The internet is now one of the primary mediums through which modern businesses operate, and has had no shortage of major effects on the global economy. It's allowed innovators and small businesses to compete in global markets they've previously been denied access to, helped drive down overhead and operating expenses, and given consumers a near-limitless number of choices when they seek products and services of all types.

At the same time, ubiquitous, global access to the internet has also started to change the very nature of work, from enabling flexible working arrangements, to making it possible for just about any business to maintain an inexpensive presence via a global, on-demand workforce in the markets that matter most to them.

The rise of the internet and the explosion of related technologies have also made it easier than ever for individuals to strike out on their own and pursue freelance work as their primary or secondary source of income. In the United States, a full 36% of the workforce already reports taking advantage of freelance opportunities. This number is expected to continue to grow, as more and more people consider involvement in some form of online business. For them, freelance work means flexibility and choice, but it also means a very different set of priorities and responsibilities that they may have had as a salaried or hourly employee. One of the most important of those responsibilities is to provide an excellent customer experience for their clients, which isn't always easy for a busy freelancer.

Making the customer experience a priority when freelancing isn't something that comes naturally to most people, nor does it tend to be top of mind, particularly for freelancers who are just starting out. Still, it's a task that is essential for anyone who hopes to earn a steady and substantial income from freelance work, in particular for those who rely on recurring donors for the bulk of their income (artists and video content creators come to mind).

To help, here's a guide to providing a world-class customer experience for do-it-all freelancers.