I can’t count the number of times I’ve stared blankly at my computer screen, racking my brain for an appropriate answer to a client inquiry, nice blog comment or past-due invoice.

The right words have this way of getting stuck in my brain, and they don’t often transfer correctly onto the keyboard.

In the off chance that they do come, I analyze them 53 times before finally hitting “send.”

You, too?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a library of scripts to pull from when those moments arise daily in your creative business?

Well, now you have one.

The Ultimate Script Library for Creative Entrepreneurs | Elle & Company

Keep in mind that some of these scripts include specific examples, so feel free to edit them to fit your specific circumstances.

Replies to nice blog comments and social media posts

Option 1: Thanks so much for the kind words, [name]! Best of luck with [topic] and please let me know if I can help in any other way.

Option 2: I really appreciate the feedback, [name]! Especially your thoughts on [specific insight]. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Option 3: Thank you for your kind words, [name]! So happy to have you following along!

Reply to unhappy customers and clients

Hi [name],

I’m really sorry to hear about [issue]. You’re absolutely right - it shouldn’t take this long to fix, and I completely understand your frustration.

I’m getting this handled for you right now. I’ll be looking into this as soon as I hit “send,” and I’ll keep you updated on my progress [time frame] until I find a resolution.

Again, I’m sorry for the trouble, but I’m going to make sure this gets fixed today.

Best,
[Your name]

Reply to unsubscribers

Hi [name], To cancel your subscription, [list steps]. Sorry to see you go!

Replies to client inquiries

Option 1: Hi [name],

I'm excited to hear about your interest in my coaching package! I have availability for one more coaching client, and based on the goals you outlined in your email, it sounds like you would be a great fit.

My coaching package includes one 90-minute coaching session each month. I'll listen to your biggest hangups and goals, provide feedback and strategies, and come up with 4 action steps for you to implement before our next meeting. I record each session so you can refer back to it later, and I also email you each Friday to check in, see how the action steps are coming along, and answer any questions you might have.

I would be happy to send you my contract so you can look it over. Once the contract is signed, I'll send an invoice for the first month and a link to my calendar, so you can book our first session together. I'll also send you a questionnaire to help me get to know you and your business a little bit better.

Please let me know if you have any questions along the way - I'm more than happy to answer them!

Again, thanks so much for reaching out. I'm really looking forward to working with you!

Best,
[Your name]

Option 2: Hi [name]

Thanks so much for reaching out to me! I'm excited about the possibility of working with you to [mission of your service].

Would you be available to jump on a Skype call next week to get to know each other better and go over the details of my service package? Here's a look at my availability:

Monday from 9:00-11:00am EST
Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am-3:00pm EST
Friday from 9:00-11:00am EST

Let me know if there's a time in there that works well for you.

Again, thank you for contacting me about your brand and website. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to talk soon!

Best,
[Your name]

Option 3: Hi [name]

Thanks so much for reaching out to me about my design services! I’m currently booked until [date], but I would love to point you in the direction of these other talented designers who have similar aesthetics and offerings to me:

Recommendation 1 [linked to their website]
Recommendation 2 [linked to their website]
Recommendation 3 [linked to their website]

If your project isn’t on a time crunch and you would still like to work with me, please let me know and I can add you to my waiting list. Best wishes with your brand and website, and please let me know if I can help in any other way!

Best,
[Your name]

Reply to inquiries that are out of your scope

Hi [name]

Thanks so much for reaching out to me about my design services! I currently only offer [type of project], so your inquiry is out of my scope. But I would love to point you in the direction of these talented designers whose offerings align better with what you’re looking for.

Recommendation 1 [linked to their website]
Recommendation 2 [linked to their website]
Recommendation 3 [linked to their website]

Best wishes and please let me know if I can help in any other way!

Best,
[Your name]

Inquiry follow up

Hi [name],

I really enjoyed speaking with you on [day] and getting to know you and your business better. Like I said during our call, please let me know if you have any questions about my services - I’m happy to answer them.

