What freelancers actually struggle with after landing the client

I’ve been collecting feedback on a freelancing playbook I’m building for web developers, and something interesting keeps coming up.
A lot of the conversation around freelancing focuses on getting clients.
But many of the most useful comments I’ve received so far are about what happens after the contract is signed.

A few patterns that keep repeating:

• Scope creep mid-project and not having a clear way to handle “can you also just…”
• Weak project close-out (no clear handover, no final summary, messy last impression)
• Difficulty saying no to bad-fit clients early
• Losing repeat work simply from poor follow-up and dropped conversations

It seems like winning the first project is only half the problem. Keeping the relationship professional and turning it into repeat work is where a lot of freelancers quietly lose money.

Curious what others here have experienced:

• After landing a client, what has been the hardest part for you?
• Have you lost work or referrals because of something operational (invoicing, scope, communication, close-out)?
• Is there any system or habit that has helped you the most on the delivery side?

Would appreciate real experiences.