What to do when a client ghosts you mid-project (a step-by-step guide)

It's every freelancer's nightmare: the client stops responding. No emails, no calls, no Slack messages. The project is half-done and you're owed money. Here's the exact process I follow when this happens. Day 1-3: Assume the best People get busy. Inboxes overflow. Send a friendly check-in: Hi [name], just wanted to check in on [project]. I've completed [milestone] and wanted to get your feedback before moving forward. Let me know when you have a moment. One email. Don't send three. Day 4-7: Follow up with specifics If no response, send a more specific follow-up. Reference the work done, the timeline, and what you need from them: Hi [name], following up on my message from [day]. I've completed [X] and [Y] as agreed. To stay on schedule for the [deadline], I need your review by [date]. Could you confirm you've received this? I use a Payment Reminder Generator that creates these follow-ups at the right tone for each stage. Day 8-14: Formal notice Still nothing? Time to get formal. Send an