If you’d like to move forward, I’ll send over my contract and an invoice for the first payment. Once the contract is signed and the invoice is paid, I’ll send over your client homework so we can get the ball rolling!

I look forward to hearing from you and I hope you’re having a wonderful week.

Best,
[Your name]

New invoice

Hi [name],

I've attached the invoice for your 50% deposit. The invoice due date is [date], and please let me know if you have any questions as you look it over - I’m happy to answer them.

I hope you’re having a great week and I look forward to [next step in your client process]!

Best,
[Your name]

Overdue invoice

Hi [name],

Just a friendly reminder to let you know that your invoice for [service] was due on [date]. Once the invoice is paid, I’ll continue to move forward on [specific step of the client process].

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Best,
[Your name]

New contract

Hi [name],

I've attached my client contract. Please look it over and let me know if you have any questions.

Once you complete the contract, I'll countersign and send over an invoice for [percentage of project].

I look forward to working with you!

Best,
[Your name]

Cancel/reschedule a meeting, phone call or Skype call

Hi [name],

I had been looking forward to our call on [date and time], but I’m afraid I need to reschedule. Would you be available on [date and time] instead? If not, feel free to send some other dates and times my way that would work better for you.

I apologize for changing our plans and I hope I haven’t inconvenienced you. I look forward to talking soon!

Best,
[Your name]

Reminder to a client who is late turning in materials

Hi [name],

Just a friendly reminder to let you know that [the material needed] was due on [date and time]. If you have it ready, please send it my way so I can carry out the next step of your project and stay on schedule.

As always, please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,
[Your name]

Request for an extension on a deadline

Hi [name],

[Step of project] is taking me a little longer than I anticipated and although I’ve tried my hardest to complete it by [due date], I’m afraid I need more time to complete it well. Would you be open to extending the deadline to [proposed date]?

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,
[Your name]

Notice of a rate increase

Hi [name],

I’ve been thinking of you and wanted to send over a quick email to say thank you for trusting me with the design and maintenance of your website. I hope you’re pleased with the outcome!

As a courtesy, I also wanted to go ahead and send over my new rates for your records. (It’s a blessing to be in demand!)

The rate change won’t go into effect until [date] but in the meantime, to express my gratitude, I would love to extend your current rate to any bookings you make from now until [date] - even if I complete the work after the rate change takes place.

Please let me know if you have any questions and again, thank you for your business!

Best,
[Your name]

Reply to an advice inquiry

Hi [name], it’s nice to meet you!

Business is a little crazy at the moment, but I would love to help answer your most pressing question over email. Send it my way and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Best,
[Your name]

Replies to unclear inquiry

Option 1: Thanks so much for your email, [name]! There’s a lot to think about here. To get back to you promptly and give you the best answer possible, could you help me understand exactly what you’d like me to assist with?

Option 2: Thanks so much for your email, [name]! Can you give me a little more context here by sending over [information necessary to answer]? Once you send that my way, I’ll be able to give you a good answer.

Reply to a long email with a lot of requests

Thanks so much for your email, [name]! I’ll get start on this [specific day]. To get back to you promptly, could you help me prioritize this list below? What order do these items need to be completed in? I expect it will take me [time frame] to turn this around. Let me know and I’ll get this to you as soon as I can.

Reply to a discount request

Hi [name],

Thanks so much for your interest in [product or service]. I’m thrilled to hear that you want to [aim of the product or service] and I have no doubt that [product or service] will help you get there.

I’m a small business owner, so I certainly appreciate wanting a price break!

But I do not offer discounts at the moment.

I’ve worked really hard to build the best product/service out there for [type of client/customer] who want to [aim of the product or service]. I believe that [product/service] delivers more value than it costs and I’m confident that if you purchase my [product/service], you’ll agree. Remember that you can [terms of cancellation or refund policy].

I would love to jump on a quick Skype call with you to walk you through some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of [product or service]. Does [date] at [time] work for you?

Either way, just hit “reply” and let me know.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,
[Your name]