Comments on: 6 ways to handle it when a client changes your copywriting

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By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:33:45 +0000

True, and I completely agree with you. However, “living with the SEO consequences” sometimes (and thankfully, not always) means the client blames the copywriter when “This SEO stuff doesn’t work” That’s why the CYA documentation is so important. If the client chooses to make the changes after hearing the pros and cons of that decision – cool. Like you said, it’s totally their prerogative, and the changes could have been made for a multitude of reasons. As long as the client understands that the copywriter is no longer responsible for the outcome once the copy tweaking starts, it’s all good.

By: Beth Hrusch

Beth Hrusch — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:40:33 +0000

Remember- the customer is always right, even when they are not! We always hash out expectations beforehand. If the client chooses to make changes afterward, that is their prerogative. As a writer, you should try not to be offended when approved content is changed. There could be many reasons for that. After all, if a client doesn’t like your work, they would not approve it for upload in the first place. What happens after you’ve written it is the client’s business. They will live with the SEO consequences.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:52:31 +0000

So true. Clients should be educated…but at the same time, remember why they hired their experts. It’s the same as when I talk to my doctor. I may have reviewed my symptoms and condition before I walked through the door. But I expect her to be the expert and have better answers than what I can read in a book.

Do I love sharing information when a client says, “I read this…what do you think?” Heck yeah! Do I get frustrated when a client says, “I read a blog post, and let’s do it like this from now on.” Heck yeah! Reaching a compromise, where the client feels (and is in) control – and is educated about the different SEO ramifications – is a happy balance.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:48:00 +0000

You’re right – the scope creep does come with experience. If you’re constantly tweaking the copy to meet the client’s ever-changing needs – and you’re not paid ’til the copy is finished, resentment will set in. Oh yes. It will.

And often times, the “fight” isn’t worth it…sometimes it’s best to change the copy, say your peace, and encourage the client to test the results…

Thanks for your post!

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:55:25 +0000

How wonderful that you’ve never come across this situation. That’s a very GOOD thing!

What’s sad is when clients try to second-guess experts. I’ve had situations where I’ve shown articles that I wrote back in 2003 (to show that I’ve been in the game for awhile) and case studies – heck, I’ve even brought in other top consultants – and yet the client still says, “Well, what’s so wrong with buying a bunch of links” (and then buy them anyway, even after I explained the ramifications.) Sometimes, you can’t help clients like that no matter how much you try. Although they say that they want to outsource, at the end of the day, they really want to control it in-house. They just may not know it yet.

Thanks for your post!

By: Allison

Allison — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:35:29 +0000

I have learned that it takes 4 times as much time and energy to oppose or fight a client than it takes to try out what the client wants. Even after recommending against the requested changes – and providing valid reasons – some clients need to SEE their ideas, be able to compare, and then know that they have the final say.

The important thing here is to get paid for your time – minimizing any resentment. Monitoring scope creep is something that I am getting better at identifying and handling, but that has come with experience.

By: Damian Doman

Damian Doman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:06:38 +0000

Point No. 3 – educating the clients – is essential. They often think that after reading an SEO guide, they have knowledge wide enough to correct us, or they feel that their preferences are more important for the success than SEO. Although they appretiate our knowledge, they often choose to change the text according to what they think is right.

However, it’s our task to educate them because only then they are able to understand what we do and what we do it for. Of course, there will always be some suggestions but with a good dialogue you can reach a satisfying compromise.

By: Rahman Mehraby

Rahman Mehraby — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:06 +0000

Very informative post! I’ve never come across such a situation, but I must admit that it could happen to anyone.

Sometimes, I don’t know if this strategy works or not, but in other careers I’ve got powerful responses:

Establish your concrete-based position as an expert to prevent any such situations. If it didn’t work, listen to this valuable post!

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:10:50 +0000

LOL, oh, I understand. I really do.

Sometimes, you just have to fire a client – especially in your situation. After all, if they aren’t listening, they’re changing everything you do and costing you time (plus, probably adding a few grey hairs,) it just isn’t worth it.

That’s hard. I’ve been there. And it’s twice as hard when the client is really nice, isn’t it?

Thanks for your post!