What are the best strategies for managing client expectations on a deadline?

Top Tip for managing client expectations on a deadline: Under-promise and over-deliver! That may seems simple but in marketing it is everything! As a social media strategist, I will not guarantee sales. I can guarantee to do the work, deliver content, and audience growth - but nothing specific. As far as deadlines go - be smart! As soon as you set a deadline wit your client, also set a starting line (agile concept of time-boxing) That means that if you promise a project due in two weeks, you set the starting line today and the deadline next Thursday. That allows you to start the work, assess what you need, and gather research and resources. By setting the deadline one day early, you might be able to deliver early, wowing your client!

Effectively manage client expectations on a deadline by setting clear, realistic timelines, communicating proactively, and underpromising while overdelivering. Define project scope upfront to avoid scope creep and prioritize tasks, focusing on critical elements first. Build buffer time into schedules, involve clients in planning, and conduct realistic assessments. Maintain transparent communication, offer alternatives for setbacks, and schedule regular check-ins for progress updates. Lastly, prioritize quality assurance to ensure the final deliverable aligns with client expectations. Hope this helps!

When you are in a constant connection with your client, you came them updated on what's latest going on and what's the meaning, it builds a strong sense of trust and reliability among you and your clients.

I have personally overpromised many clients on the get-go, probably because of excitement or pitch fever, but its a mistake that definitely doesn't pay out in the end. Be candid on your capabilities and leave the client to chose.

Maintain consistent dialogue with your client for seamless project management. You can: - Use email for formal and more important updates - Use Slack/ LinkedIn for quick communication - Schedule check-ins via Google Meet, Zoom, etc. - Use PM tools like Asana and Trello for detailed progress tracking ---Be responsive, address concerns promptly, and give timely updates for a smoother journey.

This is helpful in keeping professionalism and preventing backlog. Appropriate planning of tasks and working with talented teammates helps in spreading out the pressure and objectives of the project tasks appropriately.

Have an open communication line to all clients after transactions makes the difference in brand power and relationships, even the one-off transaction clients.

As a client I would say, don't over promise and under deliver. You can clearly express concerns and manage expectations along with timelines. One problem that I face with most agencies is inconsistency and loss of client interest once an agency gets into AMC.