From Ghosted to Booked: Convert “I’ll Keep You in Mind” Into Real Work

You pitch a client. They seem interested. And then comes the line we all dread: “I’ll keep you in mind.”

Ugh.

If you’re freelancing full-time (or want to be), those five words can feel like a dead end. But here’s the truth: “I’ll keep you in mind” doesn’t mean no—it usually means not right now. And that means there’s still opportunity on the table.

Here’s how to turn that maybe into a money-making client relationship.

1. Remember: Timing Can Be Brutal (But Normal)

Most clients hire when:

• They know they need help
• They don’t know who to hire or how much it costs
• They don’t want to do the legwork to find someone
• They’re actively looking—or avoiding the work themselves

If they don’t think they’re ready, they’re not ready. No magical phrase will change that.

It’s not about convincing them—it’s about being top of mind when they are ready.

So, every “I’ll keep you in mind” is actually a future lead. (Annoying? Yes. But true.)

The real work is making sure they do remember you when the time comes.

2. Conversations > Cold Pitches

How do you move from “I’ll keep you in mind” to actual conversations?

• ☕️ Offer a casual coffee chat — not a sales pitch, just a convo (steal my agenda to get it right)
• 🤝 Network with fellow freelancers — they might refer you when they’re overbooked.
• ⚡️ Stay visible — engage with their content, follow up, be a friendly presence.

People hire people they trust. You don’t need to be in their face—just in their feed.

3. Check Your Numbers

Feel like you’re constantly doing outreach? The data might tell a different story.

Ask yourself:

• How many messages are you actually sending?
• How many connection requests have been accepted recently?
• How many follow-ups have you actually sent?

Numbers keep you honest. Feelings will lie and tell you “this isn’t working” when you’re actually just not doing enough volume yet.

4. Widen Your Net

Are you over-vetting your leads? If you’re spending too much time trying to predict who needs help, you’re limiting your own opportunities.

Instead of guessing:

• ⚡️ Connect with as many relevant people at each company as possible.
• ⚡️ Focus on networking at first – not selling.
• ⚡️ Let them tell you when they need help or pitch them ~1 month after you first connected.

Sometimes, the best gigs come from unexpected connections.

TL;DR

The “I’ll keep you in mind” response is frustrating when you need clients right now, but it’s also proof that your outreach is working.

Focus on playing the long game, getting into real conversations, and increasing your numbers.

Because the right clients will say yes—you just need to be there when they do.

FAQ: Freelance Client Outreach

Does "I’ll keep you in mind" ever actually lead to paid work?

Yes! Many clients come back weeks or months later when the timing is right. Staying in touch and visible helps keep the door open.

How often should I follow up with leads?

A gentle follow-up after 2–4 weeks is great. After that, aim to stay top of mind through content engagement or occasional check-ins every few months.

What should I say in a coffee chat?

Keep it casual and focused on getting to know each other. Ask about their work, challenges, and goals—not just about hiring you.

What if they ghost me after saying they’d keep me in mind?

It happens. Don’t take it personally. Keep the connection alive by engaging with their content or reconnecting down the road.

How do I know if I’m sending enough outreach?

Track it! If you’re not getting replies, increase your volume. Set weekly goals for connections, messages, and follow-ups.