Here's how you can use assertiveness and confidence to foster successful client relationships in copywriting.

Fundamentally, the client's overall brand identity must be studied and, that includes the mission and vision, underlying principles and philosophies which evokes and constantly broadcasts the true brand identity of the business regardless of what it has on paper and is strategically being broadcasted. As a true professional and master of his craft, the copywriter owes it to the client, like a doctor to a patient or, a custom shoemaker, to examine and then, propose what he should know is the best fit and, likely to create increased awareness and closes for the client. If the client knew how or what to do, they wouldn't seek a copywriter so, the copywriter must fulfill his professional duty and not compromise it just to secure a commission.

If you don't know what you're doing, you can't possibly hope to feel confident in delivering the project – and your client will feel it. Start out by setting clearly defined goals for each stage of the project, and communicate those to your client. A solid 85% of client weirdoism stems from them not knowing what's going on, so communicate, communicate, communicate.

To start, clearly define the goals for each project with your clients. This not only sets the stage for what they can expect but also establishes your role as a guiding force in the relationship. By confidently presenting a roadmap and setting achievable targets, you instill confidence in your clients. This approach demonstrates your expertise and commitment to delivering results, which is essential for a successful collaboration.

STRUGGLING to come across as confident in your ideas? I learned a HACK from living with WOLVES! In my 42 years as a copywriter, 3 things have always ensured that I present GREAT IDEAS to EVERY CLIENT I have. Currently, I have ZERO CLIENTS- and 100% of them agree that these 3 steps WORK! 1) Puff your chest out while talking to them. Good lung capacity shows dominance, esp if they're asthmatic. Nothing gets a point across like dominance. 2) SMILE. Show your teeth to let them know you could bite them, but you're restraining yourself. Good restraint is polite, and clients love politeness. 3) Treat everyone like they're meat. This way your client knows that you see them as equals, just like everyone else. Clients love to be treated as equals.

Sometimes clients overstep your boundaries because they’re trying to get more out of you — but I’ve found that, most of the time, they just aren’t as familiar with your scope and timeframes for getting things done. Being consistent — like saying you’ll create/deliver an agreed on blog one week after payment — makes thing super convenient to plan around. Both for you and the client.

Boundaries start with you. If you tell a client you don’t do services outside what’s agreed — then add them on and act overworked — you’re sending the client conflicting messages. Clients are busy, and frustration that might come from you will feel confusing and put them on edge. It’s hard to honor your boundaries if actions don’t align.

In a copywriting career, it is important to take into account the client’s requirements, as it is still a business after all, and as we all know, in business, the buyer is a revered deity. However, it is also important to follow writing ethics as a copywriter. To solve this enigma, we resort to using assertiveness and confidence. Assertiveness can help you negotiate the rate, the quality, and the time; it helps make it all fair. Confidence, on the other hand, can help you with feedback as it makes you more trustworthy and makes your input generally more valuable.