. But a complete lack of direction is a problem. Clients who can’t articulate what they want often end up asking for endless revisions, not because you got it wrong, but because they didn’t know what they needed in the first place. When direction is lacking, it’s our job as dental content writers to extrapolate that information. The more questions we ask at the start of a project, the more smoothly it goes. Well, almost, anyway!
2. “We can’t offer much, but there’s lots of exposure.”
If I had a pound (or a dollar) for every time I heard this… Well, you get the idea. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Professional writing deserves professional pay. Always.
I experienced this recently. This particular dental client wanted me to collaborate with him on a book. When we finally got to the nitty gritty of compensation, he didn’t want to pay me for writing the content. Instead, he told me that he would “Give me a share of the profits instead” I politely said, “Thanks but no thanks” and quickly moved on.
3. “Can you start straight away?”
Sometimes, urgency is genuine. But when there’s pressure to begin immediately without a proper brief or contract, that’s a red flag. Rushed jobs often lack clarity and end in confusion about deliverables or expectations and from experience. In truth, if it’s a good fit, most clients are happy to wait until you have space in your schedule to fully commit.
4. Poor or inconsistent communication
If you find yourself chasing replies or receiving unclear messages early on, this could be a dental writing red flag. If communication is patchy during the introductory phase, it’s unlikely to improve once the project starts. This is definitely something to bear in mind as first impressions count. If it doesn’t start well…
5. They want ‘everything’ for one flat fee
Understandably, clients want bang for their buck and there’s nothing wrong with that. But when a client asks for multiple revisions, social media snippets, SEO optimisation and image sourcing, all for the price of one blog post, you really should be setting some boundaries. If expectations and budget don’t align, you need to either have an honest conversation or be prepared to walk away.
6. No contract or unclear terms
Even if you’re working with someone you like, make sure the project terms are clear. Who owns the content? When is payment due? What happens with revisions? It doesn’t have to be overly formal, but it does need to be documented. Failure to do this may lead to problems or disputes later on down the line.
7. Your gut says no
This one’s harder to define, but your instincts are usually right. If something feels off, it probably is. You don’t need to have an explanation or justify your hesitation to anyone but yourself. Just go with your gut and thank yourself later that you did the right thing.
This has happened to me on numerous occasions and in 99% of cases, something better or something “right” has come along soon after. If there’s a nagging doubt, always, always, go with your instinct.
A Couple of Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
I’ll be honest with you, I’ve ignored red flags in the past, especially in the early days. One client promised a regular stream of high-paying work. I was thrilled. But after I delivered the first piece, they disappeared completely. No feedback, no payment, just silence.
Another time, I worked with someone who kept requesting “tiny edits” after every submission. These “tweaks” eventually turned one blog into several versions of the same article. I hadn’t set revision limits in the contract, so I kept saying yes. I learned quickly after that.
It’s not about blaming clients. Most people mean well. But as a freelancer, it’s your job to explain the ‘rules of engagement’ and protect your business.
How to Say No (Kindly and Professionally)
Saying no doesn’t have to be awkward. You can be clear and respectful at the same time. Here are a couple of responses I’ve used over the years:
- “Thanks so much for thinking of me. This project isn’t quite the right fit for me at the moment, but I wish you all the best with it.”
- “I’m currently focusing on projects that are aligned more closely with my niche and availability.”
You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation. Instead, it’s best in these circumstances to keep it simple. Be polite, be professional and it’ll go a long way.
And finally…
What About When the Invoice Goes Unanswered?
While it doesn’t happen often, there may come a time when a client delays or outright avoids paying your invoice. It’s frustrating, and let’s be honest, it can shake your confidence. But you do have options, and you’re well within your rights to chase what you’re owed.
Personally, I follow the three-strikes rule:
- First follow-up – A friendly reminder. Sometimes, it’s just been missed.
- Second follow-up – A firmer message with a clear payment deadline.
- Final follow-up – If there’s still no response, I let them know I’ll be pursuing legal action to recover the payment.
This works for me. In the 15+ years I’ve been freelancing, I’ve never had to go beyond step 3!
Chasing payments is never pleasant, but standing your ground sets a professional standard. You’re not being difficult, you’re protecting your business.
Parting advice from the (dental) trenches
Hopefully, this has given you an insight into the type of dental writing red flags you may encounter and how to avoid them. Remember, you’re not just a writer, you’re a business owner. And like any business owner, it’s okay to be selective about who you work with. Protecting your time and energy isn’t selfish, it’s smart. Every red flag you avoid gives you more space for clients who value what you do.
And trust me, those clients are out there.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve landed your first few dental writing gigs and you’re ready to take your business to the next level, keep an eye out for my Dental Writing Mastery Guide, coming soon. It’s designed to help you position yourself for higher-paying, better-fit clients, with the clarity and confidence you need to grow.
Because once you’ve learned to spot the red flags, the next step is knowing exactly where to aim your time and talent.
Here’s to your success!