Let’s be real: getting ghosted sucks. Whether it’s an email you’re waiting on, a Zoom call nobody shows up for, or a project that just poof disappears – we’ve all been there.
So what do you do when the dreaded ghosting happens?
Don’t Take It Personally
First off, remember: it’s not (always) you. People ghost for all sorts of reasons, and most of the time it has more to do with their life than yours.
Maybe they’re overwhelmed, dealing with personal stuff, or they simply forgot. It’s easy to spiral and think you did something wrong – but trust me, you probably didn’t.
Don’t Assume
Miscommunication is a sneaky culprit when it comes to ghosting. The solution? Don’t assume things are happening – confirm them. Whether it’s a Zoom call, deadline, or meeting, always check in beforehand to avoid unnecessary ghosting.
Example:
“Hey [Name], just checking in to make sure we’re still good for our call tomorrow at [time]. Let me know if anything changes!”
Always Set Reminders
Life gets busy for everyone. Setting reminders can keep things on track, not just for you, but for your clients too. Tools like Google Calender or setting an email reminder can help both parties avoid ghosting.
Example:
“I’ve added our meeting to the calender, and you should see the invite in your inbox. Feel free to adjust if needed!”
Watch Out For Spam
Sometimes your emails don’t get ghosted. They end up in spam. It happens. A quick way to prevent this?
- Use a clear, professional subject line.
- Avoid words like “free,” “urgent,” or anything that screams “spammy.”
- Ask your client to add you to their contacts list or whitelist your email address.
- Send a gentle follow-up if you suspect they didn’t receive your email.
Give It A Little Time
Then follow up. If the silence is killing you, give it a little time. Wait a day or two, and then follow up in a light, non-pushy way. Something like:
“Hey [Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my last email. No rush, I know things can get busy!”
Be Clear About It
Before scheduling any meeting or deadline, make sure both sides know exactly what to expect. Clear communication reduces the chance of any last-minute surprises (or disappearances).
Example:
“Just confirming that I’ll have the presentation ready to go for our meeting on [date]. Is there anything specific you’d like me to include?”
Don’t Over-Follow Up
One gentle nudge is all you need. Sending too many messages can start to feel like chasing, and we don’t chase people who don’t respect our time, right?
If they don’t respond after a reasonable amount of time, it’s best to move on for now. Set a reminder for a couple of weeks out and touch base again later if needed.
The Backup Plan
Sometimes ghosting isn’t intentional—it could be tech issues, calender mix-ups, or even different time zones. Have a backup plan in case the worst happens.
Example:
“In case anything goes wrong with the Zoom link, feel free to reach me on my phone at [number] or send me a quick DM.”
Protect Your Peace
Ghosting messes with your mental health—especially if it starts to feel like a pattern. It can bring up insecurities, but here’s the truth: it’s more about them than you.
Take care of yourself. Log off, go for a walk, or do something that reminds you that you’re awesome, with or without that email response.
Are You Ghosting?
If you’re ghosting someone…Hey, we’re human too. If you find yourself needing space or needing more time to respond, it’s okay. Just send a quick message saying you’re swamped or need a breather. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about communication.
Example:
“Hey, I’m a bit overwhelmed right now and need to focus on a few things. I’ll get back to you by [date]. Thanks for understanding.”
Plan For It Next Time
If you’re constantly running into ghosting issues, it might be time to change how you approach things. For client relationships, get agreements or payments upfront. Try including “response needed by” dates in your communication so you have a little more structure. Something like:
“If I don’t hear back by [date], I’ll assume we’re moving forward with the current plan.”
Ever Been Ghosted?
How did you handle it? Shoot me a message – l’d love to hear your story and how you dealt with it.
And hey, if you want more tips like this, make sure to sign up for the Freelance Friends newsletter. It’s free, and I promise, no ghosting here!
