How do you share copywriting revisions with your clients?

I usually use Google Docs. But then sometimes, I also use the power of imagination. I write something, send it to a client. Sleep. Then wake up all anxious because I know that could have been written better. So I ask the client to imagine what I have in mind. Client asks me to write it down. (Which I then do)

If you are not using collaborative tools, then it is important to ensure that everyone is working on the latest document. Version control is crucial. Where possible, add notes that explain your edits as you want your clients to understand why changes are necessary. Like that, you are sharing knowledge and getting better buy-in. And, if you can, use the tool that your client is most familiar with. That prevents them from struggling with the tool and being resistant to suggested changes.

As a copywriter, I usually use Google Docs and Word and recommend to clients to make a note or add comments whether directly or on the doc.

So much of the other great advice on this topic is amplified by the tool you choose. Simplicity is key! A text document allows you to be explicit as to what text is a headline, what's a body paragraph, what's a list, etc. A text document also allows easy comments and feedback without requiring clients to learn new software or deal with a clunky interface. Comment tools or extra pages in a document are also a great place to ask for specific feedback and keep notes as projects develop.

I think it depends on the nature of the revisions and the nature of the client. For minor edits, tracking and comments in Google docs, Microsoft Word, or the program of choice is a no brainer. For feedback and deeper thoughts, a video call or quick phone call can do wonders for helping communicate your point of view and rationale. When you know your client, and how they best communicate, you can tailor your style to best suit their needs and move the project forward more efficiently.

You cannot accommodate every feedback that client given in. Remember, you are a writer and not a typewriter. If there are new revisions or a moderation in number of deliverables, don’t forget to negotiate on timelines. There’s no harm in saying ‘no’ to unrealistic deadlines. Feedback should be elaborative and not vague in nature. Rather than rejecting the entire draft, ask questions on what’s wrong? Is it the tonality, the introduction, the CTA, the impact statement or the USP? Better clarity reduces the response time and also keeps the artist sane.

It's a crucial consideration when working on a project, and the "number of revisions" parameter is critical because... If you are casual about it when taking on the project, you may make corrections and revisions for months. So, these parameters need to be talked about upfront. Also, if part of the project fee is linked to submitting the final copy after all the changes, be careful how you cap it to ensure you get paid if requests are unreasonable.

Before starting the work, ask the client to set up one editorial contact who can filter the reviewers’ comments. When you receive feedback from many reviewers, their comments often contradict each other. Reviewers don’t always stick to the original project brief, or the style-sheet and/or brand guidelines. This leaves you stuck in the middle, and wastes time. So ask the client to set up one person to decide which comments are the most relevant to pass onto you.

It is essential to have a written agreement in which everything is perfectly detailed, including the number of revisions, before starting the work. Insist that the client reads it carefully before signing. In the event of any complaints or doubts, that contract will always prevail.

This can be a messy part of copywriting and creative work if you don't give them the complete lay of the land. I've had to learn this the hard way. Naturally I'm a 'go-with-the-flow' type of person, and some clients have been able to deal with that. We build a good rapport, I do the work, we all go home happy. Over time, I've noticed that I could save myself a ton of headaches just by showing them exactly how I work and how the specific project was going to get done. Clear expecations at the beginning is...just the beginning. Have open and frequent conversations about what is happening. Think of your work like a progress bar when you're dowloading a file. Your client should know exactly how much is left until the work is done.

I can't say enough about this topic. Naming conventions help us easily identify revision changes within a folder and is also essential for any automated processes you may have. I struggle with this as much with internal staff and clients as I do our external clients sometimes.

It is a valid point to be highlighted. However, using Google Docs saves you from this step altogether because of its simplistic approach. Ask yourself - Could I execute this project via Google Docs? It will save you much trouble down the path.

This is a no-brainer, yet a lot of professionals let laziness win here. Don't be like that. You're called a "professional" for a reason.

I've already explained this at the beginning. Establishing authentic file naming. This is necessary to ensure a clear and measurable record of work. Additionally, it serves as a point of reference for clients when deciding which copywriting material to choose.

Make live documents where things are being adjusted shared, and changed in real time. No client or executive wants to dig down into a series of folders to find work. They just want it as simple as possible.

Instructions must be clear to the client about giving feedback so that there is seamless communication. Plus, I would like to point out that timelines must also be stipulated to ensure you don't wait months to receive the feedback because it wastes time. Also, when payment is linked to the submission of the final copy, a timeline matrix is essential for both parties. How? Copywriter gets paid on time and knows their availability for the subsequent projects. Clients get their final copy without unnecessary drag such as procedural delays, manual delays, etc.

This sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't. It will save you a lot of misunderstandings and headaches ahead. It will even save the project and your payday.

Simply - YES! It appears I have to share at least 125 characters so my "simply - yes" response is a no-go. I like the idea of providing clear instructions with bullet points, checklists, whatever it takes to develop a clearly understood and streamlined process.

So they don't like your copy. Ask them to stop the BS and talk straight. Here's how: 1. What does your brand stand for? 2. What are your business values? 3. Why are you here and for whom? 4. What's stopping you from fixing your sh*t? 5. What the f*** do you fix? If your client can't answer, bow out. Don't ask them to edit your copy. Have some self respect. You are a salesman, marketer and a writer in a single package. Behave like it. For the ask template, here's a simple template: 1. Who the f*** are you? 2. What the f*** do you want? 3. Who the f*** are you selling to? Get the answer to these questions and build your messages around that.

To all the designers who have ever received feedback that says, "just make it pop," I know you feel the pain. I'd like to point out that specific feedback is something I make sure to cover with a client before I begin a project. I give clients structured questions as guidelines to help them better articulate their ideas and feelings. It helps make things easier for clients and better yet, it helps you to uncover the juicy insight you need in the feedback. If you find your client is still struggling, prompt them by asking open questions you can build on. As for tools and processes with feedback, I recommend: 1. Google Docs – using the comment tool. 2. Asana – assigning specific people or teams to tasks and documents for review.

When we don't ask for "specific" feedback, the client may not give it, which again shows up in your final work, and here is the most surprising fact... If the feedback is not specific and you assume X for Y, the client will not appreciate it and will instead question you for not asking more questions to seek clarity. Do you see the issue there? Hence, always ask your client to be specific about the feedback and tell them why you ask it this way.

Asking for specifics starts with creating the scope of work. When sending the first submission over for feedback, I go back and reference the specifics that are outlined in the scope. If I was asked for a specific brand voice in the copy, I ask them to verify that they feel the copy matches that brand voice. If I was asked to avoid sounding pitchy, I ask them to verify. I want to know that I delivered on the contract and by specifically asking them to verify that it was done, I get the feedback I need to do my job well.

Sometimes it can be easy to worry that by asking "too many" questions, we're conveying the impression that we're out of our depth. But actually, questions show clients we are engaged - and helps avoid something that will *truly* cause friction, which is having to provide one revision after another.

It’s also incumbent on us to ask the right questions up front in addition to brand guidelines and tone of voice. Increasingly that will include the contentious issue of person - he/she/they. The latter may be more inclusive to some people, but can be confusing for the reader (we’ve gone from single person to ‘they’ which used to be used primarily for plurals). It’s not a fun debate, but one that the client or their target audience may have strong views on, especially in the public sector/charities. The basics from my perspective would include: -Who is the copy aimed at? - What formats will it appear in? - Word counts/images. - Will it be bylined/branded? - Who needs signoff/their pet hates? - ‘Must include’s! Basic, but essential.

Follow-up is essential. However, I would like to bring attention to letting them know when to expect the next revision or final version. I think it's particularly important when setting the expectation that this is the "final" version that's coming. Reminding them that, this is it, no more revisions, this is the final product.

communication. All that is part of it. Put yourself in the place of the client and the follow-up and confirmation messages will make perfect sense to you.

In my experience, highlighting changes is not something most copywriters pay attention to but it is definitely a game-changer. Here is how I do it: - A lot of times, I have shared a Google doc with my clients where I highlight the changes made and include the reasons for it. - I prefer to use different colours, font or formatting to mark and make my changes noticeable. - Sometimes I also offer to explain the changes made over a call with my client.

When you receive feedback, do not take it personally. Remember that your client may be dealing with a stressful situation, and is trusting you to get the job done with (sometimes) little input from them. Be understanding and suggest ways they can provide helpful feedback for you. If you provide a framework for them, you are more likely to get constructive feedback and make progress quickly with your writing project.

As a copywriter, don't be afraid to revise your own work. It helps a lot to be critical of your work in advance and make changes before the reviewer points them out. Some revisions may not come to light, but you're the expert so if you notice them, make those changes. This is an invaluable tip I learnt while freelancing.

Sometimes a client's edits will be incorrect, whether grammatically or in terms of clarity/flow. While in the end, the copy is theirs, it's OK to push back sometimes. Your goal should always be to deliver the highest-quality content. If the client suggests something that will end up reflecting poorly on them, writers need to get comfortable speaking up when it really counts.

Be prepared for a client that likes a printed copy to revise and/or see where revisions have been made. Not everyone likes electronic versions, so you may need those old fashioned highlighters and to know terms like stet, as well as wide margins and double line spacing!